Tincan Customs Boss Pledges Strong Media Partnership, Compliance Drive at Maiden Press Engagement.
Tincan Customs Boss Pledges Strong Media Partnership, Compliance Drive at Maiden Press Engagement.
Lucky Akra
The Area Controller of the Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller JA Anani, has pledged a stronger partnership with the media, enhanced compliance with customs regulations, and sustained improvements in revenue generation as part of his administration’s priorities.
Speaking during his maiden engagement with journalists at the Command on Wednesday, Comptroller Anani described the media as a critical stakeholder in the maritime sector and a strategic partner in promoting transparency, accountability, and public understanding of Customs operations.
He said the meeting marked an important step in the Command’s efforts to strengthen cooperation and understanding between Customs and the media, noting that stakeholder engagement has remained a key focus since he assumed office.
According to him, the press plays a significant role in shaping public perception of Customs activities and influencing compliance within the system. He assured journalists that they would be fully carried along in the Command’s policies, reforms, operations, and achievements through timely and transparent dissemination of information.
The Area Controller also disclosed plans to empower members of the press through structured training programmes, sensitisation workshops, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving the quality of reportage and deepening understanding of Customs operations.
While reaffirming the Command’s commitment to openness, Anani urged journalists to maintain the highest standards of professionalism in reporting Customs activities. He stressed that responsible journalism is essential for sustaining public trust, combating misinformation, and supporting the achievement of shared objectives.
On operational priorities, the Customs chief said the Tincan Island Port Command would continue to leverage the ongoing modernisation initiatives of the Nigeria Customs Service by strengthening systems, processes, and technology-driven solutions to improve efficiency and facilitate trade at the nation’s ports.
He further stated that the Command would strictly enforce all applicable laws and regulations in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, emphasizing that compliance would remain central to its operations.
Anani revealed that the Command is currently recording commendable performance in revenue generation, attributing the achievement to the dedication of officers, improved compliance levels, and enhanced operational efficiency.
“We intend to consolidate on these gains and strive to surpass previous achievements recorded under the preceding administration,” he said.
The Area Controller also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment to lead the strategic Command. He commended the Comptroller-General’s leadership and commitment to reforms aimed at repositioning the Service for greater efficiency and global competitiveness.
As part of efforts to deepen engagement with journalists, Anani announced that the Command’s Public Relations Unit would be specifically tasked with ensuring that all media-related matters receive prompt attention. He said the unit would maintain continuous interaction with the press by providing timely information, facilitating access to developments within the Command, and fostering mutual understanding.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to collaboration with stakeholders, particularly the media, expressing confidence that a strong partnership would support the Tincan Island Port Command’s role in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national economic growth.
The event formed part of the Command’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at strengthening relationships and promoting transparency in Customs operations.
