By Innocent Orok
In his continued efforts to improve on stakeholders engagement with eyes for trade facilitation and revenue collection to make sure there is efficiency in Customs operations. The Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka has called on stakeholders to always declare their goods accurately through the proper channels.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting with the Executive members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Tin Can Island Port Chapter, Comptroller Onyeka emphasised that full and accurate declarations of goods are essential in enhancing the ease of doing business and facilitating smooth trade operations.
He noted that ensuring proper declaration of goods through customs processes does not only help in fostering transparency, but also plays a critical role in combating illicit trade practices, reducing delays at the ports, and enhancing national revenue collection.
According to him “proper declarations are the foundation of an efficient customs process. When stakeholders declare goods correctly, it enables us to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks at the ports, and improve the overall experience for both businesses and consumers.”
His call comes as part of the ongoing efforts by the NCS to strengthen relationships with stakeholders across various sectors, including importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and Customs brokers. It is also in line with the NCS’s broader mission to create a transparent, fair, and secure environment for international trade.
Comptroller Onyeka further urged stakeholders to collaborate with the NCS in maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in their transactions. He reassured all parties that the NCS is committed to continuous capacity building and the implementation of technology-driven solutions aimed at making trade easier and more efficient.
“We must work together to ensure the declaration process is not only a statutory requirement, but a tool for trade facilitation, by enhancing compliance and promoting transparency. We are building a more robust, resilient, and dynamic trade ecosystem,” he added.
The meeting witnessed some members of ANLCA commending the efforts of the CAC in fostering a hitch free clearance process at the port and operating an open door policy.
In his contributions, a Patron of ANLCA, Prince Taiye Oyeniyi who spoke with journalists said “When one is asked to come and take over the mantle of leadership at a place, the person will have his own style, the CAC of TCIP is a revenue man and so all he has to do is to collect the maximum revenue that he can collect from those doing businesses here.
“Do not forget that the Customs generated a total of ₦6.1 Trillion last year and they have been given a target of ₦12 Trillion to generate this year. To be able to achieve his own target, Comptroller Onyeka has to block all revenue loopholes, but what we are appealing for him to do is that if he sees something going wrong since we know that he is a grassroot man, he should let us know. On the part of stakeholders, I would advice that if you truly need any kind of help, you should be able to walk up to Comptroller Onyeka and present your matter boldy”.
He added “He was a valuation officer here at TCIP and he performed creditably well as well as he did at the Onne Command. He is going to do even better here as the CAC and I appeal to all stakeholders to cooperate with him and to make honest declarations. It is not all the persons who engage in the act of goods clearance that is a Customs Licensed Agent, but I would want the CAC to keep going constantly along this channel of dialogue with stakeholders and I pray that he succeeds.” Oyeniyi concludes.
