Maritime Agencies
Sustained High Revenue: Tincan Customs Command Under Comptroller Onyeka A Test Case.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
On a particular Tuesday, late August, the Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service generated a mouth-watering revenue of N16.4 billion. To industry observers, this is a monumental feat in revenue collection, the first of its kind in the annals of the Command.
For Comptroller Frank Onyeka who took over the headship of the Command about a year ago, this achievement in revenue generation on a particular day is significant . It is more than a numerical victory. This he attributed to “the game-changing role of technology and teamwork in modernising port operations.”
On the possibility of surpassing his predecessor’s attainment in this regard, Comptroller Onyeka quickly referred to God’s grace and the willingness of stakeholders who are showing increasing commitment to collaborate. This is even as many wonder if the bar could get higher for revenue generation, trade facilitation following the massive infrastructure restructuring at the Command under the erstwhile Customs Area Controller, now DCG Deraa Nnadi.
Particualar mention must be made of the “technology” being referred to here which is the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) also known as B’Odogwu, a platform that has been quietly revolutionising how cargo is cleared at Nigeria’s busiest ports for maximum benefit.
A COMMAND ON THE RISE
Revenue generation has always been the barometer of Customs’ performance. Under Onyeka’s watch, Tincan Island Port Command has not just hit targets, it has smashed them.
In the first half of 2025, the Command raked in N747.08 billion, nearly 30 percent higher than the N575.36 billion it collected during the same period in 2024. In fact, by June, the Command had already achieved 98 percent of its expected target for half of the year.
Month after month, the figures told the same story of growth. January brought in N116.4 billion, February crossed N103 billion, and by April, collections peaked at N145 billion. Each number stood not just as a financial tally but as evidence of operational efficiency and an increasingly transparent revenue ecosystem.
Civil society networks and trade analysts are quick to applaud the surge. A coalition of civil society groups even issued a statement crediting the Customs leadership’s reforms for “closing leakages, boosting transparency and aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
THE B’ODOGWU EFFECT
At the heart of this transformation lies B’Odogwu, the new digital backbone of port operations. Rolled out earlier this year, the system integrates all Customs processes into one seamless interface. For freight forwarders and licensed Customs agents, it has meant fewer bottlenecks, faster payments, and real-time clearance.
“Before now, delays and system downtime were routine frustrations. Today, B’Odogwu has given us speed, predictability, and accuracy,” Onyeka told journalists during one of his regular press briefings.
In just six months, more than 3,400 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) were filed under the new system. To ensure a smooth transition, the Command organised a series of online and in-person trainings for stakeholders—from terminal operators to shipping companies.
The results are tangible. Importers now move cargo with fewer delays, and Customs can track shipments more accurately, reducing the scope for under-declaration or fraud.
GUARDING THE BORDERS
Comptroller Onyeka’s success story is not only about revenue. It is also about enforcement. In the first half of the year, Tin Can Command recorded several high-profile anti-smuggling breakthroughs.
Two containers were intercepted carrying illicit drugs worth more than N8 billion, including cannabis indica and crystal methamphetamine, collectively weighing over a metric tonne. The contraband was promptly handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In another operation, a 40-foot container supposedly loaded with used cars concealed a cache of weapons: pistols, live ammunition, blank rounds, empty magazines, and handcuffs. The discovery, made possible through a mix of physical inspection and non-intrusive scanning, underscored the Command’s vigilance. The arms, along with the implicated consignee and declarant, were handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).
“These seizures remind us that Customs is not just about trade and revenue. It is about security—about protecting the nation and its people from threats at the borders,” Onyeka stressed.
DIALOGUE AND TRUST
Central to Onyeka’s administration is stakeholder engagement. Recognising that ports function is an ecosystem, he has prioritised inclusive dialogue with terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders and government agencies.
Regular interactive forum with captains of industry have created space for candid conversations on operational challenges and reforms. Feedback is actively sought, ensuring that policy changes are not imposed but co-created with those they affect.
