Comptroller Onyeka replaces Nnadi at Tin Can Customs Command
By Uzor Odigbo
The Tin Can Island Port Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has welcomed a new Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Frank Onyeka.
This came in line with the recent promotion of Comptroller Dera Nnadi to the management rank of Assistant Comptroller General.
Comptroller Onyeka holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science; a Masters in Public Administration and has attended other trainings where he obtained several certifications in the Service within and outside the Country.
According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Command NN Okwara, the new Controller has consistently demonstrated remarkable intellect and exceptional courage in every assignment he undertakes.
Before his present deployment as the CAC of Tin Can Command, Onyeka was the officer in charge of the Premier Port Gate, where he worked tirelessly with the out-gone Area Controller in generating the massive trillions the Command has generated.
He also served in Onne Port Area Command Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) gate, where he also saw the FOT gate on top of the chart of transformational innovations, with huge revenue collected and seizures made.
“Whether in the field or at the helm of operations, his dedication to the core mandates of the Comptroller General of Customs stands out.
“He effectively carries out these duties while ensuring alignment with the global best practices. His ability to uphold high standards in the Customs process showcases both his professional expertise and his commitment to improving operations within the service.
“He was the first recipient of the valued addition officer award created by the present Assistant Comptroller General Board; ACG B Imam. Comptroller Onyeka’s enthusiasm and zeal with his professional instincts for trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling feats are unassuming.
“With his deployment to Tincan Island Port, CAC Onyeka will usher in his years of experience and training to uphold the Comptroller General of Customs’ Policy Thrust of Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation.
“He has a unique interpersonal skill yet very strict to trade compliance and laden with innovative ideas to achieve results. His success is puzzling, a workaholic that attracts success at all levels”, the statement read in part.
In his inaugural address, Comptroller Onyeka expressed his commitment to the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management.
He also aligned himself to the exemplary leadership qualities of the out-gone Comptroller, Dera Nnadi in areas of revenue generation, anti-smuggling activities and most importantly the infrastructural transformation of the Command.
The new CAC also emphasised that one of his principles is an all-inclusive principle, as no man has a monopoly of knowledge.
He called on all critical stakeholders, security agencies, freight forwarders, terminal operators and the media to put all hands on deck to ensure that the legacy of the ACG is upheld.
On his part, ACG Nnadi expressed deep gratitude to the officers and men of the Command for their relentless support and urged the officers and the various stakeholders present to give maximum cooperation to the New CAC.
Speaking further, Nnadi announced that the Command has collected a total revenue of N1,226,777,245,874.97, which represents about 86.8 per cent of the 2024 Federal Government revenue target of N1,413,460,064,851.62.
This marks a significant improvement from the N716,478,454 revenue generated in the previous year.
“Our enforcement and anti-smuggling units have worked relentlessly to combat smuggling and other criminal activities. Custom remains the lead agency at the port, conducting numerous 100% physical examinations in collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to trade regulations.
“Notably, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of goods seized at the Tincan Island Port has risen from N1.051, 617,767.00 in 2023 to N4, 505,995,975.00 in 2024, reflecting a remarkable increase of N3, 454,378,208”, he added.
The ACG, on his departure from the Area Command, promised that his office at the headquarters would be open to all who may need his advice on matters that would move the Command and Service forward
