NEWS COMMENTARY:TCIPC RAKES IN ₦1.45 TRILLION IN 11 MONTHS, BAGS TWO CGC AWARDS
NEWS COMMENTARY :TCIPC RAKES IN ₦1.45 TRILLION IN 11 MONTHS, BAGS TWO CGC AWARDS
……as Comptroller Onyeka’s leadership drives record revenue, stronger enforcement
CAC TinCan Customs Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka
By Frank Odinukaeze
The Tin Can Island Port Command (TCIPC) of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded another historic stride, generating a total of ₦1.45 trillion between January and November 2025. This performance, regarded as one of the most impressive in the Service this year, further consolidates the rising profile of Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka and his dedicated team.
Despite the initial hitches experienced during the migration from the NICIS II platform to the Unified Customs Management System, popularly known as the B’Odogwu software, the Command has continued to maintain an upward trajectory in both revenue generation and enforcement activities.
Comptroller speaking during handover of seized drugs to NDLEA,at the command recently
In November alone, the Command posted a revenue of ₦135,210,533,902.89, surpassing the ₦120,196,625,585.37 generated in the same month of 2024. The feat represents the Command’s fourth-highest monthly collection for the year, reinforcing its pivotal role in stabilising national revenue inflows.
In addition to revenue performance, the Command intensified its anti-smuggling operations. In October, officers intercepted a consignment of illicit drugs—including cannabis indica, methamphetamine, and other narcotics—valued at ₦5.304 billion. The substances were expertly concealed in containers but were uncovered through intelligence-driven operations and enhanced profiling.
Comptroller Onyeka has also been credited for strengthening trade facilitation mechanisms through the adoption of modern tools such as the Advance Ruling System and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme. These initiatives, officers say, have contributed significantly to operational efficiency and stakeholder compliance.
Illicit Drugs worth N5.3billion hidden in imported vehicles uncovered by the Tin Can Customs command, recently
The Comptroller-General of Customs Conference held last week further spotlighted the Command’s performance, as Tin Can carted home two major awards: Best in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Special Award in B’Odogwu. The recognitions are seen as a testament to the Command’s commitment to service excellence, community engagement, and innovation.
Stakeholders within the Command attribute much of the progress to Comptroller Onyeka’s leadership style, which prioritizes stakeholder engagement, partnership, and the dismantling of operational bottlenecks. Since assuming office, he has held wide consultations with industry players while simultaneously reinforcing enforcement measures.
“This has been an incredibly record-breaking year despite the challenges associated with the system transition,” one senior officer noted. “The operations have been streamlined, and the forthcoming national single window project scheduled for next January will further simplify processes. Compliance is higher than ever, and those dealing in unCustoms goods no longer find Tin Can a safe route.”
Though not one for lengthy speeches, Comptroller Onyeka has consistently emphasized the Command’s commitment to seamless trade facilitation, economic protection, and robust revenue collection.
As the Command celebrates its latest milestones, industry watchers say the renewed vigour within Tin Can Island Port may usher in stronger checks, improved revenue, and greater contributions to national development in the months ahead.
