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The Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has declared his readiness to drive the Nigeria Customs Service’s transition to a fully paperless regime, assuring stakeholders that the command is primed for seamless digital operations ahead of the rollout scheduled for the second quarter of the year.
Speaking during a parley with senior maritime journalists, Onyeka described the media engagement as the first in a series of consultations aimed at sensitising stakeholders on the strategies and expectations surrounding the reform.
“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.
Revenue Surge Signals Momentum
Reviewing the command’s performance, Onyeka revealed that Tin Can Island Command generated ₦609 billion last year. He highlighted a significant increase in collections, noting 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”
Outlining his vision for the year, Onyeka emphasised a shift in operational philosophy.
“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.
Focus on ‘Collectible Revenue’
Onyeka 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.
He added that the current administration’s policies are designed not to burden Nigerians but to improve economic activities.
How the Paperless System Will Work
Providing operational details, Onyeka explained that consignments with clear scanning images and unambiguous declarations would be released promptly. However, 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 uncustomed goods, affirming tha