Tin Can Customs Targets Fully Paperless Port Operations, Records ₦145bn January Revenue
Kathy Kyari
Operations at Nigeria Customs Service Tin Can Island Port Command are set for a major transformation as the Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, unveiled an ambitious roadmap to deepen trade facilitation, enhance transparency, and drive a fully paperless cargo processing regime.
Speaking during a media parley with maritime journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, Onyeka declared the Command’s readiness to align with the Service’s nationwide digital reform agenda, assuring stakeholders of seamless operations ahead of the planned second-quarter rollout.
“When I resumed here, you supported me through constructive reportage. I am here again to seek your continued collaboration to ensure the success of the paperless regime,” he said.
Reviewing performance, Onyeka disclosed that the Command generated ₦609 billion in 2025, with January 2026 revenue rising sharply compared to the same period last year.
According to him, collections increased from about ₦116.4 billion in January 2025 to approximately ₦145.9 billion in January 2026 — an increase of nearly ₦30 billion.
He attributed the improvement to teamwork, stakeholder cooperation, and sustained media engagement, noting that constructive reportage helped identify operational gaps and improve compliance.
Outlining his vision, Onyeka emphasised a shift in operational philosophy.
“We want to do things differently. We want to be known as trade enablers,” he stated, adding that under the paperless regime, Customs aims to release containers without physical contact with agents or importers. "I want to be known as a trade facilitator personified,” Onyeka declared.
The Controller credited the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, describing him as “a pillar behind the reforms” and acknowledging the strategic direction that continues to reposition Customs operations nationwide.
Central to the reform is the deployment of the Service’s indigenous digital clearance platform, B’Odogwu, which serves as the Unified Customs Management System. Onyeka expressed optimism that the platform would effectively support the transition to a fully paperless environment.
While acknowledging occasional network disruptions, he assured stakeholders that infrastructure improvements were ongoing to guarantee seamless processing. He described Customs officers as “21st-century officers” who operate in line with global best practices.
Responding to concerns that paperless processing might result in cargo congestion or be circumvented, Onyeka dismissed the fears.
“It is a two-way process. We will educate stakeholders on data entry and online documentation. Once declarations are accurate, the system will work efficiently,” he explained.
He clarified that the One-Stop-Shop mechanism would only be activated where discrepancies arise, assuring that properly declared and palletised consignments with clear scanning images would be released promptly without physical examination.
However, consignments flagged by the risk management system or those with unclear scanning images would undergo 100 per cent physical examination.
“Once the risk management system flags a red alert, the consignment will be fully examined,” he said.
Onyeka further disclosed that the Command is closely monitoring shipments from specific countries identified as sources of uncustomed goods, stressing that while trade facilitation remains a priority, national security would not be compromised.
On revenue strategy, Onyeka explained that the Command now prioritises “collectible revenue” rather than “maximum revenue,” underscoring the need to balance duty collection with business sustainability.
According to him, importers must retain sufficient financial capacity to cover logistics costs, sustain operations, and maintain employment after fulfilling their duty obligations.
Reaffirming his open-door policy, Onyeka urged stakeholders to engage directly with the Command to resolve concerns instead of resorting to speculation or misinformation.
He added that enhanced collaboration with other government agencies operating at the port would continue throughout the year to reduce cargo dwell time and improve overall port efficiency.
“We are committed to clearing goods on time and improving port efficiency,” he stated.
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