For his impressive performance as the Area Controller of Tin Can Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and for renovating the 47 years old Tin Can Customs building into an architectural masterpiece with aesthetic beauty, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, has won the admiration of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
The CGC was particularly impressed by the aesthetic beauty of the renovated facility that he described it as an award- winning project
that deserves to be rewarded.
According to him, he did not expect that the building will be renovated to this magnitude of turning it to a magnificent office complex.
CG Adeniyi noted that the building would no doubt enhance productivity and efficiency of officers as they operate in a conducive working environment.
He lauded Compt. Nnadi for having the foresight to renovate the old building and also commended the efforts of the stakeholders who supported the project, adding that the Service is ever ready to partner and collaborate with them.
He reiterated that he made it clear on assumption of duties that one of his policy thrusts would be collaboration.
The CGC maintained that there is strength in complementing one another.
He emphasized that through collaboration, people or organizations can tap into their different areas of strength and optimize the resources they can get for maximum objectives.
“We have seen this work out in several ways in the last one year.
“Our revenue generation is nothing but a product of deliberate collaboration with all our stakeholders.
“Our intelligence gathering is a product of collaboration.
“All our officers in all the commands have created an environment where we collaborate with other agencies of government for more effective results.
“And I am indeed delighted about this .
“What we are seeing today, (renovated building) is also a product of collaboration.
“Our stakeholders are now telling us that they can support us to improve the quality of our workplace and I am very happy about this,” he stated.
The Customs boss recognized the contributions of all the stakeholders to the completion of the project and assured that the Service will continue to encourage such collaborations for the benefit all.
in his opening remarks, Nnadi stated that the renovation marks a significant milestone in the history of the Command.
He said it is a great honor to host the Comptroller General and his team.
He threw light on the significance of the unveiling of the renovated facility, saying that since the inception of the command in 1977, no major renovation has been undertaken to update and modernize the office complex.
“For decades, our officers have worked diligently within the confines of outdated infrastructure, and today, we witness a transformation that will no longer be just a reflection of the past, but a symbol of the future – a future that is modern, efficient, and committed to service excellence.This renovation goes beyond mere aesthetics or upgrading physical infrastructure; it is a clear statement of intent that reinforces the CGC’s policy focus on Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to improving working conditions, enhancing operational efficiency, and providing a conducive environment for our officers and stakeholders alike,” the controller said.
He averred that a well-maintained office complex ensures that they continue to provide exceptional service and achieve greater results in their core functions of revenue generation and trade facilitation.
“It is important to note that our work here at Tin Can Island Port goes beyond infrastructure; we are deeply committed to the economic growth of Nigeria. In 2024, under the leadership and guidance of the Comptroller General of Customs, our Command has made remarkable strides in revenue generation. We are proud to announce that for the first time in history, Tin Can Island Port has generated over ₦1, 1,025,744,318,049.60 (One trillion, One Hundred and Twenty Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty-Four Million, Three Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Forty Nine Naira Sixty Kobo) in revenue—an exceptional feat that highlights the dedication and hard work of our officers.This achievement is a significant leap from the ₦639,665,622,978.55 (Six Hundred and Thirty Nine Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty Five Million, Six Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira, Fifty Five Kobo) collected as at November 2023.”
Nnadi declared that the success recorded in the command’s revenue drive reflects not only the diligence of its officers but also the collaborative efforts with other stakeholders.
“It is a testament to the positive impact of our policies and reforms, and it reaffirms the Service commitment to maximizing revenue collection for the growth of our nation. In addition to our successes in revenue generation, we continue to make significant strides in enforcing compliance and tackling smuggling activities.
“We are all witnesses to the seizure of various quantities of arms, unregulated pharmaceutical and psychotropic substances and other Un-customs goods. Our achievement in this direction further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economic and security interests.
“These seizures not only demonstrate the vigilance and dedication of our officers but also highlight our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s borders. We recognize the importance of preventing the inflow of harmful goods and ensuring that all imported items meet the legal and regulatory standards.I would like to take a moment to congratulate the officers of Tin Can Island Port Command for their unwavering commitment, determination, and excellence. The revenue collected, the seizures made, and the success of this renovation are all outcomes of your hard work and dedication to duty. This renovation is a direct result of your efforts, and I commend you all for your service to the nation.As we celebrate this achievement, I also want to acknowledge the crucial role played by all our stakeholders—importers, clearing agents, shipping companies, and everyone involved in the operations at Tin Can Island Port. I ask for your continued support in maintaining a habitable environment within this complex. A clean, safe, and well-maintained office space is essential for the continued success of our operations, and I urge all stakeholders to respect the rules and guidelines surrounding this complex, so we can sustain the positive atmosphere that this renovation has created.This facility, though newly renovated, is still a work in progress. The work is far from over, and we need your support to ensure that it remains in top condition. By working together, we can maintain the high standards we have set for ourselves and ensure that Tin Can Island Port remains a symbol of excellence in customs administration.I would like to thank the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority and the Port Managers of Tincan Island Port for their support. At this juncture , I wish to most sincerely express my deepest gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, dsm, fnipr, psc(+) and his management for their continuous support to Tin Can Island Port Command. CGC Sir, your leadership, vision, and commitment have provided the guidance and resources necessary for us to reach these significant milestones. Without your support, the achievements we celebrate today would not have been possible.In conclusion, may I kindly remind the officers, stakeholders and all those that will use this facility that we all continue to work together to maintain the standards of excellence we have set and ensure that this newly renovated complex serves as a beacon of progress for years to come,” the controller concluded.