The Command has also made media transparency a hallmark of its operations. Journalists are frequently briefed, and press forums organised, keeping the public informed about both successes and challenges. For port users long accustomed to opacity, this openness is a refreshing change.
LEADERSHIP AND INSPIRATION
While Comptroller Onyeka’s name has become synonymous with efficiency at Tin Can Command, he is quick to defer credit to his boss, Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who was recently elected Chairman of the World Customs Organisation Council. Describing the victory as “divine,” Onyeka praised Adeniyi’s leadership, reforms, and unwavering support, which he said provided the foundation for Tin Can’s successes.
He has also repeatedly reminded his officers that the Command’s achievements are a product of their professionalism and bravery. “Our strength lies in the competence of our men and women,” he said. “We must remain vigilant, committed, and innovative.”
LOOKING AHEAD
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen non-oil revenue, the performance at Tincan Island Port offers a glimpse of what is possible. With technology like B’Odogwu redefining trade facilitation, robust enforcement keeping smugglers in check, and a leadership style that prizes collaboration, Tin Can is fast becoming a model for Customs operations nationwide.
Yet, for Onyeka, the numbers and headlines are not the end goal. “Revenue is important, but our real mandate is broader: to facilitate trade, safeguard our borders, and create a port environment that supports Nigeria’s economic growth,” he posited.
In a sector long dogged by inefficiency and opacity, that vision feels both ambitious and necessary. If recent achievements are anything to go by, Tin Can Island Customs Command may well be setting the pace for a bold new era in Nigeria’s maritime trade.
Maritime Agencies
NSW: Stakeholders Fear Success With Weak Commitment by Drivers and Lack of Reforms by Government.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As lack of a strong political will, inter-agency coordination and full digital preparedness stare the National Single Window (NSW) in the face, implementing the ambitious trade reform policy is bound to fail as is the case with similar programmes hurriedly put in place with inadequate preparations .
Stakeholders at a one-day seminar organized in Lagos by Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) and Hynek Media, expressed deep concerns in this regard, thus, supporting the avalanche of opposition to what many industry players say is a good policy that ought to have been properly planned before unveiling last month.
The absence of Mr Tola Fakolade, the NSW Director and his team, attendees regretted, robbed the key NSW driver opportunity to participate in robust discussions on this trade regime, apparently lending credence to fears of failure already hanging in the air. While the Nigeria Customs Service, freight forwarders, maritime journalists, Truck Transit Park officials, and other industry players attended to discuss the theme “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure,” the NSW key driver, Mr Fakolade, was visibly absent. Not even a team member was available to stand in for him!
However, participants acknowledged the transformative potentials of the NSW. In his goodwill message, Otumba Frank Ogunojemite, National President, APFFLON, represented by Alhaji Akeem Ayobiojo, Tincan Port chapter Chairman of the group, said NSW is a future legacy for Nigeria. His concern, however, is “how do we guarantee the success going by how businesses run in Nigeria, with vices and efforts to sabotage good and laudable programmes of government?
Speaking for other freight forwarders and customs agents, Ayobiojo quickly recalled current difficulties in uploading NAFDAC, SONCAP certificates and other documents to the NSW portal. There are delays, demurrages and other challenges, he said, acknowledging these as an index of ill-preparation and wobbling attempts to introduce a new system. He deeply regretted the absence of the NSW team at the event to throw more light and make clarifications on the waivers promised, among others.
Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) made an impressive attendance at the event. Speaking on behalf of the National Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs J.D. Tomo, Public Relations Officer, Lagos Area Industrial Command, said the NSW is at the elementary stage of implementation. Certain modalities in this regard, she explained, are still being worked out. All agencies are to be on one page to facilitate trade, reduce time wastage while carrying everybody along. NSW, she assured, is neither depriving the Customs of her traditional role in trade facilitation nor duplicating the B’Odogwu customs regime. Rather, NCS embraces NSW to make her job easier.
The Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) represented by Okechukwu Nwankwo, Head of Lagos Area office said the NSW is a new system Nigerians should give time to play out and mature. Much as the CRFFN is fully integrated on the NSW, as professionals, freight forwarders, he advised, must have professional licences before integrating into the NSW.
In its intervention, the TTP team led by Joseph Alo expressed concerns that whenever technology is introduced to improve existing systems, beneficiaries from the old order must designed methods to torpedo it to their selfish advantage. He said there have been constant engagement and interactions on ways to overcome initial glitches. “We’re looking at doing things differently to improve the system in the port industry,” he explained.
Delivering the lead paper on “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure”, Dr Segun Musa, Managing Director/CEO, Global Transport Policy Ltd, said that an effective Single Window system must incorporate fast-track arbitration and appeal processes. Citing the International Chamber of Commerce, he noted that clear dispute resolution mechanisms can reduce trade disruptions by up to 40 per cent.
On enforcement, Musa referenced OECD studies indicating that effective compliance measures—supported by real-time risk engines, audits, and penalties for false declarations—can raise compliance levels by as much as 50 per cent.
Speaking through Mr. Mark Oluchi, Dr harped on the need for data-driven insights. He explained that data generated from shipments, tariffs, and processing timelines can help detect revenue leakages, guide infrastructure investments, and identify suspicious cargo patterns linked to smuggling.
He stressed the need for a true “one-stop shop” model where all trade documents are submitted once through a unified platform, eliminating duplication and delays, while also calling for strong private sector collaboration to ensure efficiency.
“Launching Nigeria’s National Single Window is not merely a technical upgrade; it is a strategic overhaul of our trade ecosystem. If we get these fundamentals right, the rewards will be transformative—more jobs, increased investment, and greater economic prosperity. The time to act is now.”
All in all, the attendees insisted on efficiency because an efficient system stands to reduce trade transaction costs by up to 25 per cent, increase government revenue by 20 per cent, boost exports by 15 per cent, and attract about 10 per cent more foreign direct investment (FDI).
They expressed strong fears, however, that Nigeria’s history of failed reforms often caused by weak coordination, institutional rivalry, and poor infrastructure stand to undermine the success of the NSW if adequate safeguards are not put on ground. Nigeria must learn from failed efforts.
Maritime Agencies
Dantsoho, NPA MD, Attributes Maritime Sector Transformation to Reforms and Minister’s Leadership Style.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has fingered Federal Government’s reforms and the leadership style of the Marine and Blue Economy Minister, Adegboyega as reasons for the huge transformation going on in the maritime industry.
This is even as investors are being assured of Nigeria’s capacity to dominate Africa’s blue economy with ongoing federal government reforms and increased private sector participation which are critical drivers of transformation in the maritime sector.
Dantsoho gave the assurance while speaking at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, where he stressed that Nigeria’s port system would play a pivotal role in unlocking strategic investments and accelerating economic growth.
He noted that the country must urgently refocus its economic priorities towards fully harnessing its vast marine resources in line with global sustainability goals.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources. Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” Dantsoho said.
The NPA boss explained that Nigeria’s strategic location, large population and economic strength position it to become a maritime hub for West Africa, comparable to global leaders such as Singapore and Morocco.
“By virtue of our strategic location, market size and economic strength, Nigeria is well-positioned to function as the maritime hub for West Africa,” he added.
Despite these advantages, Dantsoho expressed concern that Nigeria currently handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in the region, even though it accounts for over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP.
“It is worrisome that Nigeria, despite controlling over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP, handles only about 25 per cent of the region’s cargo traffic. This clearly shows that we have not fully optimised our potential,” he said.
He, however, assured investors that the tide is turning, as the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is implementing far-reaching reforms to reposition the sector.
According to him, key initiatives include port modernisation, deployment of a Trade Single Window, implementation of a Port Community System, development of deep seaports and full digitalisation of port operations.
