By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Tin Can Island Chapter, Prince Olawale Mathew Cole, has commended the promotion of former Tin Can Island Port Customs Area Comptroller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) of Customs, describing the elevation as a well-deserved recognition of professionalism, dedication, and exemplary service to the nation.
Cole, who spoke on behalf of the executive members and entire leadership of the chapter, said the promotion of Onyeka did not come as a surprise considering his remarkable contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and stakeholder engagement during his tenure at the Tin Can Island Port Command.
According to him, the former Customs Area Controller demonstrated uncommon administrative competence and maintained a cordial working relationship with freight forwarders, customs licensed agents, and other port users, thereby fostering a more stable operational environment within the port community.
He noted that Onyeka’s promotion to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General would further strengthen the leadership structure of the Nigeria Customs Service, adding that officers with proven track records deserved to be elevated to positions where their wealth of experience could benefit the service and the country at large.
“On behalf of the executives and entire members of ANLCA Tin Can Island Chapter, I heartily congratulate ACG Frank Onyeka on his well-earned promotion. His tenure at Tin Can Island Port was marked by professionalism, open-door leadership, and constructive engagement with stakeholders. We are confident that he will continue to contribute immensely to the growth and modernization of the Nigeria Customs Service in his new office,” Cole stated.
The ANLCA chairman also welcomed the appointment of Comptroller Joe Anani as the new Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, expressing optimism that his leadership would deepen stakeholder engagement, improve cargo clearance processes, and strengthen trade facilitation across the port corridor.
The chapter described the appointment as a positive development for the Tin Can port environment, stressing that continuity, synergy, and improved collaboration among critical stakeholders remained essential for sustaining operational efficiency and boosting port productivity.
Cole further expressed confidence in the capacity of Comptroller Anani to build on the achievements of his predecessors, noting that customs administration plays a critical role in Nigeria’s economic growth, revenue collection, and ease of doing business at the nation’s seaports.
He assured the new Customs Area Controller of the support and cooperation of customs licensed agents operating at the command, while emphasizing the need for regular consultations and mutual understanding between the Customs Service and freight forwarding associations.
The ANLCA Tin Can chairman also used the opportunity to felicitate with Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Adha, urging Nigerians to embrace the values of sacrifice, tolerance, unity, and peaceful coexistence which the celebration represents.
Cole called on Nigerians to continue praying for the nation’s economic stability and progress, adding that collective support from citizens remained necessary for the country to overcome prevailing socio-economic challenges.
He further urged port users, government agencies, and maritime stakeholders to sustain collaborative efforts aimed at improving trade efficiency, reducing bottlenecks, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness within the global maritime industry.
