By Sandra Chukwunyere
The newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, has commenced his tenure with a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening compliance, enhancing trade facilitation, and deepening collaboration with key stakeholders across the maritime sector.
Since assuming office, Comptroller Anani has embarked on an extensive tour of Customs formations and terminal facilities within the Command to gain first-hand insight into operational processes, assess existing infrastructure, and evaluate the working conditions of officers and personnel of the Service.
The visits, which formed part of his initial activities as Controller, were designed to identify areas requiring improvement and ensure that personnel are adequately equipped to effectively discharge their responsibilities in line with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
As part of efforts to foster stronger relationships with industry operators, the Controller held a strategic engagement with major freight forwarding associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), APFLON, and other stakeholders within the port community.
During the meeting, Comptroller Anani emphasised the need for strict adherence to Customs regulations and professional conduct in all port operations. He reiterated that compliance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, remains central to the Command’s operational objectives.
He noted that all stakeholders must play their respective roles in ensuring seamless cargo clearance processes, improved revenue generation, and efficient trade facilitation.
“We are committed to building a Command driven by compliance, collaboration, and service excellence. Through mutual cooperation and professionalism, Tincan Island Port can become a benchmark for operational efficiency and trade facilitation,” he said.
The Controller also met with terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and other business leaders, assuring them of an open-door policy and a conducive environment for legitimate business activities.
He further urged terminal operators to improve operational infrastructure and expand capacity within their facilities to accommodate increased vessel traffic and enhance the competitiveness of the port.
Recognising the importance of inter-agency cooperation in securing the nation’s maritime gateways, Comptroller Anani paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western Command), CP Toyin Agbaminoja. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to stronger collaboration on security matters, intelligence sharing, and joint operations aimed at safeguarding lives, property, and port facilities.
In a related development, the Customs Area Controller also visited the Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Solomon Omotosho, where discussions centred on strengthening efforts to combat drug trafficking and other illicit activities within the port environment.
Both agencies agreed on the need for enhanced intelligence gathering, information sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to prevent the use of the nation’s seaports for the movement of prohibited substances.
Comptroller Anani expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port Command.
He pledged to build on existing achievements while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service in the areas of revenue generation, trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and national security.
He further noted that the Command’s operations would continue to align with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General, anchored on the pillars of Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation.
According to a statement signed by CSC Oscar Ivara, Public Relations Officer of the Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Anani remains committed to promoting a culture of compliance, strengthening strategic partnerships, and enhancing operational efficiency in support of national economic growth and security.
