The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has pledged to prioritise trade facilitation and drastically reduce cargo delays following a significant revenue boost recorded in January 2026.
Speaking during a media parley with journalists on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, Comptroller Onyeka disclosed that the command generated ₦145.9 billion as at the end of January 2026. The figure represents an increase of about ₦25.9 billion compared to the ₦116.412 billion recorded within the same period in 2025.
ALSO READ: KENYA ICT MINISTRY HOSTS PARTNERS AHEAD OF CONNECTED AFRICA SUMMIT 2026
He attributed the improved performance to strengthened operational efficiency and institutional support, particularly from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
According to Onyeka, the command is determined to reposition itself as a trade facilitator in 2026 by simplifying procedures and improving service delivery to 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 more easier for the trading public,” he stated.
The CAC emphasised the need for sustained collaboration with stakeholders to eliminate prolonged cargo dwell time at the port, noting that excessive delays undermine efficiency and competitiveness.
“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,” Onyeka said.
While reaffirming the command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, he stressed that national security considerations would remain paramount. He explained that consignments flagged by scanning systems would still undergo physical examination where necessary, insisting that security would not be compromised in the drive to ease trade.
Comptroller Onyeka also commended members of the press for their professionalism, urging continued fact-based and responsible reporting. He expressed appreciation for efforts by journalists to verify information before publication, describing the media as critical partners in promoting transparency and accountability.
The renewed focus on trade facilitation, coupled with heightened security vigilance, signals the command’s strategy to balance revenue generation, efficiency and national security at one of Nigeria’s busiest seaports.
