BY GODWIN OBI
The atmosphere was charged with emotion and praise on Friday as the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) honoured outgoing Tin Can Island Port Customs Comptroller, Frank Onyeka, for what stakeholders described as a transformational tenure marked by improved port efficiency, stronger collaboration, and reduced operational bottlenecks.
The farewell reception, held at NAGAFF’s national headquarters in Apapa, drew an influential gathering of freight forwarders, senior customs officers, terminal operators, maritime stakeholders, and journalists, all united in celebrating a customs chief many credited with redefining stakeholder relations at one of Nigeria’s busiest seaports.Leading the tributes, NAGAFF Founder, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, applauded Onyeka’s professionalism, accessibility, and results-driven leadership style, describing his administration as a turning point for trade facilitation at Tin Can Island Port.
“Comptroller Onyeka proved that effective customs administration and seamless trade facilitation can work hand in hand,” Aniebonam declared.
“Under his leadership, cooperation between freight forwarders and the Nigeria Customs Service improved significantly, and the impact was visible across port operations.”
According to Aniebonam, Onyeka’s tenure was distinguished by open communication, quicker dispute resolution mechanisms, and a noticeable reduction in operational friction between customs officers and clearing agents.
“He was disciplined, accessible, and focused on results. His approach brought stability and confidence to port users,” he added.
Other maritime stakeholders echoed similar sentiments, praising Onyeka for maintaining steady engagement with industry players during periods of policy shifts and operational challenges.
Many noted that his willingness to listen and collaborate helped calm tensions and improve workflow efficiency within the port environment.
The occasion also became a moment of recognition for Dr. Aniebonam himself, as speakers paid glowing tribute to his role in shaping Nigeria’s freight forwarding industry.
Stakeholders described the NAGAFF founder as a visionary leader, mentor, and nation builder whose relentless advocacy has elevated professionalism within the sector and strengthened relationships with government regulatory agencies.Industry operators stressed the strategic importance of Tin Can Island Port to Nigeria’s import and export economy, noting that the quality of engagement between customs authorities and freight forwarders directly impacts cargo clearance timelines, trade costs, and overall port productivity.
They argued that Onyeka’s collaboration-driven model should serve as a benchmark for future customs administrations.With Onyeka now handing over to Comptroller Joe Anani, formerly of PTML, stakeholders expressed optimism that the incoming administration would sustain and expand on the reforms and stakeholder engagement initiatives introduced during the outgoing comptroller’s tenure.In his response, an emotional Onyeka thanked NAGAFF and the freight forwarding community for their support and cooperation throughout his service at Tin Can Island Port Command.
“The achievements recorded during my tenure were only possible because we worked together,” he said. “I encourage all stakeholders to continue strengthening that spirit of collaboration for the good of the industry and the nation’s economy.”
The high-profile event ended with the presentation of an appreciation plaque to Onyeka by NAGAFF leadership amid applause and goodwill from attendees.
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2026-05-25