Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command (TCIP), has urged stakeholders to always accurately declare their goods through the appropriate channels of collection in an effort to improve stakeholder engagement with an eye towards trade facilitation and to ensure that there are efficient Customs operations.
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Comptroller Onyeka stressed the importance of complete and accurate declarations in improving the ease of doing business and enabling seamless trade operations during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Executives members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANALCA) Tincan Port Chapter on Wednesday. In addition to promoting transparency, the CAC pointed out that accurate declaration of products through customs procedures is essential for thwarting illegal trade, cutting down on port delays, and improving national revenue collection.
“An effective customs procedure is built on proper declarations. Comptroller Onyeka stated, “When stakeholders accurately declare goods, it allows us to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks at the ports, and improve the overall experience for both businesses and consumers.” The NCS is making the appeal as part of its continuous efforts to improve ties with stakeholders in a number of industries, including as importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and customs brokers.
Additionally, it aligns with the NCS’s overarching goal of establishing a safe, equitable, and transparent environment for global trade. Comptoroller Onyeka also called on all parties involved to work together with the NCS to uphold the highest values of honesty, openness, and professionalism in their dealings. He gave everyone the assurance that the NCS is dedicated to ongoing capacity building and the use of technologically advanced solutions that would facilitate and improve commerce.
“We need to cooperate to make sure the declaration procedure serves as an instrument for trade facilitation as well as a legal necessity. We are creating a more robust, resilient, and dynamic trade ecosystem by improving compliance and encouraging openness,” he continued. In order to minimise the time and expense involved in trade operations while maintaining adherence to international best standards, the NCS is dedicated to collaborating with all pertinent parties. During the more than one and a half-hour-long meeting, some Association members were beaming with joy as they praised the CAC’s open door policy.
The association’s secretary for the board of trustees (BOT), Mr. Taiwo Oyeniyi, addressed the reporters present at the conclusion of the meeting. “When someone is appointed to take over the leadership role at a place, they will have their own style,” he added. “The CAC of TCIP is a revenue man, therefore his only responsibility is to collect as much money as possible from those conducting business here. Remember that last year, Customs generated ₦6.1 trillion, and this year, they have been assigned a target of ₦12 trillion.
Comptroller Onyeka must close all revenue loopholes in order to meet his personal goal, but since he is a grassroots figure, we are pleading with him to notify us if he notices something amiss. In my opinion, stakeholders should be free to approach Comptroller Onyeka and boldly make their case if they genuinely need assistance. He continued by saying, “He was a valuation officer at TCIP and worked creditably well, just like he did at the Onne Command.
As the CAC and I urge all parties involved to work with him and make truthful statements, he will perform even better here. Although not everyone involved in the clearance of goods is a Customs Licensed Agent, I would like the CAC to continue this line of communication with stakeholders at all times, and I hope he is successful.” Finally, Mr. Oyeniyi said.
