Comptroller Onyeka Emphasizes Thorough Cargo Inspections for National Security
Nifemi Coker
The Controller, Tin Can Island Port Customs Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has emphasized the necessity of thorough inspections of all consignments before their release, noting that proper scrutiny at the port will prevent unnecessary stop-and-search actions after cargoes have been exited.
Onyeka made this submission at a meeting with stakeholders which held at the command on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in furtherance of his resolve to ensure effective Customs operation.
The visiting team include; the newly deployed Director of State Services, Mr. SM Kayode, and the Chairman of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Comrade Akeem Ayibojo, who led members of the Association.
The meeting which centered on strengthening cooperation to prevent the entry of harmful goods into the country also touched on ensuring compliance with Customs regulations.
The APFFLON chairman expressed the Association’s commitment to working closely with Customs to support the recently introduced National Single Window initiative while also seeking clarity on certain operational challenges.
Addressing these concerns, Onyeka stated that the Command is fully aligned with the Comptroller General of Customs’ core policies of collaboration, consolidation, and innovation.
He urged all stakeholders to stay informed on new policies, particularly the soon-to-be-launched B’Odogwu clearance system, which is expected to improve efficiency in goods processing.
Onyeka also assured freight forwarders that procedural fairness remains a priority, encouraging them to report any lapses or irregularities in the system, while maintaining that due diligence in inspections has significantly reduced issues such as multiple alerts during cargo clearance.
He also disclosed future plans to introduce capacity-building workshops aimed at improving the knowledge of both Customs officers and stakeholders on evolving clearance procedures.
While acknowledging challenges such as network downtimes affecting communication, he urged stakeholders to continue on the path of dialogue and engagement with the Service to find lasting solutions.
Stakeholders at the meeting urged the Controller to maintain his open-door policy and ensure that Customs officers continue to engage professionally with industry players. They also called for fair treatment in policy implementation.
Onyeka, in his final remarks, reiterated that maintaining security at the port starts with proper inspections at the point of entry while urging all officers and stakeholders to uphold best practices in cargo handling to safeguard the nation and economy.
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