The Zone A Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) , O.C Orbih has urged officers of the Tincan Island Port Command (TIPC) to fully adopt the theme of the International Customs Day (ICD) 2025 ” Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity” into their daily delivery of service.
While commemorating the ICD at the Tincan Island Port Command, he stated that the theme aligns with the Comptroller General of Customs ,Bashir Adewale Adeniyi ‘s policy thrusts of Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation.
He affirmed that Zone ‘A’, being the bedrock of the Nigeria Customs Service represents a critical economic gateway for Nigeria, embodying the strategic importance of the Service in connecting the nation with global markets.
Orbih called on leaders and decision makers, to support the Service’s vision as their strategic investment in infrastructure, technological capabilities, and human capital is crucial.
He emphasised that the service’s mission transcends bureaucratic processes as it is the silent architect of national prosperity, the guardians of economic frontiers, and the bridge between Nigeria and the global marketplace.
“Every January 26th, the Nigeria Customs Service joins customs administrations worldwide to mark the International Customs Day, a significant global event that highlights our critical role in national development. This year’s theme, “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” aligns closely with the CGC’s thrusts of Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation.
“Today, we recognize the extraordinary contributions of our outstanding officers and stakeholders who have significantly advanced our Service’s mission and people whose inventiveness have enhanced revenue collection, facilitated trade and protected our national economic interests.
“As we commemorate this day, I urge every customs officer to embrace our theme throughout the entire year. Let us demonstrate our commitment through consistent, professional, and innovative service. We must promote this theme in every of our interactions, processes and decisions that we make. Our collective actions will determine Nigeria’s economic competitiveness globally and national security.
The Area Controller of the Tincan Island Port Command, Frank Onyeka highlighted the strides made by the command and the vision that drives it forward in fulfilling it’s mandate.
He said the Command has adopted innovative approaches to streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance the ease of doing business.
According to Onyeka, through the future deployment of the B’Odogwu [(Nigeria Customs Unified Customs Management System (UCMS)], the command has automated key procedures, ensuring transparency and reducing human intervention.
Comptroller Frank Onyeka added that the Command has prioritized stakeholder engagement as a critical enabler of efficiency and as custodians of the nation’s borders, the security of the Command’s supply chain is non-negotiable.
He recounted that under the banner of the “Tincan Anti-Smuggling Initiative,” the Command has recorded remarkable successes in intercepting contraband goods, countering smuggling, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while announcing that in 2024 alone, the Command surpassed its revenue targets.
The Tincan Island Port Area Controller affirmed that beyond revenue collection, the Command is also focused on promoting sustainability and has translated the challenge of this year’s theme into a comprehensive action plan anchored on three pillars: Capacity Building, Enhanced Collaboration, Accountability and Integrity.
“The integration of advanced technologies such as blockchain, e-Customs platforms, and artificial intelligence has not only enhanced the speed of cargo clearance but also reinforced our commitment to meeting global best practices as seen in the pilot command PTML.
“By fostering partnerships with terminal operators, freight forwarders, Shipping lines and regulatory agencies, we have built a collaborative ecosystem that supports seamless operations. These efforts have contributed to Nigeria’s improved ranking in The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and the Ease of Doing Business assessments.
“Our intelligence-driven risk management systems ensure that we strike a delicate balance between facilitation and control. The adoption of smart border technologies such as non-intrusive inspection scanners, advanced risk profiling tools, and the future application of big data analytics which is a core feature in B’Odogwu has enhanced our ability to intercept illicit trade while promoting legitimate commerce.
“Our role extends beyond managing trade flows; we are key drivers of national development. Customs revenue remains a significant contributor to government coffers, funding critical infrastructure projects and social programs.
“By facilitating trade in environmentally friendly technologies and ensuring compliance with international conventions on hazardous materials, we are contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.” , he said.
