ACG Onyeka Recounts Successful Achievements, as He Evacuates Office to New Comptroller

By Stella Okocha

Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service have experienced a change in leadership as Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Frank Onyeka hands over mantle of leadership to Comptroller Joe Anani.

The hand over ceremony took place on 22nd of May 2026 at the TinCan Command conference hall, amidst stakeholders, officers, media practitioners and well wishers.

While recounting his experience, ACG Frank Onyeka said his leaving the Command was due to his elevation from Comptroller to Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, hence there is need for higher responsibilities.

“It is with deep gratitude to Almighty God and a profound sense of fulfillment that I come before you today to formally hand over the leadership of Tincan Island Port Command following my elevation to the prestigious rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.

“This moment is both emotional and historic for me. Serving as the Customs Area Controller of this great Command has been one of the greatest honours of my career in the Nigeria Customs Service. The journey has been challenging, rewarding, and highly impactful, made possible by the unwavering support of officers, stakeholders, and the leadership of the Service” he said.

ACG Onyeka also recounts some of the achievements recorded under his leadership, Which includes the generated increase in Revenue of N1,609,874,328,972.55 for the 2025 fiscal year, surpassing its assigned target of N1,524,669,999,478.52.

He added that the Command has collected a total Revenue of N401,011,998, 443.71 for the first quarter of the 2026 fiscal year.

ACG Onyeka highlighted that the achievements were possible through the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of officers and men of this Command. “This achievement was not accidental; it was the product of discipline, intelligence-driven operations, improved compliance strategies, robust stakeholder engagement, and the deployment of modern trade facilitation mechanisms aimed at balancing enforcement with legitimate trade”.

In the area of anti-smuggling and enforcement, he said the Command recorded significant breakthroughs, particularly in the interception and seizure of illicit drugs and other prohibited items with an estimated street value exceeding Thirty-Five Billion Naira.

“These seizures underscore our collective resolve to protect the nation from criminal networks and to safeguard the health, security, and future of our society. Our efforts reinforced the role of the Nigeria Customs Service as a critical national security agency committed to combating transnational organized crime”, he stated.

ACG also Recognized the sustainable success and collaboration, and strengthened partnerships with freight forwarders, terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, government agencies, and the entire trading community.

He noted that these engagements significantly improved mutual understanding, operational efficiency, dispute resolution mechanisms, and overall compliance levels within the port environment.

Onyeka further declared that they invested heavily in human capital development, through facilitation of several capacity-building programmes, workshops, training sessions, and professional development initiatives aimed at improving the competence, efficiency, and morale of officers and men of the Command.

In his words, “I firmly believe that the strength of any institution lies in the quality and preparedness of its personnel, and I am proud of the strides we made in this regard”.

He acknowledged the support of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), who’s humanitarian and family-oriented programmes continue to positively impact the welfare of officers’ families and the larger community.

ACG Onyeka expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and Chairman of the World Customs Organization Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD psc (+), for his visionary leadership, confidence in his abilities, and unwavering support throughout his tenure and the opportunity given to him to serve in this strategic Command.

He added that his transformational leadership philosophy has continued to reposition the Nigeria Customs Service for greater efficiency, professionalism, transparency, and national relevance.

ACG extends heartfelt appreciation to the management team, officers and men of Tincan Island Port Command, for their loyalty, professionalism, wise counsel, and tireless contributions. “Your cooperation made governance easier and enabled us to achieve our collective goals. Every success recorded during this period was the product of teamwork and shared commitment”.

As he hands over the leadership mandate to Compt Joe Anani, he respectfully appeal to all stakeholders, officers, partner agencies, and members of the trading community to extend to him the same cooperation, support, and goodwill accorded to him during his tenure. “Continuity, unity, and collective support are essential for sustaining and surpassing the achievements already recorded by this Command”.

While delivering his speech, Compt Joe Anani stated that it was with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility for him as he assume duty as the Area Controller of such prestigious command.

“First, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, psc(+), and the Management of the Nigeria Customs Service for finding me worthy of this deployment to Tin Can Island Port Area Command. I recognize the strategic importance of this command to national revenue, trade, and security, and I accept this responsibility with humility and commitment”.

Compt Joe also commended ACG Onyeka for the giant strides recorded during his tenure; adding that under his leadership, the command witnessed significant progress in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling activities.

“These achievements have raised the bar and strengthened the reputation of Tin Can Island Port as a critical gateway for legitimate trade. I pledge to consolidate on these gains and build a command that is even more efficient, transparent, and results-oriented”, he added.

Anani chargers all officers to adhere strictly to the extant laws, guidelines, and Standard Operating Procedures in the discharge of your duties. Professionalism, integrity, and discipline must remain the hallmark of our conduct.

“We will not tolerate compromise, inefficiency, or acts that undermine the Service and the nation. Let me remind you that this command is home to me. I have spent a substantial part of my career here, and I understand its operations, its challenges, and its potentials. I return not as a stranger, but as one of you, committed to working side by side to uphold the mandate of the Service”.

The new boss also requested for the continued synergy and collaboration of all sister agencies operating within the command. National security and trade facilitation shared responsibilities through mutual respect, timely information sharing, and joint action, so as to secure the borders and facilitate legitimate trade.

“To our esteemed stakeholders, I urge you to ensure full compliance in all your transactions. Prompt and accurate declaration, payment of duties, and adherence to trade procedures which are essential for smooth operations and national growth. The command will reward compliance and deal decisively with infractions.

“Finally, I reassure everyone here that my administration will operate an open-door policy. My office will be accessible to officers, stakeholders, and partners who seek constructive engagement. Together, we will sustain the progress made and position TinCan Island Port Area Command as a benchmark for excellence within the Nigeria Customs Service”, he concluded.