The newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Tincan Island Port Command, Joseph Anani, has begun his tenure with a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening compliance, improving trade facilitation, and deepening collaboration with stakeholders and security agencies.
Since assuming office, Comptroller Anani has embarked on inspections of Customs formations and terminals within the command to assess operational facilities, evaluate working conditions for officers, and identify areas requiring improvement. The exercise was designed to provide firsthand insight into the operational environment and enhance service delivery at one of Nigeria’s busiest ports.
As part of efforts to foster stronger relationships with industry stakeholders, the Customs Area Controller held his first strategic meeting with major freight forwarding groups, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, and the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, among others.
During the engagement, Anani stressed the need for strict adherence to Customs regulations and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, describing compliance and professionalism as essential ingredients for efficient port operations.
He said the command would pursue a policy centred on compliance, collaboration and service excellence while discouraging any conduct capable of undermining the integrity of the service.
The Controller also convened a roundtable meeting with terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters and other industry stakeholders, assuring them of an open-door policy and a business-friendly environment that supports legitimate trade and economic growth.
He urged terminal operators to improve infrastructure and expand operational capacity to attract more vessel traffic and enhance the competitiveness of the port.
Recognising the importance of inter-agency cooperation, Comptroller Anani paid courtesy visits to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police Western Command, Toyin Agbaminoja, and the Commander of Narcotics of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Solomon Omotosho.
The meetings focused on strengthening intelligence sharing, operational collaboration and coordinated enforcement efforts to improve security within the port environment and combat illicit activities, including drug trafficking.
Anani pledged to build on the achievements of the command while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service. He also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment.
According to him, the command will continue to align its operations with the Customs Service’s policy direction of consolidation, collaboration and innovation to boost revenue generation, improve trade facilitation, strengthen stakeholder engagement and enhance national security.
