By Olubunmi ISIOPKHE, Lagos
The Comptroller General of Customs, Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has charged officers and men to rededicate and put in more efforts in productivity and efficient service delivery towards remarkable legacy for posterity.
The Customs boss disclosed this information at the Commissioning of the remodeled and refurbished Tin Can Island Customs Command under the stewardship of the unassuming and results driven Area controller, Compt. Dera Nnadi mni,
Adeniyi added, ” Hard Work and unalloyed commitment to efficient service delivery pays and speaks volume on ones integrity and credibility. ”
However, he called on officers and men to embrace good conduct and collaboration as a veritable tool to achieve national goal and security in accordance with the renewed hope Mantra of the President Bola Tinubu.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, CAC, Compt. Dera Nnadi mni, said, “We gather here today to witness the commissioning of the newly renovated office complex of the Tin Can Island Port Command. This renovation marks a significant milestone in the history of our Command, and it is a great honor to host the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, dsm, fnipr, psc(+) and his team here today.”
He added, “As we celebrate the unveiling of this renovated facility, we must recognize the historical context of this transformation. Since the inception of this Command in 1977, no major renovation has been undertaken to update and modernize the office complex. For decades, our officers have worked diligently within the confines of outdated infrastructure, and today, we witness a transformation that will no longer be just a reflection of the past, but a symbol of the future – a future that is modern, efficient, and committed to service excellence.”
His words: “This renovation goes beyond mere aesthetics or upgrading physical infrastructure; it is a clear statement of intent that reinforces the CGC’s policy focus on Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to improving working conditions, enhancing operational efficiency, and providing a conducive environment for our officers and stakeholders alike. A well-maintained office complex ensures that we continue to provide exceptional service and achieve greater results in our core functions of revenue generation and trade facilitation.”
However, the CAC posited, “It is important to note that our work here at Tin Can Island Port goes beyond infrastructure; we are deeply committed to the economic growth of Nigeria. In 2024, under the leadership and guidance of the Comptroller General of Customs, our Command has made remarkable strides in revenue generation. We are proud to announce that for the first time in history, Tincan Island Port has generated over ₦1, 125,744,318,049.60 (One trillion, One Hundred and Twenty Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty-Four Million, Three Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Forty Nine Naira Sixty Kobo) in revenue—an exceptional feat that highlights the dedication and hard work of our officers.”
“This achievement is a significant leap from the ₦639,665,622,978.55 (Six Hundred and Thirty Nine Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty Five Million, Six Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira, Fifty Five Kobo) collected as at November 2023. The success recorded in our revenue drive reflects not only the diligence of our officers but also the collaborative efforts with other stakeholders. It is a testament to the positive impact of our policies and reforms, and it reaffirms the Service commitment to maximizing revenue collection for the growth of our nation.”
In addition, the CAC opined, “To our successes in revenue generation, we continue to make significant strides in enforcing compliance and tackling smuggling activities. We are all witness to the seizure of various quantities of arms, unregulated pharmaceutical and psychotropic substances and other Un-customs goods. Our achievement in this direction further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economic and security interests. These seizures not only demonstrate the vigilance and dedication of our officers but also highlight our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s borders. We recognize the importance of preventing the inflow of harmful goods and ensuring that all imported items meet the legal and regulatory standards.”
In appreciation, the CAC congratulated the officers and men of Tin Can Island Port Command for their unwavering commitment, determination, and excellence. On revenue collection, the seizures made, and the success of this renovation are all outcomes of the hard work and dedication to duty.
His words: “This renovation is a direct result of your efforts, and I commend you all for your service to the nation.
As we celebrate this achievement, I also want to acknowledge the crucial role played by all our stakeholders—importers, clearing agents, shipping companies, and everyone involved in the operations at Tin Can Island Port. I ask for your continued support in maintaining a habitable environment within this complex. A clean, safe, and well-maintained office space is essential for the continued success of our operations, and I urge all stakeholders to respect the rules and guidelines surrounding this complex, so we can sustain the positive atmosphere that this renovation has created.”
Compt. Dera Nnadi mni, reiterated, “This facility, though newly renovated, is still a work in progress. The work is far from over, and we need your support to ensure that it remains in top condition. By working together, we can maintain the high standards we have set for ourselves and ensure that Tin Can Island Port remains a symbol of excellence in customs administration.”
In addition, the CAC thanked the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority and the Port Managers of Tincan Island Port for their support. And sincerely express his deepest gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, dsm, fnipr, psc(+) and his management for their continuous support to Tin Can Island Port Command.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner of Police, Western Ports, CP Ibrahim Maikaba, said, ” We commend the visible massive reforms and revenue generation by the Nigeria Customs Service under the proactive leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs. Also the robust and cordial relationship built with sister security agencies aimed to achieve national safety and security. ”
However, the Commissioner of Police reassured the continued collaboration and synergy with the Nigeria Customs Service and called on all critical stakeholders at the ports to close ranks for excellent results on fiscal policy compliance.
