Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), experienced a change in leadership as ACG Frank Onyeka officially handed over mantle of leadership to Comptroller Joe Anani.
The handover ceremony took place on 22nd of May, 2026, at the Command’s conference hall and attended by officers, stakeholders, media practitioners, industry players and well-wishers.
Reflecting on the achievements recorded during his tenure, he disclosed that the Command generated a total revenue of ₦1,609,874,328,972.55 in the 2025 fiscal year, surpassing its target of ₦1,524,669,999,478.52.
He further revealed that the Command had already generated ₦401,011,998,443.71 in the first quarter of 2026, attributing the feat to discipline, professionalism, intelligence-led operations, stakeholder collaboration, and improved trade facilitation measures.
“These achievements were not accidental, they were products of dedication, improved compliance strategies, robust stakeholder engagement, and the deployment of modern trade facilitation mechanisms aimed at balancing enforcement with legitimate trade.”
Describing his experience as Customs Area Controller of TCIP as one of the most demanding assignments in his career, the newly elevated ACG commended officers of the Command for their dedication and also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
In the area of anti-smuggling and enforcement, he said the Command recorded significant breakthroughs, particularly in the interception and seizure of illicit drugs and other prohibited items with an estimated street value exceeding Thirty-Five Billion Naira.
“These seizures underscore our collective resolve to protect the nation from criminal networks and to safeguard the health, security, and future of our society. Our efforts reinforced the role of the Nigeria Customs Service as a critical national security agency committed to combating transnational organized crime”, he stated.
ACG also Recognized the sustainable success and collaboration, and strengthened partnerships with freight forwarders, terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, government agencies, and the entire trading community.
He noted that these engagements significantly improved mutual understanding, operational efficiency, dispute resolution mechanisms, and overall compliance levels within the port environment.
Onyeka further declared that they invested heavily in human capital development, through facilitation of several capacity-building programmes, workshops, training sessions, and professional development initiatives aimed at improving the competence, efficiency, and morale of officers and men of the Command.
In his words, “I firmly believe that the strength of any institution lies in the quality and preparedness of its personnel, and I am proud of the strides we made in this regard”.
He acknowledged the support of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), who’s humanitarian and family-oriented programmes continue to positively impact the welfare of officers’ families and the larger community.
ACG Onyeka expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and Chairman of the World Customs Organization Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD psc (+), for his visionary leadership, confidence in his abilities, and unwavering support throughout his tenure and the opportunity given to him to serve in this strategic Command.
In his acceptance speech, Comptroller Joseph Anani expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for entrusting him with the leadership of one of the nation’s most strategic Commands.
“I recognise the importance of this Command to national revenue generation, trade facilitation, and security, I accept this responsibility with humility and commitment.”
He commended ACG Onyeka for what he described as “giant strides” recorded during his tenure, particularly in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.
“Under the leadership of ACG Onyeka, the Command witnessed significant progress that positioned Tin Can Island Port Command as a critical gateway for legitimate trade,” he said. “I pledge to build a Command that is even more efficient, transparent, and result-oriented.”
The new Customs Area Controller also charged officers of the Command to remain professional and uphold the highest standards in the discharge of their duties.
In his words, “Professionalism, intelligence, and discipline must remain the hallmark of our conduct. We will not tolerate compromise, inefficiency, or acts that undermine the Service and national interest".
The new boss also requested for the continued synergy and collaboration of all sister agencies operating within the command. National security and trade facilitation shared responsibilities through mutual respect, timely information sharing, and joint action, so as to secure the borders and facilitate legitimate trade.
“To our esteemed stakeholders, I urge you to ensure full compliance in all your transactions. Prompt and accurate declaration, payment of duties, and adherence to trade procedures which are essential for smooth operations and national growth. The command will reward compliance and deal decisively with infractions.
Tributes and goodwill messages poured in from officers and stakeholders at the event, they praised Onyeka’s leadership style, intelligence, diligence, and accessibility during his tenure and expressed optimism that Comptroller Anani would build on the achievements already established at the Command.
ACG Onyeka earlier in his speech appeal to all stakeholders, officers, partner agencies, and members of the trading community to extend to Comptroller Anani the same cooperation, support, and goodwill accorded to him during his tenure. “Continuity, unity, and collective support are essential for sustaining and surpassing the achievements already recorded by this Command”.
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