“We are implementing key strategic initiatives such as port modernisation, trade single window, port community system, deep seaport development and full digitalisation to reposition our ports for global competitiveness,” he stated.
Dantsoho emphasised that private sector funding remains central to achieving these goals, noting that the NPA is actively encouraging project financing to bridge infrastructure gaps and improve efficiency.
“We are open to private sector participation through project financing. This approach is already improving efficiency and providing access to funding for critical infrastructure,” he said.
He added that the reforms are designed to enhance port efficiency, improve connectivity, reduce freight costs and boost non-oil exports, ultimately driving revenue growth.
“The ultimate goal is to improve liner connectivity, attract bigger vessels, reduce freight costs, and expand our export base, which will significantly boost revenue generation,” he noted.
Dantsoho stressed that competitiveness in the global maritime industry requires efficient operations, competitive pricing and strong hinterland connectivity, adding that Nigerian ports must remain adaptive to evolving global shipping trends.
“With sustained commitment to these initiatives, Nigeria’s port system will enter a new phase and emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” he assured.
Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, said Nigeria’s natural endowments, including its 823-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways, place it in a strong position to lead the sector.
“With over 823 kilometres of coastline, extensive inland waterways and a prime location along the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to harness the immense potential of the marine and blue economy,” Oyetola said.
He added that reforms by the federal government have improved coordination, strengthened maritime security and boosted investor confidence, noting that the sector accounts for over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade by volume.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Arising from weeks of intensive planning and stakeholder engagements, the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) hereby confirms readiness and an overwhelming industry stakeholders support for its planned special reception to honour her past presidents.
The reception is a landmark event aimed at celebrating leadership, service and the enduring contributions of media professionals to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The event which promises to be a gathering of industry heavyweights, ministry officials, policymakers, regulators, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders, is designed not only to honour past leaders of MARAN but to restate the role of maritime journalism in shaping policy, promoting accountability, and driving sectoral growth.
Speaking on the event, MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Ayodele noted that the reception serves as a platform to reflect on the legacies of past presidents whose leadership helped position the association as a respected voice in the maritime space.
He added that the event will also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the media and industry operators at a time when the sector is undergoing significant reforms and modernization.
As stated by Funsho Olojo, Chairman, Reception Planning Committee, notable dignitaries from government institutions, including the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as heads of key maritime agencies, have indicated strong interest in attending the event.
Several corporate organizations and industry groups have also signified their willingness to support the initiative, underscoring its importance to the wider maritime community.
Mr Olojo, while giving an overview of the event, declared that it would serve as a veritable platform to celebrate excellence, hard work and quality leadership offered by past MARAN leaders.
”MARAN, as the projenitor of beat associations in the maritime industry, has produced finest individuals who have had the privilege of leading this great association.
”They have sacrificed their time, energy and intellect to make MARAN the greatest beat association in the maritime industry.
” More encouraging is the fact that all of these past leaders are currently doing well in their different endeavors.
” Some are excelling as Ministers of God in His vineyard, some are holding their own in the legal profession, some have become media moguls and employers of labour while some are practicing their crafts as political appointees.
” It is at this reception that MARAN hopes to unveil their excellence and celebrate their rising profiles”, Olojo declared.
The reception, which will be held on April 24, 2026 at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, is expected to feature award presentations, goodwill messages, and networking sessions that will foster deeper engagement among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.
As the momentum continues to build, the association therefore calls on industry stakeholders, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to be part of this historic event through sponsorships, partnerships, and active participation.
MARAN is the foremost maritime journalists beat association, and a professional body that is committed to promoting ethical journalism, capacity building, and informed reporting within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
NSW: Stakeholders Fear Success With Weak Commitment by Drivers and Lack of Reforms by Government.
Dantsoho, NPA MD, Attributes Maritime Sector Transformation to Reforms and Minister’s Leadership Style.
MARAN Confirms Readiness To Celebrate Past Presidents.
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