Tin-Can Island Command and the Presidential Vote of Confidence on Customs

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Whereas it is no longer news that the tenure of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, was extended on July 31, 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for an additional one year, it is necessary to note that Mr. President hinged his decision on the satisfactory performance of the service overall scorecard, impacting the national economy under Adeniyi’s watch.

Comptroller Onyeka

This singular and rare presidential vote of confidence on the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), its leadership and management will continue to resonate not based merely on its political forthrightness but on its positive and enduring impact on the economy, in the coming years.

No doubt, President Tinubu’s decision, formally announced by his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga is in addition a resounding endorsement of leadership excellence. Adeniyi who rode to power in an acting capacity in June 2023 and was subsequently confirmed substantive CGS in October same year, would be remembered for spearheading a series of transformational reforms that have modernized the face of Nigerian customs operations.

At the heart of these reforms is the introduction of indigenous customs management software system known as B’Odogwu, the Advanced Ruling System, Authorised Economic Operators framework and Time Release Studies, implemented through a nexus of applicable tools and a pool of hybrid, competent, management human resource; under a decentralized  leadership structure.

The Tin Can Island Port Command (TCIP) rank as one of the implementing, leading commands with former Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, now Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, as Envoy and the Arch Apostle of the CGC’s Agenda; before he handed over to Comptroller Frank Onyeka; another result orientated and crack gentleman officer, with big eyes for big results.

Between December 2024 to July 2025, Tin Can Island Port Command under Comptroller Frank Onyeka demonstrated remarkable alignment with the CGC’s key agenda centered on revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security

Improved Trade Efficiency

Perhaps, the deployment of the latest indigenous customs clearance management system codename B’ Odogwu is the biggest stamp of authority in global trade bearing  Nigeria’s indigenous technology under President Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms.

B’Odogwu encapsulates faster cargo processing, reduces reliance on foreign technology, reduce improve cargo dwell time and reduce turnaround time for importers. The additional incentives includes expected lower logistics costs, increased trade activity, while making Nigerian ports a lot more friendly and more competitive, regionally, in the face of prevailing statistics to the contrary.

Revenue Generation

The Command collected an impressive ₦747.1 billion in revenue, marking a 29.85% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This achievement reflects a 98.03% realization of the expected revenue target, showcasing fiscal discipline and strategic enforcement.

The ₦747.1 billion collected in the first half of 2025 represents a major injection into government coffers. This strengthens Nigeria’s fiscal position, enabling more spending on infrastructure, education, and healthcare without relying heavily on borrowing.

Anti-smuggling & Seizures

The Command under Onyeka seized a range of illicit drugs, many of which were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). They include heroin, a total of 23 packages concealed in a container, several kilograms of cannabis sativa, some of which were intercepted in collaboration with NDLEA; and Colorado, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, often linked to severe health risks.

These seizures were part of a broader crackdown on illegal imports, which also included arms, ammunition, and other contraband. The total value of drugs seized within the first half of 2025 at the command is estimated at over ₦8 billion.

The Command under Onyeka not only excelled in revenue and enforcement but also made strategic strides in corporate social responsibility (CSR), collaboration, and stakeholder engagement—further amplifying its economic and social impact.

 Stakeholders Engagement & Innovation

Onyeka launched targeted stakeholder forums to promote transparency and compliance as the Command prioritized collaboration with terminal operators, freight forwarders, and regulatory agencies including the Military. In his engagements with the trading community, he emphasized accurate cargo declarations and thorough examinations as pillars of legitimate trade.

The integration of units like the Customs Intelligence Unit and Valuation Unit fostered operational synergy, while media engagement helped build public trust and accountability. These partnerships contributed to Nigeria’s improved rankings in the Logistics Performance Index and Ease of Doing Business assessments.

Together, these initiatives reflect a holistic approach to Customs leadership—balancing economic performance with social impact and institutional collaboration.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Under the “Customs Cares” initiative, the Command renovated and equipped Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Ajeromi/Ifelodun LGA, Lagos in July 2025. This project provided a modern learning environment for over 2,000 students and supported teachers with better infrastructure. The Command also distributed educational materials to thousands of pupils, aligning with the broader Customs goal of reaching 50,000 students nationwide in 2025. These efforts which reflect a commitment to inclusive development and community upliftment are and remain an integral component of CGC Adeniyi’s vision.

Trade Facilitation & Technological Innovation

Compt. Onyeka spearheaded the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, streamlining cargo clearance and reducing human interference in TCIP Command. Versed in valuation, classification and ICT, Onyeka left nothing to chance as he toiled to drive all available innovations at making a success of the CGC’s structured agenda.

He deployed the integration of e-Customs platforms, collaboration and engagement for measurable enhanced transparency and efficiency. In July, the TCIP command boss said over 3,450 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) were processed, with 2,749 successfully exited, indicating improved operational throughput.

Enhanced Security and Investor Confidence

Intercepting illicit drugs and arms not only protects society but also signals strong border control. That builds trust among foreign investors and trading partners, who value stability and rule of law. In the past one year, the NCS under Adeniyi has explored foreign customs administration nations and international bodies including Indo-Asian countries for strategic partnership aimed at safer imports and intelligence sharing, all geared towards greater investors confidence.

Support for Local Industries

An apostle of trade facilitation and stronger local economy through increased productivity,  Onyeka has more than demonstrated an unwavering commitment that supports smoother flow of trade through incentivized, legitimate procedural retooling of the nation’s otherwise iron-cast customs extant rules.

With smoother import procedures and better enforcement against smuggling, legitimate businesses, especially manufacturers, can access raw materials more reliably.

There is no gainsaying the fact that this will also helps stabilize production and potentially lower consumer prices. That this will further enhance the overall economic growth trajectory of Nigeria in relation to the custom-economy mix and make the additional one year magnanimously granted Adeniyi, the NCS helmsman-increase the hope of a better tomorrow.

This is not only in terms of President Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘New Hope Agenda’, but indeed, in terms of the nation’s overall, collective expectations.

Going forward, there is no doubt that as the second biggest customs port, the Tin Can Island Command under Onyeka’s able leadership will continue to raise the bar of performance to justify the confidence reposed in working CGC; and together, report higher performance index impacting the service’s scorecard in  achieving increased economic stability.

It is expected that within the next half of 2025 through August 2026, a much more significant throughput will be recorded, defining a stronger, resilient economy built on macroeconomic stability, overall.

Logically, with anticipated higher customs revenue and the continuing trend in improved trade facilitation which contributes to a healthier balance of payments, Nigerians can expect a stronger, stabilizing effect on the naira.

This will also no doubt lead to reduced inflationary pressures and support long-term economic growth.

And these achievements aren’t just wins for Customs—they are catalysts for broader economic resilience. In sum, Tin Can Island Customs under Comptroller Onyeka exemplified the Customs Service’s 2025 agenda, blending innovation, integrity, and impact.