Comptroller Anani Begins Tenure with Focus on Compliance, Trade Facilitation and Strategic Partnerships at Tincan Port

The newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, has commenced his leadership of the Command with a series of strategic engagements, facility inspections and high-level courtesy visits aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing stakeholder confidence and deepening inter-agency collaboration.

As part of his familiarisation tour, Comptroller Anani undertook an extensive inspection of Customs formations and terminals within the Command. The visit enabled him to assess available facilities, evaluate officers’ working conditions and gain first-hand insight into the operational environment at the nation’s premier port.

The inspection, which marked his first official assignment since assuming office, was designed to identify areas requiring improvement and ensure officers are adequately equipped to effectively discharge the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

In his maiden engagement with stakeholders, the Customs Area Controller met with major freight forwarding associations, 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 operators.

During the meeting, Comptroller Anani stressed the importance of compliance, professionalism and partnership in achieving seamless trade operations. He unveiled a strategic blueprint centred on strict adherence to Customs procedures and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

He called for higher standards in port operations and warned against misconduct, indiscipline and any activities capable of undermining the integrity of the Service.

“We are setting a new tone anchored on compliance, collaboration and service excellence. Every stakeholder has a role to play in making Tincan Island Port a model of trade facilitation and operational efficiency,” he stated.

The Controller also hosted terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters and other key industry stakeholders at a roundtable meeting aimed at charting a progressive path for the Command. He assured participants of an open-door policy and reaffirmed his commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports legitimate trade and contributes to national economic growth.

As part of efforts to improve port competitiveness, Comptroller Anani urged terminal operators to upgrade infrastructure within their facilities and create additional operational spaces capable of attracting increased vessel traffic and improving overall efficiency.

Recognising the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in achieving national security objectives, the Customs boss paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western Command), CP Toyin Agbaminoja. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on issues relating to port security, operational efficiency and the protection of lives and property.

The Police Commissioner pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force through intelligence sharing and joint operational initiatives.

In a similar move, Comptroller Anani visited the Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Solomon Omotosho, to reinforce ongoing efforts against illicit trade and transnational crimes. Discussions focused on enhancing intelligence-driven operations, information sharing and coordinated enforcement actions to combat drug trafficking and prevent the movement of illicit narcotics through the nation’s ports.

Comptroller Anani expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as Customs Area Controller of the Tincan Island Port Command.

He pledged to build on existing achievements while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in the areas of trade facilitation, revenue generation, stakeholder engagement and national security.

According to him, the Command will continue to align its activities with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, anchored on the pillars of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence within the nation’s maritime sector.

1. Oscar Ivara
   Chief Superintendent of Customs
   Public Relations Officer
   Tincan Island Port Command, Apapa-Lagos.