Comptroller Anani Unveils Compliance-Driven Agenda, Strengthens Stakeholder, Security Partnerships
Kathy Kyari
The Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, has commenced his tenure with a series of strategic engagements, facility inspections, and courtesy visits designed to improve operational efficiency, deepen stakeholder confidence, and reinforce inter-agency cooperation.
As part of his familiarisation tour of the Command, Comptroller Anani conducted an extensive inspection of Customs formations and terminals within the port.
The exercise provided him with first-hand knowledge of available facilities, officers' working conditions, and the overall operational environment.
The inspection, which marked one of his first official assignments, was aimed at identifying areas requiring improvement and ensuring that officers are adequately positioned to effectively deliver on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The Controller held his maiden engagement with major freight forwarding associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), APFLON, and other industry players.
During the meeting, Comptroller Anani emphasized the need for compliance, professionalism, and partnership in achieving seamless trade operations at the nation's premier port.
He outlined a blueprint anchored on strict adherence to Customs procedures and extant laws, particularly the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. He also called for higher standards in port transactions and warned against any form of misconduct capable of undermining the integrity of the Service.
"We are setting a new tone anchored on compliance, collaboration, and service excellence. Every stakeholder has a role to play in making Tincan Island Port a model of trade facilitation and operational efficiency," he said.
The Controller also convened a roundtable meeting with terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and captains of industry to chart a progressive course for the Command.
He assured stakeholders of an open-door policy and pledged to foster an enabling environment that supports legitimate trade and economic growth.
As part of efforts to improve port competitiveness, Comptroller Anani urged terminal operators to upgrade infrastructure within their facilities and create additional operational spaces capable of attracting more vessel traffic and enhancing efficiency.
Recognising the importance of inter-agency collaboration in achieving national security objectives, the Controller paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western Command), CP Toyin Agbaminoja.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on port security, intelligence sharing, and the protection of lives and property.
The Commissioner of Police pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force through enhanced intelligence gathering and operational collaboration.
In a similar effort to combat illicit trade and transnational crimes, Comptroller Anani also visited the Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Solomon Omotosho.
During the visit, both agencies discussed strategies for sustaining synergy in the fight against drug trafficking and the activities of criminal networks operating within and around the port environment.
They stressed the importance of intelligence-driven operations, information sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to prevent the movement of illicit narcotics through the nation's gateways.
Comptroller Anani expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as Customs Area Controller of the Tincan Island Port Command.
He pledged to consolidate on existing achievements while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
According to him, the Command will continue to leverage these principles to enhance trade facilitation, revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, and national security.
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