The Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, Frank Onyeka,has said that compliance with regulations, strong stakeholder cooperation, and continuous modernisation are essential for positioning the Nigeria customs services in line with international best practices.

Onyeka made this statement on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at the opening of a Maritime Journalists Training Workshop organised by the Tin Can Island Port Command. The event took place at the Tin can island port Tin can island port command auditorium and focused on improving understanding of Customs operations and reforms.

He explained that the media plays a vital role in shaping public understanding of Customs activities and supporting ongoing reforms. According to him, regular engagement with journalists helps promote transparency, professionalism, and trust between the Service and the public.

Representing the Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller (Administration), D.C.E.E.Esiet, said the training was timely, especially as Customs intensifies efforts to improve compliance, build stronger partnerships, and adopt modern trade-facilitation practices. He described maritime journalists as important partners in information sharing and accountability within the maritime sector.

Onyeka also noted that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi places strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement. Under his leadership, Customs has increased collaboration with the media, private operators, and other government agencies.

The workshop was designed to give journalists better insight into Customs procedures, trade facilitation tools, and modernisation initiatives, while also addressing gaps in understanding and common misconceptions about port operations. Onyeka encouraged participants to take full advantage of the sessions by asking questions and sharing ideas.

Coordinator of the programme,Innocent Nsikak Orok described the workshop as another step toward strengthening relations between Customs and the maritime media. He recalled that the first edition of the training was held in 2024 and said the successful hosting of the second batch reflected the current leadership’s commitment to capacity building. Participants were also provided with modern digital work tools to support their professional duties.

Orok said the initiative was introduced to tackle inaccurate reporting on port activities and trade processes. He explained that Customs has implemented several systems, including PAAR, NICIS II, the AEO programme, and the B’Odogwu platform, to reduce delays and improve efficiency, stressing that accurate reporting is key to public awareness of these reforms.

The training featured sessions on the NCS Act 2023, Customs modernisation, global supply chain security, trade facilitation tools, and ethical maritime reporting. The programme ended with the presentation of certificates and work materials to participants, reinforcing the Command’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and closer cooperation with the media in support of national economic