MAJAN Pays Courtesy Visit to Tin Can Island Port Command, Commends CAC FO Onyeka’s Reforms

MAJAN Pays Courtesy Visit to Tin Can Island Port Command, Commends CAC FO Onyeka’s Reforms
……I want to leave Tin Can Port as the best Port in Nigeria – Comptroller Onyeka

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), led by its President, Jerry Aguigbo, paid a courtesy visit to the Tin Can Island Port Command on Tuesday. The visit aimed to familiarize with the Command’s activities and acknowledge the innovative measures introduced by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), FO Onyeka.

During the visit, Jerry highlighted the strategic importance of the Tin Can Island Port Command in Nigeria’s maritime industry. He commended CAC Onyeka for implementing strategies that have yielded positive results within a short period. Jerry stated, “Since your assumption as the CAC, you have taken measures that agents and freight forwarders have been enthusiastic about. We are here to know more about your activities and to familiarize ourselves.”

MAjAN. President,Mr.Jerry Aguigbo left ,and CAC TinCan Island Port Command,Comptroller.Frank Onyeka, during the a visit by MAJAN to the Command on Tuesday

In response, CAC FO Onyeka expressed his commitment to ensuring seamless operations for compliant traders. He emphasized that the Command’s goal is to create a friendly environment for businesses while maintaining compliance with regulations. “We are here to make things seamless for people to operate. I want Tin Can Island Port to be the most friendly port in the Federation,” Onyeka said

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Comptroller Frank Onyeka,CAC TinCan Island Port Command 

He also addressed concerns about multiple alerts, explaining that efforts are being made to eliminate redundant alerts and streamline processes. Onyeka assured that the Command is focused on creating a smooth operational experience for all stakeholders.
Speaking also,the Deputy Comptroller Admi,DC S.O Aribiyi ,and Deputy Comptroller Revenue,DC IS Ofoegbu ,but gave clarifications on the issuance of Authorised Economic Operator certificate to some stakeholders
“AEO, like he said, is an incentive, a government incentive. Is an incentive to encourage people that are, or traders that are compliant. It’s a tool, used by World Customs Organization WCO. It’s by World Customs Organization, which means it’s an international-based platform” DC Aribiyi Said.

 Comptroller Onyeka with Senior officers of TinCan Island Port Command,in a group photograph, during MAJAN EXCO visit to the command on Tuesday

He said AEO is not only issued by Nigeria Customs It’s a general practice by Customs in , the whole world.
He said the security agencies , including the police ,the NDLEA ,are all part of the agencies involved online the profiling potential beneficiaries of the AEO
” The police, the Interpol, the NDLEA, they are part of the people profiling you, the people profiling the traders “.DC Aribiyi stated , adding,that fears of people undermining the privilege of having the AEO certificate has been taken care of.
He said,”So your fears of traders bringing in offensive goods, that one is certain. Because we have people, we have agencies that have their eyes on you.

DC  Admin Tin Can Island Port Command S.O.Aribiyi,
“So that fear of bringing in illicit goods, that one is taken care of. And as a pilot, in Nigeria we have about, I think we have about six agencies that the customs have profiled and given that incentive called the Authorized Economic Operator.

DC Revenue,Tin Can Island Port Command,I.S.Ofoegbu

“So if they are not, if these six were not compliant, they wouldn’t have been approved. So the fears of them now getting involved in illicit activities have eroded, because they have been properly profiled”.

L-R DC Admin S.O.Aribiyi,DC Revenue,I.S Ofoegbu and Assistant Comptroller of Customs,U.B Agomuo
Other officers present at the event include, Assistant Comptroller Enforcement,UB Agomuo,Secretary to the Customs Area Controller, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Oben Ihekuama,
Customs Public Relations Officer,Tin Can Island Port Command ,Superintendent of Customs, O.E. lvara,and
Assistant Public Relations Officer ASC,MB.Zubeiru
The visit by MAJAN underscored the collaborative relationship between the media and the maritime sector, highlighting the importance of transparency and effective communication in driving industry growth

A section of MAJAN EXCOS at the visit to Tin Can Island Port Command,on Tuesday