Comptroller Joseph Anani has officially started his role as the Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port Command. Right from the start, he hit the ground running with visits, inspections, and meetings aimed at improving how the port operates.

First Steps: Inspecting Facilities

As part of his familiarisation, Comptroller Anani toured Customs offices and terminals within the command. He wanted to see things firsthand — the state of facilities, how officers are working, and what needs to change. Improving workplace conditions was a top priority.

Meeting with Freight Forwarders

In his first stakeholder meeting, Anani sat down with major freight forwarding groups — ANLCA, NAGAFF, NCMDLCA, APFLON, and others. His message was clear: compliance, professionalism, and partnership are non-negotiable. He laid out a plan built on full compliance with Customs laws, especially the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. He called for higher standards in port transactions and warned against any form of misconduct.

“We are setting a new tone anchored on compliance, collaboration, and service excellence. Every stakeholder has a role to play in making Tincan Island Port a model of trade facilitation and operational efficiency,” he said.

Engaging Terminal Operators and Industry Leaders

Anani also held a roundtable with terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and industry leaders. He promised an open-door policy and a better environment for legitimate trade. He urged terminal operators to upgrade their infrastructure and create more operational space to attract more vessels and boost the port’s competitiveness.

Strengthening Security Collaboration

To reinforce national security, the Controller paid visits to key security agencies. He met with the Police Commissioner, CP Toyin Agbaminoja, and both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation on security, port operations, and safety. The Police Commissioner pledged continued support through intelligence sharing.

He also visited NDLEA Commander Solomon Omotosho. They discussed strategies to fight drug trafficking and other illicit activities around the port, emphasising intelligence-driven operations and coordinated enforcement.

Looking Ahead

Comptroller Anani thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the appointment and promised to build on existing achievements. He said the command will continue to follow the principles of Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation in driving trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national security.