Customs Boss, Adeniyi, Lists Renovated Tin-Can Administrative Building for Award

…Commends Compt.Nnadi, Honours Pioneer Administrator, Brigue

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, yesterday, November 26, 2024 commissioned the renovated administrative building of Tin-Can Island Port Command, describing the project which consists of a comprehensive modernization and reconstruction of the building, together with two (2) brand new facilities as monumental and award winning.

CGC Adeniyi unveiling the event memorial while Comptroller Nnadi and others watches

This is even as he commended the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, for his big ideas and for achieving yet another significant milestone for the service, customs trade, efficient service delivery, officers and stakeholders, alike.

In recognition of the historic relevance of the renovation project, the Comptroller General of Customs honoured the pioneer customs administrator of the command, Comptroller James Brigue (Rtd).

The customs boss said: “We dedicate this to the glory of God, and for the provision of better and more optimal service to the federal government of Nigeria.”

Giving a little background to the project idea conception, he said what it turned out to be actually dwarfed the dimension of the simple idea Comptroller Nnadi presented, and commended the service’s poster boy in strategic thinking and consistent centre striker for a job well done.

CGC Adeniyi, Comptroller Nnadi and the first substantive administrator of the Tin-Can Command, Comptroller James Brigue (Rtd),  during the commission of the renovated TCIP Customs Command in Lagos on Tuesday

“I commend Comptroller Dera Nnadi and all his men for the initiative of getting this done. When he told me about it, I never knew that it was such a gigantic project. I just thought that they were to put some brushes here and there. But from what I have seen physically and from the video l have seen, this is an award-winning project.

Adeniyi hinted that an award to recognize the greatness and significance of the renovation and associated projects, hopefully will be done at the service’s next biggest event.

“The award for the Nigeria Customs Service in 2024, which was supposed to have taken place two weeks ago, will now take place in two days’ time. As Comptroller-General of Customs, I can assure you that we will not forget this project.”

Comptroller Nnadi, right, explaining parts of the complex to the CGC and his entourage, with Comptroller Olomu expressing excitement about something of note

Launching on the commissioning, the CGC revealed that government is doing much more to ensure that the national single window project becomes operational in which all stakeholders are captured as real time, online automated platform that will allows regulatory oversight for the improvement of operational efficiency of the national economy.

He also spoke on the need for more increased collaborations between the customs service and other agencies of government as well as freight forwarders, terminal operators, shipping companies, amongst others, even as he commended the leadership of sister area commands present at the event to identify with the historic commissioning.

CGC Adeniyi speaking at the event

“I want to commend other Area Controllers who decided to prioritize this event”, noting that he is impressed that commands and their heads are committed and unrelenting in driving the Change Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu led government.

“When we leave here, I’m also going to the Murtala-Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) for something similar to this, which they have also put together,” Adeniyi said.

In his welcome address, the Tin-Can Island Port Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi explained that the renovation more than mere aesthetics and upgrade of physical infrastructure; underpins the clear vision and objective of the CGC to prioritize his three prong agenda of collaboration, consolidation and innovation.

This is even as he stressed the need to appreciate, respect and maintain the new look office complex to encourage officers to continue to provide efficient and timely service.

“It is with great pride and immense pleasure that we gather here today to witness the commissioning of the newly renovated office complex of the Tin Can Island Port Command. This renovation marks a significant milestone in the history of our Command, and it is a great honor to host the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, dsm, fnipr, psc(+)  and his team here today.

“As we celebrate the unveiling of this renovated facility, we must recognize the historical context of this transformation. Since the inception of this Command in 1977, no major renovation has been undertaken to update and modernize the office complex.

“For decades, our officers have worked diligently within the confines of outdated infrastructure, and today, we witness a transformation that will no longer be just a reflection of the past, but a symbol of the future – a future that is modern, efficient, and committed to service excellence.

“This renovation goes beyond mere aesthetics or upgrading physical infrastructure; it is a clear statement of intent that reinforces the CGC’s policy focus on Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to improving working conditions, enhancing operational efficiency, and providing a conducive environment for our officers and stakeholders alike.”

