By Joshua Yousouph
The Chairman of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), Tin Can Island Chapter, Mr. Chinedu Ukachukwu, has congratulated former Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Frank Onyeka, on his promotion to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) of Customs, describing the elevation as a deserving recognition of his outstanding service, professionalism, and commitment to the growth of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Ukachukwu, who spoke on behalf of the executives and members of the association, noted that Onyeka’s tenure at the Tin Can Island Port Command was marked by strategic leadership, improved stakeholder relations, and operational efficiency that positively impacted activities within the port environment.
According to him, the former Customs Area Controller demonstrated strong administrative capacity and maintained cordial relationships with freight forwarders, customs agents, terminal operators, and other critical stakeholders, thereby promoting a more conducive atmosphere for trade facilitation and port operations.
He stated that the promotion of Onyeka to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General would further strengthen the leadership structure of the Nigeria Customs Service, especially at a time when the service continues to pursue modernization, trade facilitation, and revenue optimization.
“On behalf of the executives and entire members of AREFFN Tin Can Island Chapter, we sincerely congratulate ACG Frank Onyeka on his well-deserved promotion. During his tenure as Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, he demonstrated professionalism, transparency, and commitment to stakeholder engagement. We are confident that he will continue to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the Nigeria Customs Service in his new capacity,” Ukachukwu stated.
The AREFFN Tin Can chairman also welcomed the appointment of Comptroller Joe Anani as the new Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, expressing confidence in his ability to sustain operational efficiency and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders within the port community.
He described Anani’s appointment as timely and strategic, noting that the Tin Can port command remains one of the nation’s busiest and most economically significant port formations, requiring effective leadership and strong stakeholder management.
According to him, the association looks forward to a productive working relationship with the new Customs Area Controller, especially in areas relating to trade facilitation, cargo clearance efficiency, and the reduction of operational bottlenecks affecting port users.
Ukachukwu assured Comptroller Anani of the support and cooperation of AREFFN members operating within the command, while emphasizing the importance of continuous dialogue, mutual respect, and synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and freight forwarding practitioners.
He further urged stakeholders across the maritime sector to continue supporting reforms aimed at enhancing ease of doing business, improving port efficiency, and boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness within the global maritime and logistics industry.
The AREFFN chairman also felicitated with Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Adha, calling on Nigerians to uphold the values of sacrifice, peace, tolerance, and unity associated with the celebration.
He urged citizens to continue praying for the peace, economic stability, and development of the country, stressing that collective efforts and national unity remained essential for overcoming the nation’s socio-economic challenges.
