The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a strong start to 2026, generating ₦145,936,925,949.12 in January.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, announced that the figure represents an increase of about ₦29.5 billion — roughly 25 per cent — compared to the ₦116,412,735,766.23 collected in January 2025.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Command, Onyeka described the performance as a reflection of improved compliance and operational efficiency.
He noted that the January revenue builds on the Command’s robust 2025 performance, when it exceeded its ₦1.510 trillion target and closed the year at ₦1.609 trillion.
According to Onyeka, the new year’s early momentum signals continued progress in revenue generation while maintaining a balance with trade facilitation.
Despite the impressive numbers, Onyeka emphasised that revenue collection alone would not define the Command’s priorities for 2026.
“My mandate this year is to be known as a trade enabler,” he said. “Our objective is not maximum revenue extraction but collectable revenue that allows businesses to remain viable.”
He explained that the “collectable revenue” approach is designed to ensure traders meet their duty obligations without being overburdened.
“When duties are fair and sustainable, traders can pay for logistics, run their businesses, and continue contributing to the economy,” Onyeka stated.
A key highlight of the briefing was Onyeka’s commitment to implementing a fully paperless container clearance system before the end of the second quarter of 2026.
Under the initiative, importers and clearing agents will process documentation and complete clearance procedures entirely online, eliminating physical contact with Customs officers.
“By the end of the second quarter, container clearance should be paperless from start to finish,” he said.
He added that the system is expected to reduce delays, improve transparency, and remove opportunities for unethical practices.
Addressing concerns over potential digital disruptions, Onyeka assured stakeholders that the Command would prioritise training and sensitisation ahead of the transition.
“We will engage traders and agents, guiding them on accurate declarations and proper use of the system,” he said.
Comptroller F.O Onyeka
He acknowledged that network-related challenges may arise but maintained that such issues would not derail the reform.
“We may not achieve perfection from day one, but we are committed to continuous improvement,” Onyeka added.
Onyeka commended the media for its role in highlighting operational gaps and supporting reforms at the port.
He also pledged improved internal efficiency, directing officers to ensure timely processing of files and collaborative resolution of classification issues.
“Files must move without unnecessary delays. Responsiveness is central to trade facilitation,” he said.
With a 25 per cent revenue increase in January, a planned shift to paperless operations, and a policy emphasis on trade enablement, the Tin Can Island Port Command is positioning itself as a critical driver of port reforms and Nigeria’s ease-of-doing-business agenda.
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