By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor)
The Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka has disclosed that his command is set for a reformational digitalized regime of the customs operations, adding that the service’s transition to a fully paperless regime will beyond boosting revenue generation, enhance customs operations and promote ease of doing business.
The CAC who spoke to maritime journalists, gave the assurance while promising stakeholders that the command is primed for seamless digital operations ahead of the rollout scheduled for the second quarter of the year.
The Comptroller who held what is tagged ‘parley with senior maritime journalists’, equally described the media engagement as the first in a series of his consultations aimed at sensitising stakeholders on the strategies, approach and expectations surrounding the reform.
He said: “When I resumed here, you supported me through constructive reportage. I am here again to seek your continued collaboration to ensure the success of the paperless regime,” he said.
While speaking on the command’s performance lately, Frank Comptroller Okechukwu Onyeka noted that the Command under his regime generated ₦609 billion last year. Highlighting further that a significant increase in revenue collections.
The CAC added that while ₦116 billion was recorded in January of the previous year, ₦145 billion was generated in the corresponding period last month — reflecting a rise of over ₦29.9 billion.
“We Want to Be Known as Trade Enablers.”
Marshalling out his plan if work for the year, Onyeka specifically said there will be a total shift in operational philosophy.
By this, he is saying “We want to do things differently. We want to be known as trade enablers,” he stated, adding that under the paperless regime, Customs aims to release containers without physical contact with agents or importers.
He pledged unwavering support for the reforms championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whom he described as “a pillar behind the reforms.”
DC Esiet and Alhasan listening with wrapped attention while Comptroller Onyeka briefed the senior journalists.
“I want to be known as a trade facilitator personified,” Onyeka declared.
Network Challenges Acknowledged
While expressing confidence in the preparedness of officers, Onyeka admitted that occasional network disruptions could pose challenges. However, he insisted that officers — whom he described as “serious and proactive” — would work harder to ensure efficiency.
Safeguards Against Abuse
Responding to concerns that the paperless regime could be circumvented, Onyeka maintained that Customs officers are aligned with global best practices.
“We have 21st-century officers, and we adhere to international trade principles,” he said, expressing optimism that the Service’s indigenous digital platform, B’Odogwu, would support the reform’s success.
Congestion Fears Dismissed
Addressing apprehensions that paperless processing might lead to cargo congestion, Onyeka dismissed the notion.
“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 explained.
He noted that the One-Stop-Shop mechanism would only be triggered when discrepancies arise, assuring that properly declared consignments would encounter no delays.
On what he called ‘Collectible Revenue’
the CAC stressed that the command’s strategy is centred on “collectible revenue” rather than “maximum revenue,” underscoring the need to balance revenue generation with trade facilitation.
Comptroller ONYEKA further added that the present management of the Nigeria Customs Service’s policy trust which are designed not to burden Nigerians but to improve economic activities.
In how the Paperless System will Work, Comptroller Onyeka explained that consignments with clear scanning images and unambiguous declarations would be released promptly. Meaning however that shipments with unclear images would undergo 100 per cent physical examination.
“Once the risk management system flags a red alert, the consignment will be fully examined,” he said.
He further disclosed that Customs is monitoring specific countries identified as sources of uncustoms goods, affirming that.