The Tin Can Island Port Command, under the leadership of Compt. Frank Onyeka, is gearing up to implement the Nigeria Customs Service’s cutting-edge trade facilitation tool, B’Odogwu.
Following its successful rollout at the PTML Command, this innovative system promises to enhance efficiency and transparency in cargo clearance operations at one of the country’s busiest ports.
According to dailytrend.com.ng, there are also indications that the Tin Can Customs Command under Compt Onyeka is already matching action with words, especially in the area of revenue generation, as the command has already generated N86 billion as at 10am January 27th 2025.
This is against the N83 billion collected in the corresponding year.
Compt Onyeka while delivering his speech at the 2025 International Customs Day commemoration at the command on Monday, said the theme of the 2025 celebration is; Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.
According to him, trade facilitation remains a cornerstone of the Nigeria Customs Service, adding that the Tincan Island Command, have adopted innovative approaches to streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance the ease of doing business.
Speaking on the B’Odogwu deployment for seamless cargo clearance, Compt Onyeka said “Through the future deployment of the B’Odogwu [(Nigeria Customs Unified Customs Management System (UCMS)], we have automated key procedures, ensuring transparency and reducing human intervention.
“The integration of advanced technologies such as blockchain, e-Customs platforms, and artificial intelligence has not only enhanced the speed of cargo clearance but also reinforced our commitment to meeting global best practices as seen in the pilot command PTML.
“Furthermore, the Command has prioritized stakeholder engagement as a critical enabler of efficiency. By fostering partnerships with terminal operators, freight forwarders, Shipping lines and regulatory agencies, we have built a collaborative ecosystem that supports seamless operations.
“These efforts have contributed to Nigeria’s improved ranking in The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and the Ease of Doing Business
assessments”
Compt Onyeka said the future application of big data analytics which is a core feature in B’Odogwu has enhanced our ability to intercept illicit trade while promoting legitimate commerce.
Also speaking at the event, Zonal Coordinator of Nigeria Customs Service Zone ‘A’ Headquarters, ACG Charles Orbih, 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”.
He argued that innovation drives efficiency, enhances security and leads to prosperity which are key aspects of the 2025 International Customs Day.
“Starting from TCIP, Customs have to begin to do things right way to improved efficiency, national security and revenue generation which leads to prosperity. Today, we recognize the extraordinary contributions of our outstanding officers and stakeholders who have significantly advanced our Service’s mission. People whose inventiveness have 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,” the Zonal Coordinator said.
