Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Friday, May 22, 2026 now has a new head- Comptroller Joseph Anani.
He officially assumed leadership of the Command from the newly promoted Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG), Frank Okechukwu Onyeka.
The handover ceremony which was held at the Command’s conference room was attended by officers, stakeholders, and industry players and it marked the end of ACG Onyeka’s impactful tenure and the beginning of a renewed commitment to operational excellence under Comptroller Anani.
In his farewell remarks, ACG Onyeka urged officers and stakeholders to extend the same level of cooperation and support accorded him to his successor.
Reflecting on the achievements recorded during his tenure, he disclosed that the Command generated a total revenue of ₦1,609,874,328,972.55 in the 2025 fiscal year, surpassing its target of ₦1,524,669,999,478.52.
He further revealed that the Command had already generated ₦401,011,998,443.71 in the first quarter of 2026, attributing the feat to discipline, professionalism, intelligence-led operations, stakeholder collaboration, and improved trade facilitation measures.
According to him, the Command also made remarkable breakthroughs in anti-smuggling operations, especially with the interception of illicit drugs and prohibited items valued at over ₦35 billion.
“These achievements were not accidental,” Onyeka stated. “They were products of dedication, improved compliance strategies, robust stakeholder engagement, and the deployment of modern trade facilitation mechanisms aimed at balancing enforcement with legitimate trade.”
While describing his experience as Customs Area Comptroller of TCIP, as one of the most demanding assignments in his career, the newly elevated ACG commended officers of the Command for their dedication and also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Tributes and goodwill messages poured in from officers and stakeholders at the event, many of whom praised Onyeka’s leadership style, intelligence, diligence, and accessibility during his tenure.
They expressed optimism that Comptroller Anani would build on the achievements already established at the Command.
In his acceptance speech, Comptroller Joseph Anani expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for entrusting him with the leadership of one of the nation’s most strategic Commands.
“I recognise the importance of this Command to national revenue generation, trade facilitation, and security,” Anani stated. “I accept this responsibility with humility and commitment”.
He commended ACG Onyeka for what he described as “giant strides” recorded during his administration, particularly in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.
“Under the leadership of ACG Onyeka, the Command witnessed significant progress that positioned Tin Can Island Port Command as a critical gateway for legitimate trade,” he said. “I pledge to build a Command that is even more efficient, transparent, and result-oriented”.
The new Customs Area Controller also charged officers of the Command to remain professional and uphold the highest standards in the discharge of their duties.
“Professionalism, intelligence, and discipline must remain the hallmark of our conduct. We will not tolerate compromise, inefficiency, or acts that undermine the Service and national interest,” he warned.
Anani further stressed the importance of collaboration with sister agencies operating within the port environment, noting that national security and trade facilitation remain shared responsibilities requiring synergy, timely information sharing, and coordinated actions.
The attendees later expressed hope that the new Customs Area Comptroller would not only sustain the momentum established by his predecessor but also surpass the impressive benchmarks already set at the Command.
