Controller Onyeka Urges Stakeholders to Ensure Accurate Goods Declaration for Seamless Trade
Kathy Kyari
The Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command (TCIP), Controller Frank Onyeka, has called on stakeholders to ensure full and accurate declaration of goods to enhance trade facilitation and improve Customs operations.
Speaking during a stakeholders' meeting with the executives of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Tin Can Port Chapter on Wednesday, Controller Onyeka emphasized the importance of proper declarations in streamlining operations, boosting efficiency, and ensuring ease of doing business.
"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," he stated.
He highlighted that accurate declarations not only foster transparency but also help combat illicit trade, reduce delays, and enhance national revenue collection. He reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service's (NCS) commitment to working closely with stakeholders, including importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and customs brokers, to create a fair and secure trade environment.
Controller Onyeka urged stakeholders to uphold integrity and professionalism in their transactions while assuring them of the NCS's continuous efforts in capacity building and the adoption of technology-driven solutions for more efficient trade processes.
"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, which lasted over an hour and a half, saw stakeholders commending the open-door policy of the CAC. Speaking after the meeting, the Board of Trustees (BOT) Secretary of ANLCA Tin Can Port Chapter, Mr. Taiwo Oyeniyi, acknowledged the CAC's revenue-driven approach, urging stakeholders to cooperate with him.
"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 business here.
"Do not forget that the Customs generated a total of ₦6.1 billion last year, and they have been given a target of ₦12 billion to generate this year. To be able to achieve his 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 grassroots man, he should let us know.
"On the part of stakeholders, I would advise that if you truly need any kind of help, you should be able to walk up to Comptroller Onyeka and present your matter boldly," Oyeniyi said.
He further expressed confidence in the CAC’s ability to perform, noting his past successes at TCIP and Onne Command.
"He was a valuation officer here at TCIP, and he performed creditably well, just as he did at Onne Command. He is going to do even better here as the CAC, and I appeal to all stakeholders to cooperate with him and make honest declarations.
"It is not all persons who engage in goods clearance that are Customs Licensed Agents, but I would want the CAC to keep engaging stakeholders through dialogue. I pray that he succeeds," Oyeniyi concluded.
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