In his concerted efforts to ensure trade facilitation and efficient Customs operations, the Controller of the Tin Can Island Customs Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka has enjoined stakeholders to always declare their goods accurately through the proper channels of collection.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with the Executive members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Tin Can Port Chapter on Wednesday, Comptroller Onyeka emphasised that full and accurate declarations are essential in enhancing the ease of doing business and facilitating smooth trade operations.
According to him, ensuring proper declaration of goods through customs processes does not only help in fostering transparency but also plays a critical role in combating illicit trade practices, reducing delays at the ports Android enhancing national revenue collection.
In his words: “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.”
Comptroller Onyeka called for collaboration with the Customs in maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in their transactions. He reassured the stakeholders 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 controller further assured that Customs 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.
Addressing the press later, the BOT Secretary of ANLCA, Prunce Taiye Oyeniyi, noted that the CAC is a revenue man and so all he has to do is to collect the maximum revenue that he can collect from those doing businesses in the command.
He said that with the ₦12 Trillion target given to the Service to generate this year, Comptroller Onyeka has to block all revenue loopholes to achieve his revenue target for the year.
Oyeniyi appealed to the controller to call the attention of the association if he sees anything going wrong since he is a grassroots man.
He advised stakeholders to be honest in their declaration and be bold to the controller when they need his help.
Oyeniyi commended Comptroller Onyeka for being a valuation officer performed creditable well at Tin Can as well as Onne Commands.
“He is going to do even better here as the CAC and I appeal to all stakeholders to cooperate with him and to make honest declarations. It is not all the persons who engage in the act of goods clearance that is a Customs Licensed Agent, but I would want the CAC to keep going constantly along this channel of dialogue with stakeholders and I pray that he succeeds,” the BOT Secretary stated.