Felix Kumuyi
Compliance, Trade Facilitation & Strategic Engagement Take Centre Stage, As Compt. Anani Talks Tough, Hit the Ground Running at TinCan Customs
Comptroller Joseph Anani, CAC, TinCan Island Port Command, NCS
The Nigeria Customs Service, TinCan Island Port Command is set to run on the path of strategic organisational shift, as the new Sherif in charge of affairs at the command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, another sound and rugged officer of customs, has been talking tough on his resolve to place the command on high pedestal.
The new CAC, Comptroller Joseph Anani, who has since commenced his stewardship of the Command with a series of strategic engagements, inspections, and courtesy visits aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, fostering stakeholder confidence, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration, has been speaking directly into the inroad of his leadership thrusts intensions to consolidate and surpassed efforts so far attained and ensure the command blossomed in its core mandates of revenue collection, anti-smuggling and facilitating of legitimate trade.
As part of his familiarisation tour, according to the content of the Press statement made available to the media by the Public Relations Officer, CSC Oscar Ivara, Comptroller Anani conducted an extensive inspection of Customs formations and terminals within the Command to obtain first-hand knowledge of available facilities, assess officers’ working conditions, and evaluate the overall operational environment. The inspection which signaled his first assignment was aimed at improving workplace standards and ensuring that officers are adequately positioned to deliver on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
In his maiden stakeholder engagement, the Comptroller convened a strategic meeting with major freight forwarding associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), APFLON, and other industry players. During the engagement, he emphasized the importance of compliance, professionalism, and partnership in achieving seamless trade operations.
Comptroller Anani however outlined a blueprint anchored on total compliance with all Customs procedures and extant laws, particularly the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
While calling for higher standards in all port transactions, the CAC warned against any form of indiscipline, misconduct, or practices capable of undermining the integrity of the Service.
“We are setting a new tone anchored on compliance, collaboration, and service excellence. Every stakeholder has a role to play in making Tincan Island Port a model of trade facilitation and operational efficiency.” He said.
As part of the ongoing engagements, the TinCan Area Comptroller also hosted key stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and captains of industry, at a roundtable meeting designed to chart a progressive course for the Command, as he assured them that he operates an open-door policy and pledged to create a conducive environment that supports legitimate trade and economic growth.
On improving the operations lot of the port, Comptroller Anani further urged terminal operators to improve infrastructure within their facilities and create additional operational spaces capable of attracting more vessel traffic, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency at the port.
Giving his full recognition to the importance of collaboration in achieving national security objectives, Comptroller Anani paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western Command), CP Toyin Agbaminoja. During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on issues relating to national security, port operations, and the safety of lives and property.
The Commissioner of Police on his part pledged for the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force through intelligence sharing and operational collaboration.
In a similar move to reinforce the fight against illicit trade and transnational crimes, Comptroller Anani visited the Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Solomon Omotosho. During the visit, both agencies discussed strategies for sustained synergy in combating drug trafficking and the activities of drug peddlers operating within and around the port environment. They emphasized the need for intelligence-driven operations, information sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to prevent the movement of illicit narcotics through the nation’s gateways.
Comptroller Anani expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as the Customs Area Controller of the nation’s premier port command. He pledged to justify the trust by consolidating on existing achievements while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Controller noted that the Command will continue to draw from the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, as guiding principles for enhancing trade facilitation, revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, and national security.
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