In a bid to curb arbitrary interception of consignments already examined at seaports, the Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port (TCIP) Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has admonished his Command’s officers to be diligent during cargo examinations and stakeholders to be compliant.
Onyeka gave this admonition in two separate meetings this week, highlighting the need for conducting thorough examinations of consignments before their release from the port.
Speaking during a parade on Tuesday, he urged officers to carry out diligent inspections national security to be prioritised in all decisions even as he commended the workforce for their contributions to the Command’s revenue performance in January.
While encouraging them to continue striving for excellence, Comptroller Onyeka announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops aimed at enhancing the knowledge of both officers and stakeholders on Customs processes.
Additionally, he cautioned officers to maintain professionalism and civility in their interactions with the trading public, warning that any reports of misconduct would not be tolerated.
In a another development, Comptroller Onyeka on Wednesday played host to the newly deployed Director of State Services Mr. SM Kayode, and the TCIP Chairman of Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) Comrade Akeem Ayibojo and his members who paid familiarisation visits to the Command.
The visits, held separately within the Command reaffirmed the commitment of both organisations to collaborate in ensuring smooth port operations and preventing the entry of harmful products.
The Comptroller, while reacting to some of the technical issues raised by APFLON, clarified that the Command is repositioned towards promoting the three core policies of the Comptroller General of Customs which are to collaborate, consolidate and innovate, towards creating a safe and conducive working environment that will not pose a threat to the nation and its citizens.
He called on all the stakeholders to broaden their knowledge on the implementation of new policies of the service and that the soon-to-be launched B’Odogwu clearance system in the Command expected to further boost the efficiency of Customs operations.
Speaking at the meeting, the APFFLON chairman said “We are here to express our intention to fully colaborate with the Customs Area Controller as we have all witnessed the introduction of the national single window. We shall also wish to speak about some of our challenges and seek to get some favourable responses from your good self sir”.
While responding, Comptroller Onyeka said Customs thrives on collaboration, especially with key stakeholders like APFFLON. “I remember being highly recommended by the words of an APFFLON member when I was the Deputy Controller, Valuation at this Command then and will surely never take your support for granted,” Onyeka said.
Participants at the meeting urged the CAC to continue to be the listening helmsman that he is and also to make sure that his leadership qualities continue to reflect on the manner with which his officers relate with stakeholders. They equally asked for the same concession that every other stakeholder gets.