He noted that the greatest appreciation for the upgraded facility would be for stakeholders and port users to treat it with a high sense of cleanliness; whilst striving for compliance in customs trade.

“A well-maintained office complex ensures that we continue to provide exceptional service and achieve greater results in our core functions of revenue generation and trade facilitation.”

Speaking further, Nnadi explained that beyond modernization and beautification of the administrative building and the maintaining of a conducive work environment ambience, the command under his watch recorded the highest growth in the history of the command; both in terms of revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities.

“It is important to note that our work here at Tin Can Island Port goes beyond infrastructure; we are deeply committed to the economic growth of Nigeria. In 2024, under the leadership and guidance of the Comptroller General of Customs, our Command has made remarkable strides in revenue generation. We are proud to announce that for the first time in history, Tin Can Island Port has generated over ₦1, 125,744,318,049.60 (One trillion, One Hundred and Twenty Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty-Four Million, Three Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Forty Nine Naira Sixty Kobo) in revenue—an exceptional feat that highlights the dedication and hard work of our officers.

“This achievement is a significant leap from the ₦639,665,622,978.55 (Six Hundred and Thirty Nine Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty Five Million, Six Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira, Fifty Five Kobo) collected as at November 2023.”

He attributed the success of the renovation and other successes so far to the diligence and commitment of his officers and men; including stakeholders increased partnership and compliance.

“The success recorded in our revenue drive reflects not only the diligence of our officers but also the collaborative efforts with other stakeholders. It is a testament to the positive impact of our policies and reforms, and it reaffirms the Service commitment to maximizing revenue collection for the growth of our nation.

“In addition to our successes in revenue generation, we continue to make significant strides in enforcing compliance and tackling smuggling activities. We are all witness to the seizure of various quantities of arms, unregulated pharmaceutical and psychotropic substances and other Un-customs goods.”

He continues: “I would like to take a moment to congratulate the officers of Tin Can Island Port Command for their unwavering commitment, determination, and excellence. The revenue collected, the seizures made, and the success of this renovation are all outcomes of your hard work and dedication to duty. This renovation is a direct result of your efforts, and I commend you all for your service to the nation.

“As we celebrate this achievement, I also want to acknowledge the crucial role played by all our stakeholders—importers, clearing agents, shipping companies, and everyone involved in the operations at Tin Can Island Port. I ask for your continued support in maintaining a habitable environment within this complex. A clean, safe, and well-maintained office space is essential for the continued success of our operations, and I urge all stakeholders to respect the rules and guidelines surrounding this complex, so we can sustain the positive atmosphere that this renovation has created.”

Despite the commissioning of the comprehensive upgrade and modernization of the office complex, Nnadi says it is still work in progress and enjoined all stakeholders to continue to relate with the project with a high sense of discipline and cleanliness.

“This facility, though newly renovated, is still a work in progress. The work is far from over, and we need your support to ensure that it remains in top condition. By working together, we can maintain the high standards we have set for ourselves and ensure that Tin Can Island Port remains a symbol of excellence in customs” administration.”

While thanking the customs leadership and critical stakeholders for their support, he singled out the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority and the Port Managers of Tincan Island Port for their unflinching support.

He said the command will continue to work in line with the directives of the CGC to promote trade facilitation and national security.

“Our achievement in this direction further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economic and security interests. These seizures not only demonstrate the vigilance and dedication of our officers but also highlight our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s borders.

“We recognize the importance of preventing the inflow of harmful goods and ensuring that all imported items meet the legal and regulatory standards”, adding:

“May I kindly remind the officers, stakeholders and all those that will use this facility that we all continue to work together to maintain the standards of excellence we have set and ensure that this newly renovated complex serves as a beacon of progress for years to come.”

The highpoint of the event was the celebration of the Tin-Can Command pioneer administrator, Comptroller James Brigue (Rtd), who led the command between 1982 and 1984.

In his appreciation speech, the 96-year old Brigue recounted his active days in the customs service with nostalgia and a high sense of fulfillment and pride.

Customs Area Controllers present at the event includes Dr. Babatunde Olomu of Apapa Command, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan of PTML Command, amongst others.