David Oladimeji
The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has etched its name into the record books with an exceptional revenue performance in the 2025 fiscal year, surpassing its annual target and reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s highest revenue-yielding customs commands.
The Command generated an impressive ₦1.576 trillion against an approved target of ₦1.524 trillion, translating to a surplus of ₦51.84 billion. The landmark achievement was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Frank Onyeka, during a press briefing in Lagos.
Comptroller Onyeka attributed the feat to discipline, professionalism, and collective dedication of officers and men of the Command, stressing that the success was not accidental but the result of deliberate reforms and strict adherence to operational standards.
According to him, improved processes, strengthened internal controls, and a culture of accountability played a decisive role in driving revenue growth, even amid the complexities of port operations and global trade dynamics.
He identified bulk cargo, general merchandise, and used vehicles as major revenue drivers in 2025, noting that these cargo categories account for a significant share of the port’s trade volume. He added that thorough cargo examination and strict compliance with customs regulations ensured accurate valuation and full revenue remittance.
A major focus of the Command during the year, Onyeka explained, was the elimination of revenue leakages and operational bottlenecks. He revealed that long-standing challenges linked to multiple and unnecessary alerts were tackled through streamlined alert management and enhanced coordination among units.
“This approach improved efficiency while maintaining effective customs control,” the CAC said, adding that the reforms shortened clearance timelines, blocked loopholes, and boosted confidence among port users.
He further underscored sustained stakeholder engagement as a critical factor behind the success, noting that importers, licensed customs agents, terminal operators, and shipping companies were regularly engaged to foster transparency and encourage voluntary compliance.
Beyond revenue generation, Comptroller Onyeka reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering enforcement posture, disclosing that intelligence-led operations resulted in notable seizures of prohibited and improperly declared goods during the year.
He emphasized that trade facilitation would never be pursued at the expense of national security, public safety, or economic stability, stressing that enforcement and revenue generation remain mutually reinforcing priorities.
The CAC also clarified that exceeding the revenue target does not imply any relaxation of standards, assuring that officers and men of the Command remain fully mobilized to sustain collections, strengthen compliance, and ensure all revenues due to the Federal Government are duly accounted for.
Comptroller Onyeka expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, psc (+), for his strategic leadership and institutional support, noting that the Tin Can success story aligns with the Service’s broader reform and modernization agenda.
He also commended stakeholders for improved compliance, officers and men for their dedication, and the media for objective reportage, pledging that the Tin Can Island Port Command will continue to consolidate its gains, deepen transparency, and contribute meaningfully to the Federal Government’s fiscal objectives.
