Tin can customs urges stakeholders to step up awareness on new policies

…Receives in audience DSS, APFLON officials

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Tincan Island Port, has inspirited stakeholders to broaden their knowledge on the implementation of new policies of the service.

Speaking during a parade last Tuesday, at the command, he expressed confidence that the soon-to-be launched B’Odogwu clearance system in the Command by the Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, will further boost the efficiency of Customs operations stressed the importance of conducting thorough examinations of consignments before their release from the port.

The CAC urged officers to carry out diligent inspections to avoid unnecessary stop-and-search actions upon departure, even as he highlighted the need to prioritize national security in all decisions.

Comptroller Onyeka also played host to the newly deployed Director of State Services Mr. SM Kayode, and the Executive Chairman of Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFLON) Alhaji Akeem Ayibojo and his members who paid familiarisation visits to the Command.

In a release made available by the command’s Public Relations Officer (CPRO), OE Ivara, a Superintendent of Customs, revealed plans to organize capacity-building workshops to enhance the knowledge of both officers and stakeholders on Customs processes.

He commended the workforce for their contributions to the command’s revenue performance in January, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence.

He cautioned officers to maintain professionalism and civility in their interactions with the trading public, warning that any reports of misconduct would not be tolerated.

On the separate visits of DSS and APFLON, the release stated that the Command reaffirmed its commitment to both organizations to collaborate in ensuring smooth port operations and prevention of entry of harmful products.

The Comptroller, while reacting to some of the technical issues raised by APFLON, clarified that the Command is repositioned towards promoting the three core mandates of the Comptroller General of Customs which are to collaborate, consolidate and innovate, towards creating a safe and conducive working environment that will not pose a threat to the Nation and it citizenry.