ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service, TinCan Island Port Command has announced a revenue figure of ₦347,935,672.475.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025, representing a significant growth of 14.54%, when compared to ₦303,791,379,473.67billion, generated in the same period in 2024.
Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka made the announcement during a visit by House of Representative Committee on Customs and Excise to the Command recently.
According to him, the difference of ₦44,144,293,001.87billion in the figure raked in, depicted remarkable growth and effectiveness of the Command’s revenue generation strategies, reinforcing her commitment to driving economic development through improved operations and propelling a zero tolerance for revenue leakages.
Comptroller Onyeka informed that the first quarter collection also represents 91.2% of the total revenue target expected in the first quarter of 2025 which was given as N381,167,499,867.64 as well as 22.81% of the annual revenue target of N1,524,699,999,478.52.
L-R: The Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Leke Abejide, Zonal Coordinator ACG Charles Orbih, Area Controller Frank Onyeka. The CAC revealed how the Command has demonstrated exceptional growth, operational efficiency, and continued commitment to safeguard national interests in the last quarter.
Speaking on the seizures recorded in the Command for the first quarter, Comptroller Onyeka informed the law makers that the Command recently handover illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
He highlighted the seizures to include a total of 1,863 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 931.25 kilograms, and 97 packets of Crystal Methamphetamine, all discovered in 2x20ft containers and have a street value of over ₦8,053,125,000.005.
“Tincan maintains an excellent working relationship with cross sections of critical stakeholders, ranging from Customs Licensed Agents, Shipping companies executives, the Armed Forces and Para-Military agencies, as well as civil society organizations.
“These collaborative efforts have played a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency, security, and the overall safety of the Port,” he stated.
Continuing, he informed that the regular meetings, joint operations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives have helped strengthened the collective ability to address security concerns and boost trade facilitation.
Comptroller Frank also emphasised the importance of improving the professional status of all Officers and Men of the Command, saying “as part of our commitment to fostering a highly skilled and ethical workforce, the Command had organized a series of training programs in the first quarter with key topics such as integrity, emotional intelligence in the workplace, and effective inspection and clearance classification procedures”.
“These training initiatives have empowered our officers with the necessary tools to perform their duties with the utmost professionalism, ensuring that the Port operates seamlessly and in full compliance with international standards, he added.
In view of the successes recorded in the first quarter of the year, the Controller offered a firm assurance that the Command will step up its administrative and operational capacity in the remaining quarters of 2025.
“The Command is fully committed to ensuring the maximum collection of revenue for the government, effectively addressing any revenue leakages, and continuing to optimize its processes. Furthermore, the Command will continue to engage proactively with stakeholders, working collaboratively to enhance the revenue profile of the Port and ensure that it plays a vital role in supporting national economic objectives,” Comptroller Onyeka said.
He appreciated the members of the Committee for their visit, adding it was a testament to their commitment to National Development.
He equally praised the continued support of the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team, as well as the critical stakeholders for their commitment to fostering a secure, efficient, and profitable operational environment at Tincan Island Port.
The Chairman of the Committee Rt. Honourable Leke Abejide Shaking hands with Area Controller Frank Onyeka for the Outstanding Performance Recorded
In a remark, the Chairman of the Committee Rt. Honourable Leke Abejide applauded the Command for showcasing professionalism in the revenue collection and assured them of the continued support and corporation of the Committee.
He noted that the Committee has visited the Command over Six times in the last Eight months, and was quite impressed with the revenue profile of the Command.
He noted that the Committee is working assiduously to ensure that any bill relating to the Nigeria Customs Service presented before the green chamber is granted speedy hearing.
He commended CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR for the ground breaking achievements recorded since his assumption in office.
