In a continued effort to improve on stakeholders engagement with a view to facilitate trade and efficiency in Customs operations, the Customs Area Controller of the TinCan Island Port Command (TCIP) of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Frank Onyeka has called on stakeholders to always accurate declaration to avoid undue delay and penalties.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting with the Executives members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Tincan Port Chapter on Wednesday, Comptroller Onyeka emphasised that full and accurate declarations are essential in enhancing the ease of doing business and facilitating smooth trade operations.
The Controller noted that ensuring proper declaration of goods through customs processes does not only help in fostering transparency but also plays a critical role in combating illicit trade practices, reducing delays at the ports, and enhancing national revenue collection.
"Proper declarations are the foundation of an efficient customs process. When stakeholders declare goods correctly, it enables us to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks at the ports, and improve the overall experience for both businesses and consumers" the Controller said.
The call came as part of the ongoing efforts by the NCS to strengthen relationships with stakeholders across various sectors, including importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and Customs brokers. It is also in line with the NCS’s broader mission to create a transparent, fair, and secure environment for international trade.
Comptroller Onyeka further urged stakeholders to collaborate with the NCS in maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in their transactions. He reassured all parties that the NCS is committed to continuous capacity building and the implementation of technology-driven solutions aimed at making trade easier and more efficient.
“We must work together to ensure the declaration process is not only a statutory requirement but a tool for trade facilitation. By enhancing compliance and promoting transparency, we are building a more robust, resilient, and dynamic trade ecosystem," he added.
The NCS is committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to reduce the time and cost associated with trade operations while ensuring compliance with global best practices.
The stakeholders commended the CAC for his open door and listening ears policy Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Secretary, Board of Trustee (BOT) of ANLCA, Chief Taiwo Oyeniyi said Comptroller Onyeka being a revenue man will do everything possible to collect maximum revenue for the federal government and he called on all stakeholders to corporate with the command and Service to achieve it's revenue target.
In his words, "Do not forget that the Customs generated a total of ₦6.1 trillion last year and they have been given a target of ₦12 trillion to generate this year. To be able to achieve his own target, Comptroller Onyeka has to block all revenue loopholes, but what we are appealing for him to do is that if he sees something going wrong since we know that he is a grassroot man, he should let us know. On the part of stakeholders, I would advice that if you truly need any kind of help, you should be able to walk up to Comptroller Onyeka and present your matter boldly".
He added "He was a valuation officer here at TCIP and he performed credibly well as well as he did at the Onne and Apapa Command. He is going to do even better here as the CAC and I appeal to all stakeholders to cooperate with him and to make honest declarations. It is not all the persons who engage in the act of goods clearance that is a Customs Licensed Agent, but I would want the CAC to keep going constantly along this channel of dialogue with stakeholders and I pray that he succeeds" Mr. Oyeniyi concluded.
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