Onyeka Meets Maritime Journalists, Sets Stage for Paperless Goods Clearance at Tin Can Port

The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a robust ₦145.9 billion revenue collection in January, even as it unveiled plans to deepen the implementation of a paperless cargo clearance system to enhance trade efficiency and transparency.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed this during a strategic engagement with maritime journalists in Lagos, where he outlined the Command’s operational priorities for the year and emphasized strict compliance under the evolving digital clearance regime.
Transition to Paperless Cargo Clearance
At the heart of the Command’s reform drive is the full deployment of a paperless goods clearance process aimed at reducing human contact, eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and curbing revenue leakages.
Comptroller Onyeka explained that automation would not only accelerate cargo processing but also improve accountability across the import-export value chain.
He stressed that importers and licensed customs agents must embrace transparency in their declarations to benefit from the faster clearance system.
According to him, honest documentation and accurate valuation of goods will determine the ease with which consignments are processed under the new regime.
“The paperless system is designed to facilitate legitimate trade. Those who declare correctly have nothing to fear. Compliance will translate to speed and efficiency,” he said.
He warned that under-declaration, false classification and concealment of goods would be promptly detected through enhanced digital monitoring and risk assessment tools.
Revenue Performance Signals Strong Enforcement
The ₦145.9 billion generated in January underscores the Command’s strategic importance within Nigeria’s maritime trade ecosystem. Tin Can Island Port remains one of the country’s busiest gateways for imported goods, including vehicles, industrial machinery and containerized cargo.
Industry observers note that the strong revenue performance reflects tighter enforcement, improved compliance mechanisms and strengthened collaboration with stakeholders.
Comptroller Onyeka attributed the achievement to improved cargo profiling, intelligence-led operations and strengthened internal controls within the Command.
He reiterated that revenue generation and trade facilitation are complementary objectives, not competing mandates.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Transparency
The media parley forms part of the Command’s broader engagement strategy to foster transparency and build mutual understanding with industry players.
Onyeka emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue between Customs and maritime stakeholders, including freight forwarders, terminal operators and shipping companies, to ensure smooth port operations.
He also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the reform agenda of the NCS leadership, which prioritizes modernization, digitization and global best practices in customs administration.
Boosting Nigeria’s Trade Competitiveness
Experts believe that the successful implementation of a paperless clearance regime could significantly reduce cargo dwell time, cut operational costs and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness within the West African maritime corridor.
By minimizing physical documentation and human interface, the initiative is expected to reduce opportunities for malpractice while creating a more predictable and transparent port environment.
As the Tin Can Island Command accelerates its digital transformation, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the paperless system reshapes cargo processing and revenue performance in the months ahead.
Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service records ₦145.9bn in January revenue and unveils a fully automated, paperless cargo clearance system to boost transparency and trade efficiency.
Tin Can Customs generates ₦145.9bn in January and announces plans for full paperless cargo clearance, urging honest declarations to ensure faster processing and improved trade facilitation.