The Customs Area Comptroller (CAC), Tin Can Island Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has disclosed that the command generated ₦145.9 billion in January 2026, as he unveiled plans to commence a full paperless cargo clearance regime, which is aimed at accelerating trade and strengthening transparency at the port.
Comptroller Onyeka made this known during a parley with senior maritime journalists in Lagos, where he reviewed the command’s performance and outlined strategic priorities for the year.
According to him, the ₦145.9 billion collected in January 2026 represents a significant increase from the ₦116.4 billion generated in January 2025 — a difference of nearly ₦30 billion. He added that the command realised a total of ₦609 billion in revenue in the previous year.
He attributed the improved revenue performance to teamwork among officers, stronger collaboration with stakeholders and constructive engagement with the media, noting that responsible reportage has helped the command fine-tune its operations.
Speaking on the proposed paperless operations scheduled to commence in the second quarter of the year, the CAC said the command is fully prepared for the transition. He described the initiative as a major step towards eliminating unnecessary physical contact in cargo processing and ensuring faster clearance of goods.
“We want to be known as trade enablers. I want to be known as a trade facilitator personified,” Onyeka declared, stressing that the objective is to release containers seamlessly once declarations are properly made and scanner images are clear.
He explained that under the new regime, importers and agents would upload documentation electronically, adding that properly declared and palletised consignments would move faster through scanners without physical examination. However, he maintained that consignments flagged by the risk management system or originating from watch-listed countries would be subjected to 100 per cent examination in the interest of national security.
On concerns that the paperless system could be circumvented or lead to congestion, the Controller dismissed the fears, stating that compliance by stakeholders would determine the system’s success. He assured that files would not be unnecessarily delayed and that issues arising from discrepancies would be addressed promptly through structured engagement.
The CAC acknowledged that occasional network downtime could slow operations but assured that improvements in infrastructure are ongoing to support seamless digital processing. He described Customs officers as 21st-century professionals guided by global best practices.
Clarifying the command’s revenue drive, Onyeka said the focus remains on “collectible revenue” rather than “maximum revenue,” explaining that traders must retain sufficient financial capacity to sustain their businesses, meet logistics obligations and maintain employment after paying duties.
He credited the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for providing the strategic direction behind the ongoing reforms, describing him as a strong pillar of support for modernization efforts across commands.
The Tin Can Island CAC further pledged to deepen engagement with other government agencies operating at the port to reduce cargo dwell time and improve operational efficiency, while reaffirming his open-door policy for stakeholders seeking clarification or redress.
He assured that the command remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade, enhancing transparency and contributing to national economic growth.
