Comptroller Anani Initiates Extensive Tour Of Operational Facilities And High Level Engagement Within Tincan Command
By Asuquo Nuwak
Comptroller Anani Initiates Extensive Tour Of Operational Facilities And High Level Engagement Within Tincan Command
••• Emphasizes the importance of compliance, professionalism, partnership in achieving seamless trade operations.
In a move to enhance inter-agency collaboration, the Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, has commenced strategic engagements, inspections, and courtesy visits aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, fostering stakeholder confidence.
Official statement from the command stated that the first phase of the familiarisation tour included 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.
Accordingly, Comptroller Joe Anani, conducted inspection of equipment and personnel readiness, as his first assignment aimed at improving workplace standards and ensuring that officers are adequately positioned to deliver on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
In order to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, Comptroller Joe Anani also 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 stakeholders.
Commenting during the stakeholders engagement, Comptroller Joe Anani took time out to emphasize on importance of compliance, professionalism, partnership in achieving seamless trade operations.
Significantly, Comptroller Anani outlined a blueprint anchored on total compliance with all customs procedures and extant laws, particularly the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
He therefore called for maintenance of higher standards in port transactions and warned against any form of indiscipline, misconduct, or practices capable of undermining the integrity of the Service.
Comptroller Joe Anani ii quoted as saying that: “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”.
In recognising the vital role of key stakeholders, Comptroller Joe Anani, hosted terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and captains of industry, at a roundtable meeting designed to chart a progressive course for the command.
He assured stakeholders of an open-door policy and pledged to create a conducive environment that will support legitimate trade and economic growth.
He further urged terminal operators to improve infrastructure within their facilities, and create additional operational spaces capable of attracting more vessel traffic, thereby enhancing competitiveness and efficiency at the port.
Additionally, in recognizing 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.
Commenting 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.
Still, the Commissioner of Police pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force, through intelligence sharing and operational collaboration.
Similarly, in a 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.
In the same vein, 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.
In short, Comptroller Anani expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as the Customs Area Controller of the nation’s premier port command.
Besides, he pledged to justify the trust by consolidating on existing achievements, while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Furthermore, Comptroller Joe Anani, noted that the command will continue to draw from the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, centered on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, as guiding principles for enhancing trade facilitation, revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, and national security.
About The Author
