Anani Unveils Compliance, Trade Facilitation Agenda as New Tincan Customs Boss Strengthens Stakeholder Ties
The newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, has begun his tenure with a series of strategic engagements and inspections aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, promoting compliance and deepening collaboration with stakeholders and sister security agencies.
In what marked his first official assignment since assuming office, Comptroller Anani embarked on a comprehensive familiarisation tour of Customs formations and terminals under the command.
The exercise enabled him to assess available facilities, evaluate the operational environment and gain first-hand knowledge of officers’ working conditions.
The inspection, according to the Command, formed part of efforts to improve workplace standards and ensure that personnel are well-positioned to effectively deliver on the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
As part of his early engagements, the Controller convened his maiden meeting with major freight forwarding associations operating within the port, 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, Anani stressed the need for greater professionalism, compliance and collaboration in order to guarantee seamless trade operations and improved efficiency at the nation’s second busiest seaport.
He outlined a policy framework centred on strict adherence to Customs procedures and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, while warning against acts of indiscipline, misconduct and practices capable of undermining the integrity of the Service.
According to him, the Command is determined to establish a culture built on compliance, collaboration and service excellence, noting that all stakeholders have important roles to play in transforming Tincan Island Port into a model of trade facilitation and operational efficiency.
The Customs chief also hosted a roundtable session with terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters and captains of industry, where discussions focused on charting a progressive path for the Command.
He assured stakeholders of an open-door policy and pledged to create a business-friendly environment that would support legitimate trade activities and contribute to economic growth.
Anani further challenged terminal operators to upgrade infrastructure within their facilities and provide additional operational spaces capable of attracting more vessel traffic, thereby boosting the competitiveness and efficiency of the port.
In furtherance of efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and national security, the Customs Area Controller paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police Western Command, CP Toyin Agbaminoja.
During the visit, both officials reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration on issues relating to port operations, national security and the protection of lives and property.
The Police Commissioner assured the Command of the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force through intelligence sharing and operational synergy.
Similarly, Anani visited the Commander of Narcotics of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Solomon Omotosho, to reinforce cooperation in tackling illicit trade and transnational crimes within the port environment.
Both agencies discussed measures aimed at sustaining joint efforts against drug trafficking and the activities of criminal networks operating in and around the nation’s maritime gateways.
They emphasised intelligence-driven operations, information sharing and coordinated enforcement actions as critical tools for preventing the movement of illicit narcotics through the ports.
The Customs Area Controller also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Tincan Island Port Command.
He pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by consolidating on existing achievements while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.
According to Anani, the Command will continue to align its operations with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General, which is anchored on the principles of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
He noted that these guiding principles would continue to drive trade facilitation, revenue generation, stakeholder engagement and national security initiatives, as the Command seeks to strengthen its position as one of the country’s leading maritime trade hubs.
