Comptroller Onyeka Urges Stakeholders to Ensure Full Goods Declaration for Trade Facilitation

Comptroller Onyeka Urges Stakeholders to Ensure Full Goods Declaration for Trade Facilitation

Lagos, Nigeria – The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Tin Can Island Port Command (TCIP), Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has called on stakeholders to ensure full and accurate declaration of goods to enhance trade facilitation and streamline customs operations.

Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting with the executive members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Tin Can Port Chapter, on Wednesday, Comptroller Onyeka emphasized the importance of compliance in fostering efficiency, transparency, and revenue generation.

“Proper declarations are the foundation of an efficient customs process. When stakeholders declare goods correctly, it enables us to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks at the ports, and improve the overall experience for both businesses and consumers,” Onyeka stated.

Enhancing Trade Efficiency and National Revenue

The CAC underscored that accurate documentation of imported goods not only combats illicit trade practices but also reduces delays and boosts national revenue collection. His remarks align with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)'s broader mission to create a transparent, fair, and secure trade environment.

Comptroller Onyeka also reaffirmed NCS’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, urging importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to collaborate in upholding high standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in their transactions.

“We must work together to ensure the declaration process is not only a statutory requirement but also a tool for trade facilitation. By enhancing compliance and promoting transparency, we are building a more robust, resilient, and dynamic trade ecosystem,” he added.

Stakeholders Commend Onyeka’s Open-Door Policy

The interactive session, which lasted over one and a half hours, was well-received by stakeholders, many of whom expressed optimism about the CAC’s leadership approach.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mr. Taiwo Oyeniyi, Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of ANLCA, acknowledged Onyeka’s track record as a revenue-focused officer and his efforts to block revenue leakages at the command.

“Customs generated a total of ₦6.1 trillion last year and has been given a target of ₦12 trillion this year. To achieve his target, Comptroller Onyeka must seal all revenue loopholes,” Oyeniyi noted.

While endorsing the CAC’s commitment to revenue collection, Oyeniyi appealed for continuous dialogue between customs officials and stakeholders. He encouraged importers and agents to comply with customs regulations and approach the CAC directly for assistance when necessary.

“Onyeka is a grassroots officer who performed creditably well at TCIP as a valuation officer and at the Onne Command. I have no doubt he will do even better as CAC. I urge all stakeholders to cooperate with him and ensure honest declarations,” he added.

A Call for Collaboration and Compliance

Stakeholders agreed that continuous engagement with customs authorities is key to improving trade processes. They also stressed the need for NCS to maintain an open-door policy and for all parties to work together to meet national revenue targets while ensuring smooth trade facilitation.

The meeting reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to leveraging technology, stakeholder collaboration, and transparent processes to reduce trade bottlenecks and ensure efficiency at the nation’s ports.