Compt. Frank Onyeka Vows a New Era at Tin Can Island Command as Paperless Customs Nears

 

Tin Can Island Port Command is set for a digital transformation as Area Controller Comptroller Frank Onyeka pledged this week that the command will “do things differently” by embracing a fully paperless customs regime scheduled to roll out in the second quarter of 2026.

Speaking at a focused media briefing with senior maritime journalists, Onyeka framed the initiative as part of a broader shift to position the command as a partner to trade. “I want to be known as a trade facilitator personified,” he said, calling on the press and other stakeholders to support the transition through constructive engagement and public education.

Stronger performance, clearer direction
Onyeka used the occasion to highlight the command’s recent performance as proof the port is ready for change. Tin Can Island generated ₦609 billion in revenue last year, and recorded a sharp year-on-year increase in January collections  rising by ₦29.9 billion compared with the same month previously. Onyeka attributed that momentum to targeted efforts to enhance trade facilitation and make doing business easier at the port.

“Revenue growth shows that our reforms are working,” he said. “But our goal is not just to raise maximum revenue; it is to ensure collectible revenue while enabling faster, more predictable trade.”

Paperless operations — faster, leaner, fairer
The paperless regime aims to streamline customs procedures by reducing bureaucracy, cutting unnecessary physical contact and accelerating the release of legitimately declared consignments. Onyeka explained that properly documented shipments with clear scans and accurate declarations will move quickly through the system, while only consignments flagged by risk management or with unclear images will require physical examination.

To allay concerns about potential cargo congestion, Onyeka stressed that the system will succeed if stakeholders supply accurate digital documentation. “It is a two-way process. We will educate stakeholders on data entry and online documentation. Once declarations are accurate, the system will work efficiently,” he said, noting that the One-Stop-Shop mechanism will be used only when discrepancies arise.

People and platforms ready
Acknowledging occasional network disruptions that can affect digital operations, Onyeka expressed confidence in his team’s readiness. “We have 21st-century officers, we adhere to global principles on trade,” he said, adding that officers are “serious and proactive” and prepared to work through challenges to maintain service levels.

He also touted the command’s indigenous digital infrastructure, citing the B’Odogwu platform as an effective backbone that will support the paperless transformation. “With the right systems and trained personnel, this will be a huge success,” he said.

Stakeholder engagement and inter-agency cooperation
Comptroller Onyeka emphasised that the transition will be inclusive, with a programme of stakeholder engagements planned to sensitise importers, agents, other government agencies and the media. The command intends to work closely with sister agencies operating at the port to shorten clearance timelines and reduce cargo dwell time.

Onyeka said that the media briefing was the first in a series of consultations aimed at ensuring a smooth, transparent implementation. “When I resumed here, you supported me through constructive reportage. I am here again to seek your continued collaboration,” he told journalists.

Security and trade facilitation in balance
While opening the port to faster trade, Onyeka reiterated that national security will remain a priority. Customs will continue to monitor risk profiles and specific trade routes to guard against uncustomed goods and illicit flows, he said, stressing that facilitation and enforcement are complementary aims.

A confident outlook
As Tin Can Island Command prepares for the Q2 2026 paperless rollout, Onyeka’s message was one of optimism and pragmatism: modernise processes, train people, engage partners, and let accurate digital documentation drive speed and transparency. With improved revenue performance and a clear implementation plan, stakeholders say the command appears well-positioned to make the paperless promise a practical reality for Nigerian trade.