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.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, has been honoured with the Golden Era Pillar of Logistics Excellence, Purposeful Entrepreneur, Philanthropy and National Development Award by the Radio, Television, Theatre and Art Workers’ Union, RATTAWU.
The award was presented on Monday at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the RATTAWU Safe Democracy Summit and Golden Honours, themed, “Electoral Integrity in an AI Era – Role of Responsible Media and Culture in Safeguarding Democracy.”
The event attracted prominent personalities, including representatives of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Labour and Employment.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, who chaired the occasion; the President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, Prof. Rotimi Williams Olatunji, who delivered the keynote address; representatives of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police; NAGAFF founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam; traditional rulers, freight forwarders and business leaders.
Speaking at the ceremony, RATTAWU National President, Prince Emeka Kalu, described Ezisi as a philanthropist and community leader whose contributions to logistics, entrepreneurship and national development had positively impacted many lives.
He said the union considered Ezisi deserving of recognition for his commitment to humanitarian causes and development initiatives, noting that society should celebrate individuals who have distinguished themselves through hard work and selfless service.
Kalu also reaffirmed RATTAWU’s commitment to defending the rights of the oppressed, giving voice to the voiceless and supporting vulnerable members of society.
Representing the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Director of Public Relations and Protocol in the ministry, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, said inquiries about Ezisi’s background revealed him to be a man whose contributions to humanity had earned him widespread respect.
Haruna likened the NAGAFF president to “a mighty river that irrigates lands and people,” saying his generosity had positively transformed many lives.
Several speakers, including Chairman of the NAGAFF Board of Trustees, Mr. Chidiebere Enelamah, and the association’s National Vice President, Princess Chi Ezeh, also paid glowing tributes to Ezisi, describing him as a compassionate leader whose recognition was well deserved.
Enelamah commended Ezisi’s wife for her support, describing her as a pillar behind her husband’s success.
Representatives of the Imperial Philanthropic Family equally praised the NAGAFF President for his longstanding support for charitable causes across the country, saying the honour reflected his commitment to humanitarian service.
They urged him to remain steadfast in his philanthropic activities, noting that his impact had changed many lives and inspired others to serve humanity.
Responding, an emotional Ezisi expressed gratitude to God, his family, friends and supporters for standing by him throughout his journey.
He also acknowledged the founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, for providing him with the platform to serve, while thanking RATTAWU for the recognition.
Ezisi pledged his continued support for the union and assured members that he would always be available whenever called upon.
He described the honour as one of the most memorable moments of his life and thanked guests for their presence and goodwill.
Maritime Agencies
Oyetola Vows to Strengthen Local Capacity, Innovation, Responsible Investments As STARZS Celebrates 40th Anniversary.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The story of STARZS Group’s phenomenal growth and impact in the past four decades, in many respects, mirrors Nigeria’s growth and advancement in all spheres. The story reflects boldness in vision, resilience in capacity, innovation in execution and steadfastness in the pursuit of excellence.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola made the submission in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an impressive ceremony by the company to celebrate her 40th anniversary. He was represented by the Director -General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola.
”As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded that no action and no nation can attain sustainable maritime prosperity without a vibrant and competitive indigenous values sector. Government creates the enabling environment, but it is the enterprise, innovation, and doggedness of companies such as STARZS that transform policy into economic opportunity, create jobs, build local capacity, and deepen national prosperity.”
”This conviction underpins the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a strategic platform for unlocking the immense potentials of Nigerian maritime domain. Our mandate is clear to position the marine and maritime blue economy as a major driver of economic diversification, industrial growth, food security, trade competitiveness, and national development. We will remain committed to expanding opportunities for indigenous compensation across the maritime planetary, whether in shipping, marine logistics, shipping management, offshore support services, shipbuilding, or marine engineering.”
The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s objective which is to ensure that Nigerian companies are not just participants but leaders in the growth of the maritime economy.
” We will continue to work with relevant institutions to strengthen local capacity, encourage responsible investment and create an environment in which indigenous businesses thrive. Human capital development remains central to this vision.”
”The future of the maritime industry will ultimately depend on the quality, competence, and innovation of our people. We are therefore placing renewed emphasis on maritime education, seafarer development, technical skill acquisition, and greater collaboration with governments, academia, and industry to prepare the generation of new maritime professionals for Nigeria. Equally important is our commitment to maritime safety and security.”
The progress Nigeria has made in securing its maritime domain through the Deep Blue project, Oyetola explained, has enhanced investor confidence and reinforced her standing within the Gulf of Guinea.
Nigeria shall continue to consolidate on these gains through stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved surveillance capabilities and sustained investment in maritime security infrastructure, recognizing the fundamental importance of safe waters.
Maritime Agencies
NCDMB Hails STARZS @ 40, Reiterates Objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) says four decades of sustained contribution to Nigeria’s maritime and offshore logistics sector reflects resilience, vision, innovation and commitment to national development.
Engr Felix Omatshola, NCDMB Executive Secretary/CEO made the submission in Port Harcourt, Friday, during a high-powered symposium put together by the STARZS Investments Company Limited to celebrate her 40th anniversary. He described the theme of the symposium – anchoring resilience, 40 years of private indigenous initiative, shaping Nigeria’s maritime future as both timely and significant as it speaks directly to the role of indigenous enterprise in building a competitive and sustainable maritime industry. The milestone recorded by STARZS Group, he explained , is worthy of celebration.
Speaking through Mr Silas Ajimijaye, the agency’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Engr Omatshola congratulated Starzs which has, over the past 40 years, distinguished itself as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous service providers, contributing to the growth of local capacity in marine logistics, shipyard services, offshore support operations and workforce development.
”The company’s journey demonstrates what is possible when Nigerian entrepreneurs are provided with opportunities, enabling policies and the determination to invest in local talent and infrastructure that meets international standards.”
”At the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, we strongly believe that sustainable national development is achieved when indigenous companies are empowered to participate meaningfully across the entire value chain of the oil and gas and maritime sectors. These beliefs remain at the heart of NCDMB and of course the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010
which seeks to maximize in-country value retention, promote industrialization, create employment opportunities and build sustainable Nigerian capacity.”
NCDMB, he explained, is encouraged by the progress recorded by indigenous maritime companies such as STARZS whose investments have contributed significantly to strengthening local participation and reducing dependence on foreign service providers.
”The collaboration between NCDMB and indigenous companies has continued to yield positive outcomes in line with our mandate to deepen Nigerian content and foster economic diversification.”
”In recent years, we have also witnessed STARZS expand its investment into strategic growth areas within the energy sector, including initiatives that support Nigeria’s gas development aspirations and the federal government’s decade of gas programme. Such investments are important because they align with our collective vision of building strong indigenous institutions capable of driving industrial growth, energy security, and long-term economic prosperity for our dear country.”
”As we look towards the future, there is a need for stronger collaboration among industry operators, maritime service providers, financial institutions, policymakers, and regulators to address existing challenges and unlock new opportunities within the blue economy.
We must continue to invest in human capacity development, technology acquisition, infrastructure expansion, local manufacturing, research innovation, and operational excellence. To ensure that Nigerian companies remain globally competitive, the future of Nigerian maritime industry will depend not only on policy support but also on the willingness of Nigerian indigenous businesses to embrace innovation, maintain high standards of corporate governance, and pursue strategic partnerships that create long-term value,” Engr Omatshola concluded.
Tochukwu Ezisi, NAGAFF President, Bags RATTAWU’s Logistics Excellence Award.
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