Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has pledged to prioritize trade facilitation and drastically reduce cargo delays following an increase in revenue performance in January 2026.
Speaking during a media parley with journalists, Comptroller Onyeka disclosed that the command generated ₦145.9 billion as at the end of January 2026, representing an increase of about ₦25.9 billion compared to the ₦116.412 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The CAC emphasized that the command intends to reposition itself as a trade facilitator in 2026 by simplifying procedures for port users. “What we intend to do going forward, differently from last year, is to be known as a trade enabler. Yes, we are going to facilitate trade, we are going to make it easier for the trading public”, he stated.
He appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for providing strong institutional backing to the command, noting that the support has helped lay a solid foundation for improved operations.
The CAC also underscored the importance of sustained collaboration with stakeholders to eliminate prolonged cargo dwell time at the port. According to him: “Engagement with stakeholders is key, because we need to make it known that cargo delay will be brought to the barest minimum. Nobody should be proud of keeping cargo in the ports for two weeks. What we will do is to make sure that all hands are on deck so that cargo delay becomes a thing of the past.”
While reaffirming the command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, Comptroller Onyeka stressed that security considerations would remain paramount.
He explained that consignments flagged by scanning systems would undergo physical examination, noting that national security would not be compromised in the pursuit of trade facilitation.
He further commended journalists for their professionalism and encouraged continued fact-based reporting, expressing appreciation for efforts to verify information before publication.
