TCIP Gets New Customs Boss as Anani Takes Over from ACG Onyeka, Pledges Higher Standards

TCIP Gets New Customs Boss as Anani Takes Over from ACG Onyeka, Pledges Higher Standards

The leadership of the Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service changed hands on Friday, May 22, 2026, as newly promoted Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, officially handed over the mantle of leadership to Comptroller Joseph Anani.

The ceremony, held at the Command’s conference room, attracted officers, stakeholders, and industry players who paid glowing tributes to the outgoing Customs Area Controller, ACG Onyeka, for his achievements during his tenure.

In his farewell address, Onyeka urged officers and stakeholders to extend the same level of cooperation and support given to him to his successor, stressing the importance of continuity in service delivery and operational efficiency.

Highlighting the Command’s performance under his leadership, Onyeka disclosed that the Tin Can Island Port Command generated a total revenue of ₦1.609 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, surpassing its target of ₦1.524 trillion. He added that the Command also realised over ₦401 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2026.

According to him, the achievements recorded by the Command were driven by discipline, professionalism, intelligence-led operations, improved compliance strategies, robust stakeholder engagement, and modern trade facilitation mechanisms.

He also noted that the Command recorded major anti-smuggling breakthroughs, including the interception and seizure of illicit drugs and prohibited items with an estimated street value exceeding ₦35 billion.

“These achievements were not accidental. They were products of dedication, professionalism, and commitment by officers and men of the Command,” Onyeka stated.

Describing his tenure at Tin Can Island Port as one of the most challenging in his career, the newly elevated ACG expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and officers of the Command for their unwavering support.

Several stakeholders and officers who spoke during the ceremony commended Onyeka’s leadership style, describing him as diligent, intelligent, and open-minded in handling the affairs of the Command.

In his acceptance speech, the new Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joseph Anani, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading one of the country’s most strategic port commands.

“I recognise the importance of this Command to national revenue, trade, and security. I accept this responsibility with humility and commitment,” Anani said.

He praised his predecessor for raising operational standards at the Command, particularly in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.

“Under the leadership of ACG Onyeka, the Command witnessed significant progress in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling activities. These achievements have raised the bar and positioned the Tin Can Island Port Command as a critical gateway for legitimate trade,” he stated.

Anani pledged to build a more efficient, transparent, and result-oriented Command while charging officers to uphold professionalism, discipline, and strict adherence to operational guidelines.

“We will not tolerate compromise, inefficiency, or any act capable of undermining the Service and national interest,” he warned.

He also called for sustained collaboration with sister security and government agencies operating within the Command, noting that national security and trade facilitation remain shared responsibilities.

The ceremony ended with renewed optimism among stakeholders and officers that the new Customs Area Controller would consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor and further strengthen operations at the Tin Can Island Port Command.