Nigeria Customs Service Appoints New CAC for Tin-Can Island Command
In a move aimed at continuing the legacy of progress within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has appointed Frank Onyeka as the new Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Tin-Can Island Command. Onyeka, formerly a Deputy Comptroller, takes over from Dera Nnadi, who has been promoted to Assistant Comptroller General.
At a recent handing-over ceremony, Onyeka expressed his deep respect for the remarkable accomplishments of his predecessor, ACG Nnadi, particularly in revenue generation, anti-smuggling initiatives, and the overall transformation of the Tin-Can Island Command. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Onyeka committed to building on these achievements and ensuring that the legacy left behind by ACG Nnadi continues to thrive.
“I’m stepping into big shoes, given the excellent work done by the outgoing controller,” Onyeka said. “ACG Nnadi’s successes were made possible with the strong support of our stakeholders and, crucially, the media. The media’s role in promoting the mission of the NCS cannot be overstated, and I hope to continue this partnership to achieve even greater success.”
Onyeka made it clear that his leadership would focus on the three pillars set by the CGC: Consultation, Consolidation, and Innovation. He urged all officers at the command to uphold professionalism, discipline, and integrity, while adapting to the newly enacted Customs Act. Onyeka also emphasized inclusivity, calling for collaboration between stakeholders and urging officers to work in sync to drive trade facilitation and ensure fairness across all operations.
“Together, we will strive for a balance between equity and the trade value chain, while also being guided by the principle of inclusivity. We must not operate in silos; everyone has a role to play in our success,” he added.
The new CAC also extended his gratitude to security agencies for their ongoing collaboration and promised to enhance synergies to achieve the goals of the command.
During his valedictory address, the outgoing ACG Nnadi highlighted the tremendous growth of the Tin-Can Island Command under his leadership. Under his stewardship, the command generated an impressive N1.26 trillion in revenue for the year 2024, exceeding its target of N1.4 trillion by 86.8%. This performance is particularly remarkable given the global downturn in cargo throughput.
Additionally, Nnadi reported a significant increase in anti-smuggling efforts, with goods valued at N4.5 trillion seized in 2024, up from N1.5 trillion in 2023. He attributed these successes to the unwavering support from stakeholders and the dedication of officers, and urged everyone to extend the same level of commitment to Onyeka.
“I have no doubt that with Frank Onyeka’s wealth of experience, the Tin-Can Island Command will continue to flourish, building on the successes we have achieved together,” Nnadi concluded.
As Onyeka steps into this new role, the focus on innovation, collaboration, and the facilitation of legitimate trade promises to bring even more positive developments to the command in the coming years. With the support of both internal and external stakeholders, Onyeka’s leadership is poised to continue advancing the mission of the NCS at the vital Tin-Can Island port.
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