Lagos, Nigeria – June 30, 2025
In a renewed effort to strengthen customs operations and improve service delivery at one of Nigeria’s busiest ports, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, hosted a strategic engagement session with industry stakeholders at the Command headquarters in Lagos.
The high-level meeting, held on Thursday, brought together key trade partners and port users to foster dialogue on improving system efficiency, addressing operational gaps, and enhancing customs service delivery.
Speaking during the session, Comptroller Onyeka said the interaction was aimed at listening directly to stakeholders, identifying shortcomings, and proffering immediate solutions.
“I invited stakeholders so I could hear directly from them, where we’re falling short, where gaps exist, and how we can close them immediately,” he stated.
He emphasized that transparency, collaboration, and continuous feedback are vital components in reforming customs processes and improving performance.
“I’m satisfied with the level of engagement and the feedback received. We’ve already begun acting on the issues raised,” he added.
Comptroller Onyeka also reaffirmed his commitment to the reform vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who has consistently urged officers to embrace collaboration, consolidation, and innovation across all commands.
The session drew commendations from stakeholders. Shamim Hamza, Vice President and Head of Regional Manufacturing Operations at Olam Agri, lauded the initiative as progressive and transformative.
“I was moved here two weeks ago from Port Harcourt, and this kind of engagement is new to me. It’s collaborative, not reactive. The CAC listened carefully. This kind of positive interaction can boost Nigeria’s import landscape and improve our economy,” Hamza noted.
Comptroller Onyeka assured participants that the stakeholder forums would continue regularly, as part of an inclusive and participatory approach to customs administration aimed at enhancing efficiency, building trust, and fostering economic growth through improved port operations.
