…Encourages Stakeholder Collaboration for Seamless Port Operations
By Lucy Nyambi
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Tin-Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and collaboration with port stakeholders, emphasising that open communication and compliance are crucial to efficient cargo clearance and national economic growth.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement session at the command on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, Comptroller Onyeka described the meeting as a “very important venture,” underscoring the need for continuous dialogue between customs officers and port users.
“It’s an ongoing discussion, but today is more important because we have had cause to get feedback from the field. My door is open, like I keep telling you, and I dare to tell you, I deliberately stay beyond 10pm to be able to attend to people”, Comptroller Onyeka said.
He encouraged stakeholders to bring their concerns directly to his office rather than withholding them, noting that feedback helps the command serve better.
Comptroller Onyeka also stressed the importance of proper cargo examination, warning that non-compliance could result in avoidable delays and post-clearance scrutiny.
“If your containers are examined, nobody will stop your consignment outside.
Nobody will tell you to open consignments unduly. So let us make it an easier and more seamless procedure for us by doing the right things”, he explained.
The Area Controller also praised stakeholders for their duty and tax compliance efforts and expressed optimism about the success of the Bo’odogwu platform, also known as the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS). He described the concept as a shared vision for integrity and operational efficiency at the port.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed appreciation to the CAC for his dedication to improving port operations and driving revenue generation.
