MAJAN Pays Courtesy Visit To Tincan Island Customs Command, Commends Comptroller Onyeka’s Reforms
MAJAN Pays Courtesy Visit To Tincan Island Customs Command, Commends Comptroller Onyeka’s Reforms
By Asuquo Nuwak
•••Plans to leave Tincan port as the best port in Nigeria
The Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), led by its President, Jerry Aguigbo, paid a courtesy visit to the Tincan Island Port Command on Tuesday. The visit aimed to familiarize with the command’s activities and acknowledge the innovative measures introduced by Comptroller Frank O Onyeka.
During the visit, Jerry highlighted the strategic importance of the Tincan Island Port Command in Nigeria’s maritime industry. He commended Comptroller Onyeka for implementing strategies that have yielded positive results within relatively a short period.
Jerry Aguigbo is quoted as stating that: “Since your assumption as the Customs Area Controller, you have taken measures that agents and freight forwarders have been enthusiastic about. We are here to know more about your activities and to familiarize ourselves”.
In his response, Comptroller Frank O Onyeka, expressed commitment to ensuring seamless operations for compliant traders. He emphasized that the command’s goal is to create a friendly environment for businesses, while maintaining compliance with regulations.
Comptroller Onyeka is quoted as saying that: “We are here to make things seamless for people to operate. I want Tin Can Island Port to be the most friendly port in the Federation”.
He also expressed concerns about multiple alerts, explaining that efforts are being made to eliminate redundant alerts and streamline processes. Beside this, Comptroller Onyeka assured that the command is focused on creating a smooth operational experience for all stakeholders.
The Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, DC S.O Aribiyi , and Deputy Comptroller Revenue, DC I.S Ofoegbu, who also spoke during the visit, gave clarifications on the issuance of Authorised Economic Operator certificate to some stakeholders
Deputy Comptroller Aribiyi is quoted as saying that: “Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) is an incentive to encourage compliant traders. Similarly, it is a tool used by World Customs Organization. The AEO is not only used by Nigeria Customs Service, rather it is used as a general practice by Customs in the whole world”.
He said the security agencies, including the police and NDLEA are part of the agencies involved in online profiling of potential beneficiaries of the Authorised Economic Operators.
Deputy Comptroller Aribiyi is quoted as stated that: “The police, Interpol and NDLEA are part of the people that have been profiled, while traders have also been profiled”.
He is also quoted as saying that: “Fears of people undermining the privilege of having the AEO certificate has been addressed.
Fears of traders bringing in offensive goods has also been addressed. Simply because we have people and agencies that have their eyes on them”.
He said as a pilot in Nigeria, we have about six agencies that the customs have profiled and given the incentive called the Authorized Economic Operator.
In his words: “If these six agencies were not compliant, they would not have the approval.
The fears of getting involved in illicit activities have completely been eroded, because they have been properly profiled”.
The officers in attendance at the event included, Assistant Comptroller Enforcement, U B Agomuo, Secretary to the Customs Area Controller, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Oben Ihekuama,
Command Public Relations Officer ,Superintendent of Customs, O.E. lvara, and
Assistant Public Relations Officer ASC,MB.Zubeiru
The visit by MAJAN underscored the collaborative relationship between the media and the maritime sector, highlighting the importance of transparency and effective communication in driving industry growth.
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