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By Steve Agbota
The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) said it generated approximately N145.9 billion in January 2026, representing a 25.3 per cent increase, compared to the N116.4 billion collected in January 2025.
Speaking during a media parley with maritime journalists yesterday in Lagos, the Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said that the command is ready for a fully paperless cargo processing regime, and is clued up for seamless digital operations ahead of the rollout scheduled for the second quarter of the year 2026.
According to him, the command will move towards a model of collectable revenue rather than pursuing maximum revenue, saying the goal is to ensure that businesses have the breathing room to thrive while meeting their statutory obligations.
While the controller revealed his ambitious roadmap to boost trade facilitation, he said the command will prioritise the facilitation of legitimate trade, stating that the command has adopted trade enabler as its mantra for the year 2026.
He disclosed that the new direction is consistent with the reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which aims to support the economy rather than stifle it.
“We are going to facilitate trade to be seen as a trade enabler. That is the mantra we are going to adopt in 2026. Maximum revenue often leaves no room for a trader to handle logistics, pay staff and take care of other sundry charges.
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“By focusing on collectable revenue, we ensure that the trader makes a profit, returns to the market and continues to contribute to contribute to the society. I want to be known personified as a trade enabler,” he said.
While acknowledging the little challenges that the network could sometimes pose on operations, he believes that if the B’Odogwu platform can thrive despite its teething challenges, the paperless transition will thrive when traders declare appropriately.
“Despite the teething problem with B’Odogwu, we have recorded success, so we are ready for the paperless operation. There could be network issues, but I want to urge the trading public to build capacity. With that, you can complete container clearance entirely online, with no physical contact with customs officers.
“If your declaration is not flagged, the process will be seamless, and there will be no reason to come and see anyone. We cannot guarantee a perfect system from day one, but those challenges will not stop us. The more traders declare correctly and honestly, the smoother this process becomes for everyone,” he declared.
While appreciating the media for constructive reportage, he said the media helped identify operational gaps in 2025, as he called for continued partnership with the media and deeper engagement with stakeholders.
“When I resumed here, you gave me support through constructive reportage. Whatever success we have recorded here, the media played a central role. Here today, I also want to consistently crave your continued collaboration to make a big success of the paperless regime,” he said.
Meanwhile, he revealed that many of the command’s successful seizures in the previous year were the result of intelligence and tip-offs from stakeholders.
