Comptroller Anani urges terminal operators to improve infrastructure for more vessel traffic

The Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Anani Comptroller Anani has urged terminal operators to improve infrastructure within their facilities and create additional operational spaces capable of attracting more vessel traffic, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency at the port.

Comptroller Joe Anani made this call when he hosted key stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and captains of industry, with a view to chart a progressive course for the command.

Anani assured the terminal operators and shipping lines of an open-door policy and pledged to create a conducive environment that supports legitimate trade and economic growth.

At another strategic engagement with major freight forwarding associations, the Controller rolled a blueprint anchored on total compliance with all Customs procedures and extant laws, particularly the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

He called for higher standards in all port transactions and warned against any form of indiscipline, misconduct, or practices capable of undermining the integrity of the Service.

During the engagement, he emphasized the importance of compliance, professionalism, and partnership in achieving seamless trade operations.

According to him, “We are setting a new tone anchored on compliance, collaboration, and service excellence. Every stakeholder has a role to play in making Tincan Island Port a model of trade facilitation and operational efficiency.”

The freight forwarding associations at the engagement were the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, and African Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria,

Moving on, the Customs Area Controller carried out an extensive inspection of all Customs formations and terminals within the command to obtain first-hand knowledge of available facilities, assess officers’ working conditions, and evaluate the overall operational environment.

The inspection signaled his first assignment aimed at improving workplace standards and ensuring that officers are adequately positioned to deliver on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Recognizing the importance of collaboration in achieving national security objectives, Comptroller Anani paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western Command), CP Toyin Agbaminoja. During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on issues relating to national security, port operations, and the safety of lives and property. The Commissioner of Police pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force through intelligence sharing and operational collaboration.

In a similar move to reinforce the fight against illicit trade and transnational crimes, Comptroller Anani visited the Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Solomon Omotosho. During the visit, both agencies discussed strategies for sustained synergy in combating drug trafficking and the activities of drug peddlers operating within and around the port environment. They emphasized the need for intelligence-driven operations, information sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to prevent the movement of illicit narcotics through the nation’s gateways.

Comptroller Anani expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as the Customs Area Controller of the nation’s premier port command. He pledged to justify the trust by consolidating on existing achievements while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The Controller noted that the Command will continue to draw from the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, as guiding principles for enhancing trade facilitation, revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, and national security.