‘Compliance Is Attitudinal, Done Without Choking Trade’ – Onyeka

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that while ensuring that trade compliance is not compromised in any form or manner, the service explained that carrying out that task does not also amount to choking trade, noting that either are parallel to one another and that the gulf that sets them apart; is unbridgeable.

Above was the position of the Customs Area Controller, Tin-Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, while fielding questions from members of the Maritime League of Editors (LOME), who paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Mrs. Itie receiving a copy of the NCS Newsmagazine from Compt. Onyeka

Onyeka who was responding to questions on what he has put in place to guard against dubious trade practices that aids smuggling, revenue leakages and entry of unauthorized imports, said that since assumption of office, he has taken series of steps to firm up anti-trade practices, noting that the strengthening of strategies is continuous and ongoing.

“The service is more than before determined to facilitate trade, this will be done without choking the business community as well as ensuring that we do not under-charge on duties.

“We are very sensitive to trade facilitation, we try to sensitize the business community, encourage them and ensure we generate collectible revenue. As valuation officers, we will never under charge and we are not here to choke importers. If we don’t apply the decency, it will be difficult to achieve trade facilitation which is one of our core mandates”, he said.

0-0x0-0-0#

The Tin-Can Island Customs helmsman noted that his sensitization efforts have effectively capped smuggling at the port at zero-level, stressing that going by his fairly long operational experiences at the seaport, he has all it takes to challenge any form of nefarious activity; even as he declared no smuggling can happen under my watch.

This is even as he stated that one of the command’s most controversial terminals, the CICT Terminals has become more active and more responsive to the rules of processes and procedures.

“Let me say that before l came, TICT was not completely public in quote, but as far as we are concerned we have improved on that and l can tell you for free and this is verifiable, that TICT is more active than ever before. This is because l insisted that the rules of engagement should reflect trade facilitation and utmost governance system that promotes balance and fairness.”

Onyeka explained further that the hitherto misunderstanding in the procedures and movement of transire consignments have also been resolved, making trade more friendly while ensuring that national security takes pre-eminence.

0-0x0-0-0#

Speaking further, he assured that he would not allow for any unhealthy situation aimed to undermine the national interest at the port, and that terminal operators will not be allowed to serve as a weak link in its operations, and hence they are challenged to upgrade their infrastructure and equipments to be able to carry out modern port operations.

Onyeka said the command has effectively addressed the issue of multiple alerts, limiting it to just one; as against the hitherto regime of several seats triggering alerts on a single consignment.

Onyeka disclosed that the command is expected to generate N1.524 trillion for the current fiscal year, 2025, as against N1.24 trillion raked in 2024. With a N347.9 billion already generated at the first quarter of this year, he expressed confidence at meeting the command’s revenue target.

He enjoined members of LOME to continue to collaborate with the leadership and management of the NCS and to prioritize purposeful, up-building news reportage that promotes the national interest and sovereign image.

LOME President, Mrs. Remi Itie while thanking Comptroller Onyeka and some of his principal officers for granting her members audience, pledged to continue to partner the NCS to achieve its assigned mandate.