Compt. Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, TinCan Island Customs Command Controller
…Makes N55.83bn in Excess
In view of his Command controlling dexterity and dedication to duty plus stakeholder partnership, the TinCan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has surpassed its 2025 revenue target, recording an unprecedented ₦1.569 trillion collection, ₦55.83 billion above expectation and still counting.
The feat also stemmed from the strategic reforms, improved automation, and renewed stakeholder confidence plus the eagle-eyed intelligence in tracking arms and substandard goods imported through the port within the period under review.
The Comptroller of the Command, Frank Onyeka, disclosed this during a media briefing at the command on Tuesday 23rd December, describing the feat as a historic milestone driven by discipline, professionalism and deliberate policy choices rather than chance.
According to Onyeka, the Command was given a revenue target of ₦1.524 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year but exceeded it through enhanced validation processes, delayed cargo examination, strict adherence to Customs procedures and the elimination of operational bottlenecks that previously slowed trade and encouraged abuse.
He said one of the Command’s major interventions was the removal of multiple and unnecessary alerts, which had created delays and inconsistencies in cargo clearance.
By streamlining internal procedures and strengthening coordination, the Command improved efficiency without compromising control.
Onyeka stressed that revenue growth and trade facilitation are complementary, noting that transparent and predictable processes naturally improve compliance. He added that sustained engagement with importers, licensed customs agents, terminal operators and shipping companies helped to resolve challenges, clarify policies and build mutual trust.
Beyond revenue, the Comptroller said the Command remained resolute on enforcement, recording seizures of improperly declared and prohibited items through intelligence-led operations and monitoring.
He emphasized that surpassing the revenue target did not signal any relaxation in enforcement standards.
“The Command remains fully mobilised to sustain revenue generation, intensify compliance and ensure that every kobo due to the Federal Government is assessed, collected and accounted for without compromise,” Onyeka said.
He attributed much of the success to the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, noting that initial challenges were resolved through stakeholder sensitisation and collaboration, leading to wider acceptance and improved outcomes.
Responding to questions from journalists, Onyeka explained that upon assuming office in December 2024, feedback from stakeholders revealed deep-rooted operational issues ranging from multiple alerts to inconsistencies in enforcement. He said his administration chose to first fix internal procedures, a move that paid off in record revenue performance.
The Comptroller also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for providing strategic direction and institutional support anchored on professionalism, automation, accountability and transparency.
He equally commended officers and men of the Command for their dedication, as well as stakeholders for their cooperation and compliance, pledging that the Command would continue to block leakages, strengthen enforcement, support legitimate trade and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s broader economic and fiscal objectives.
Onyeka reaffirmed that his core mandate remains revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, trade facilitation and national security, adding that the “one-stop-shop” clearance model and sustained reforms would remain central to the Command’s operations going forward.
