The Tin can customs command Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has said that World Customs Organisation(WCO)has tasked Nigeria Customs Services(NCS) with not just making promises but translating our commitments into concrete and measurable actions.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the 2025 International Customs Day, held at Tincan Island Port (TCIP) on Monday, Compt. Onyeka said this action underscores the pivotal role of customs in advancing legitimate trade facilitation, ensuring border security, collection of Government revenue and fostering sustainable economic growth.
The 2025 World Customs Day theme which says "Customs Delivering on its Commitment to
Efficiency, Security and Prosperity, served as a platform to highlight the Command’s achievements and strategic direction under the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Comptroller Onyeka underscored the Command’s dedication to streamlining trade processes through technological innovation and strategic stakeholder engagement.
He highlighted the deployment of the Nigeria Customs Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, noting its potential to automate critical procedures, enhance transparency, and minimize human intervention.
“Through advanced technologies like blockchain, e-Customs platforms, and artificial intelligence, we have elevated the speed and accuracy of cargo clearance, positioning ourselves to meet global best practices.
Collaboration with stakeholders, including terminal operators, freight forwarders, shipping lines, and regulatory agencies, has also been pivotal", he said.
According to Comptroller Onyeka, these efforts have boosted Nigeria’s ranking in key indices, such as the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and the Ease of Doing Business assessments by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council(PEBEC).
Recall that the B’Odogwu system commenced its pilot phase implementation at the Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML).
Comptroller Onyeka reiterated the Command’s resolve to balance trade facilitation with strict border controls.
“By delivering on our commitments to efficiency, security, and prosperity, we are not only fulfilling our mandate but also contributing to a brighter future for Nigeria and the global economy.”
As we celebrate International Customs Day, let us remember that our work has far-reaching implications for the lives of millions nationally and billions continentally.
“To my esteemed colleagues, I urge you to continue to embrace the collaboration, consolidation and innovation in service delivery as mandated in the Comptroller General’s policy thrust.
Comptroller Onyeka thanked the stakeholders for their unwavering support and collaboration, which remain invaluable to our success.
On his part, the Zonal Coordinator of Nigeria Customs Service Zone ‘A’ Headquarters, ACG Charles Orbih, tasked Customs officers in the zone to key into the ideals of the 2025 World Customs Organisation (WCO)
Speaking further, he said that Nigeria Customs will continue to deliver on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, Prosperity .
He said that the WCO theme for the year could be seen in the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
ACG Orbih, revealed that the TCIP Customs Command had already generated N86 billion as at January 27th 2025, a figure higher than N83 billion collected in January 2024.urging officers of the command to continue to demonstrate commitment through consistent, professional and innovative service
He reiterated that innovation drives efficiency, enhances security and leads to prosperity which are key aspects of the 2025 International Customs Day.
He maintained that Zone ‘A’ being the bedrock of the Nigeria Customs Service represented a critical economic gateway for Nigeria, embodying the strategic importance of the Service in connecting the nation with global markets, hence, the need for the Zone to get it right.
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