Tin Can Controller, Onyeka tasks clearing agents on honest declaration to facilitate trade

Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command (TCIP) of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Frank Onyeka has called on stakeholders including clearing agents to always give honest declaration of their goods through the proper channel.

Comptroller Onyeka made the call as part of his ongoing efforts to enhance stakeholders engagement, facilitate trade and ensure efficient customs operations at the port.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with the Executives members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Tincan Port Chapter on Wednesday, Onyeka emphasised that accurate declarations are essential in enhancing the ease of doing business and facilitating smooth trade operations.

He noted that ensuring proper declaration of goods through customs processes does not only help in fostering transparency but also plays a critical role in combating illicit trade practices, reducing delays at the ports, and enhancing national revenue collection.

“Proper declarations are the foundation of an efficient customs process. When stakeholders declare goods correctly, it enables us to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks at the ports, and improve the overall experience for both businesses and consumers,” he said.

The call comes as part of ongoing efforts by the NCS to strengthen relationships with stakeholders across various sectors, including importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and Customs brokers. It is also in line with the NCS’s broader mission to create a transparent, fair, and secure environment for international trade.

Onyeka further urged stakeholders to collaborate with the NCS in maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in their transactions.

He reassured all parties that the NCS is committed to continuous capacity building and the implementation of technology-driven solutions aimed at making trade easier and more efficient.

“We must work together to ensure the declaration process is not only a statutory requirement but a tool for trade facilitation. By enhancing compliance and promoting transparency, we are building a more robust, resilient, and dynamic trade ecosystem.

“The NCS is committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to reduce the time and cost associated with trade operations while ensuring compliance with global best practices, “he said.

Stakeholders present at the meeting ocommended the open door policy of the CAC.

A, Chieftain of ANLCA Mr. Taiwo Oyeniyi appealled to stakeholders to cooperate with the customs boss and make honest declarations to enable him collect maximum revenue.

“When one is asked to come and take over the mantle of leadership at a place, the person will have his own style, the CAC of TCIP is a revenue man and so all he has to do is to collect the maximum revenue that he can collect from those doing businesses here.

“Do not forget that the Customs generated a total of N6.1 Trillion last year an they have been given a target of N12 Trllion to generate this year. To achieve his own target, Comptroller Onyeka has to block all revenue loopholes, but what we are appealing for him to do is that if he sees something going wrong since we know that he is a grass root man, he should let us know.

“On the part of stakeholders, I would advice that if you truly need any kind of help, you should be able to walk up to Comptroller Onyeka and present your matter boldy”.

He added “He was a valuation officer here at TCIP and and he performed creditable well as well as he did at the Onne Command. He is going to do even better here as the CAC and I appeal to all stakeholders to cooperate with him and to make honest declarations. It is not all the persons who engage in the act of goods clearance that is a Customs Licensed Agent, but I would want the CAC to keep going constantly along this channel of dialogue with stakeholders and I pray that he succeeds.”