Comptroller Onyeka Urges Stakeholders to Enhance Trade by Ensuring Full Declaration of Goods

 

By journalist Cabal News 

 

In a continued effort to improve stakeholder engagement and enhance trade facilitation, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command (TCIP), has called on stakeholders to declare their goods accurately through proper channels.

 

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with the Executive members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Tincan Port Chapter on Wednesday, Comptroller Onyeka emphasized the importance of full and accurate declarations for enhancing the ease of doing business and facilitating smooth trade operations.

 

Comptroller Onyeka noted that ensuring proper declaration of goods not only fosters 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,” said Comptroller Onyeka.

 

This call is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to strengthen relationships with stakeholders across various sectors, including importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and customs brokers. It aligns with the NCS’s broader mission to create a transparent, fair, and secure environment for international trade.

 

Comptroller 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,” he added.

 

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.

 

The meeting, which lasted over one and a half hours, saw members of the association commend the open-door policy of the CAC.

 

At the end of the meeting, the Board of Trustees (BOT) Secretary of the association, Mr. Taiwo Oyeniyi, spoke to journalists present. He said, “When one is asked to 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 collect the maximum revenue from those doing business here.

 

“Do not forget that Customs generated a total of ₦6.1 trillion last year and have been given a target of ₦12 trillion to generate this year.

 

To achieve his 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 grassroots man, he should let us know. On the part of stakeholders, I would advise that if you truly need any kind of help, you should be able to walk up to Comptroller Onyeka and present your matter boldly.”

 

He added, “He was a valuation officer here at TCIP and performed creditably 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 make honest declarations. Not all persons who engage in goods clearance are Customs Licensed Agents, but I would want the CAC to continue this dialogue with stakeholders, and I pray that he succeeds.”

 

Mr. Oyeniyi concluded with encouragement and optimism for the future.