Comptroller Anani Unveils Compliance, Trade Facilitation Agenda at Tincan Island Port Command

Comptroller Anani Unveils Compliance, Trade Facilitation Agenda at Tincan Island Port Command

LAGOS, Nigeria – The newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, has begun his tenure with a series of strategic engagements, inspections, and stakeholder consultations aimed at strengthening compliance, enhancing trade facilitation, and deepening inter-agency collaboration at one of Nigeria's busiest seaports.

The newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, has commenced his administration with a robust agenda focused on compliance, operational efficiency, trade facilitation, and strategic partnerships.

As part of his familiarisation tour, Comptroller Anani undertook extensive inspections of Customs formations and terminals under the Command. The exercise provided him with first-hand knowledge of operational facilities, officers' working conditions, and the overall operational environment within the port.

The inspection, which marked one of his first official assignments, was designed to identify areas requiring improvement, enhance workplace standards, and ensure officers are adequately equipped to deliver on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

In a move to strengthen stakeholder relations, the Controller held his maiden engagement with major freight forwarding associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), APFLON, and other industry stakeholders.

During the meeting, Comptroller Anani stressed the importance of compliance, professionalism, and collaboration in achieving seamless trade operations. He outlined a strategic blueprint anchored on strict adherence to Customs procedures and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

He also called for improved standards across all port transactions and warned against acts of indiscipline, misconduct, and practices capable of undermining the integrity of the Service.

“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,” he stated.

The Customs boss also hosted terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and captains of industry at a roundtable meeting aimed at charting a progressive course for the Command. He assured stakeholders of an open-door policy and pledged to foster a business-friendly environment that supports legitimate trade and contributes to national economic growth.

As part of efforts to improve port competitiveness, Comptroller Anani urged terminal operators to upgrade infrastructure within their facilities and create additional operational spaces capable of attracting increased vessel traffic.

Recognising the importance of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding national security, the Controller paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western Command), CP Toyin Agbaminoja. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on security matters, port operations, and the protection of lives and property within the port environment.

The Commissioner of Police pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force through intelligence sharing and joint operational initiatives.

In a similar effort to combat illicit trade and transnational crimes, Comptroller Anani visited the Commander of Narcotics of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Solomon Omotosho. Discussions centred on strategies for enhancing cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and related criminal activities within and around the port.

Both agencies emphasized the need for intelligence-driven operations, effective information sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to prevent the movement of illicit narcotics through the nation's ports.

Comptroller Anani also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as Customs Area Controller of the Tincan Island Port Command.

He pledged to build on existing achievements while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.

According to the Controller, the Command will continue to align its operations with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, anchored on the pillars of Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation, to strengthen trade facilitation, revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, and national security.