Key points
- Tincan Island Port Command generated ₦111.2 billion in revenue in May 2026, driven by improved compliance and operational efficiency.
- Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka Anani, has pledged greater collaboration with the media to enhance transparency and stakeholder engagement.
- The Command plans to introduce training and capacity-building programmes for maritime journalists while expanding technology-driven trade facilitation initiatives.
Main story
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, has generated ₦111.2 billion in revenue for May 2026 and announced plans to strengthen its partnership with the media as part of broader efforts to promote transparency, improve compliance, and enhance trade facilitation at one of the nation’s busiest seaports.
Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Joe Anani, disclosed this during a media parley with maritime journalists held at the Command on Wednesday.
The engagement, according to the CAC, forms part of his administration’s commitment to fostering openness, strengthening stakeholder confidence, and ensuring accurate dissemination of information on the Command’s operations and reforms.
Anani described the media as a critical partner in Customs administration, noting that journalists play a pivotal role in shaping public perception, promoting accountability, and supporting compliance within the maritime sector.
“Your reportage significantly influences public perception of our activities and, by extension, the effectiveness of our mandate. In this regard, I want to clearly state that the press will play a vital role in our administration. You will be fully carried along in our policies, operations, reforms, and achievements,” he said.
The CAC announced plans to institutionalise regular engagement with journalists through structured training programmes, sensitisation workshops, and professional development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of Customs and maritime reporting.
He said the Command remains committed to ensuring timely access to accurate information while maintaining transparency in its operations and interactions with stakeholders.
According to him, the initiative will not only strengthen media relations but also contribute to a better understanding of Customs policies, trade procedures, and ongoing reforms among members of the public.
While calling for stronger collaboration, Anani urged journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical reporting.
“Responsible journalism is critical to maintaining public trust, preventing misinformation, and ensuring that our collective objectives are not undermined by inaccurate or misleading narratives,” he stated.
Highlighting the Command’s performance, the CAC revealed that the ₦111.2 billion revenue generated in May was achieved through enhanced compliance mechanisms, improved operational processes, and the dedication of officers and stakeholders operating within the port environment.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to strict implementation of the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the continued deployment of technology-driven solutions to improve cargo clearance, trade facilitation, and operational efficiency.
The Customs boss expressed confidence that the Command would build on its current achievements, exceed previous performance benchmarks, and continue contributing significantly to national revenue generation and economic growth.
He added that sustained engagement with stakeholders, including the media, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and terminal operators, would remain central to achieving the Command’s strategic objectives.
The issues
As Nigeria seeks to improve trade competitiveness and increase non-oil revenue generation, transparency and stakeholder engagement have become critical components of Customs administration.
Industry stakeholders have consistently advocated stronger collaboration between Customs and the media to improve public understanding of trade policies, reduce misinformation, and promote voluntary compliance.
The adoption of technology-driven systems and implementation of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 are also expected to play a major role in modernising port operations and improving efficiency.
What’s being said
The Tincan Island Port Command says:
Media engagement is essential to transparency and accountability.
Journalists will be carried along in the implementation of policies, reforms, and operational initiatives.
Capacity-building programmes will be introduced to strengthen maritime reporting.
Revenue generation continues to improve due to enhanced compliance and operational efficiency.
Technology remains central to ongoing trade facilitation reforms.
The Command also emphasised the need for responsible journalism to support national economic objectives and strengthen public confidence in Customs operations.
What’s next
The Command is expected to roll out its planned media training and stakeholder engagement initiatives in the coming months.
Customs authorities will also continue implementing technology-driven reforms aimed at simplifying trade processes, enhancing compliance, and improving revenue collection.
Stakeholders will be closely monitoring the Command’s performance as it seeks to surpass its revenue targets and strengthen its role in facilitating legitimate trade.
Bottom line
With ₦111.2 billion generated in a single month, the Tincan Island Port Command is reinforcing its position as a major revenue contributor to the Federal Government. By deepening engagement with the media and advancing technology-driven reforms, the Command aims to strengthen transparency, improve compliance, and create a more efficient trade environment capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic growth agenda.
