By Steve Agbota
The Zonal Coordinator of Nigeria Customs Service Zone ‘A’ Headquarters, Charles Orbih, has commended Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service for generating N86 billion as of 10am January 27, 2025, a figure higher than N83 billion collected in January 2024.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the 2025 International Customs Day at Tincan Island Port (TCIP) on Monday, he argued that innovation drives efficiency, enhances security and leads to prosperity, which are key aspects of the 2025 International Customs Day.
However, he charged Customs officers in the zone to embody the ideals of the 2025 World Customs Organisation (WCO) theme for International Customs Day, “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity”.
Orbih remarked that the WCO theme for the year can be seen in the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation.
“The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, policy thrust on Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation can be seen in the 2025 WCO theme for International Customs Day,” ACG Orbih said.
While revealing that the TCIP Customs Command has already generated N86 billion before January end, he said: “Starting from TCIP, Customs have to begin to do things the right way to improve efficiency, national security and revenue generation which leads to prosperity. Today, we recognise the extraordinary contributions of our outstanding officers and stakeholders who have significantly advanced our Service’s mission. People whose inventiveness has enhanced revenue collection facilitated trade and protected our national economic interests.
“As we commemorate this day, I urge every customs officer to embrace our theme throughout the entire year. Let us demonstrate our commitment through consistent, professional, and innovative service. We must promote this theme in every of our interactions, processes and decisions that we make. Our collective actions will determine Nigeria’s economic competitiveness globally and national security,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Area Controller, TCIP Customs, Frank Onyeka, disclosed that Tincan Island Command has developed a comprehensive action plan anchored on three pillars: Capacity Building, Enhanced Collaboration and Accountability and Integrity.
“We are investing in the continuous training and professional development of our officers to equip them with the skills needed for 21st-century Customs operations. We are deepening our partnerships with the private sector, other government agencies, and international organizations to foster a unified approach to trade and border management.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability, recognizing that integrity is the foundation for public trust,” Comptroller Onyeka said.
He charged Customs officers at the Command to note that their work has far-reaching implications for the lives of millions nationally and billions continentally, adding that by delivering on commitments to efficiency, security, and prosperity, we are not only fulfilling our mandate but also contributing to a brighter future for the nation and the global economy.