By Hyacinth Nwafor
Tin-Can Island Port has long been a paradox. From been Nigeria’s second busiest seaport, a vital artery for trade, yet been trailed with the dubious reputation for its notorious for bottlenecks, overlapping alerts, and clearance delays that frustrate importers and exporters alike.
For decades, the port has been described as a “flashpoint of surprises” where efficiency often collides with entrenched inefficiencies. But that was the picture some years back. But in the past five to six years there has been some gradual shift towards positive attitude. It is even more so in the past one year, under the leadership of Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), as the narrative has continued to shift in radical dimension. It can safely be said that what was once a symbol of gridlock is gradually becoming a showcase of reform, resilience, and revenue breakthroughs.
The Burden of Bottlenecks
Tin-Can Island has historically been plagued by multiple alerts from different units, inconsistent enforcement, and overlapping agency interventions. Importers often complained of clearance delays stretching into weeks, while freight forwarders lamented the “human interface” that bred rent-seeking and slowed trade.
When Onyeka assumed office nine months ago, despite the great job his predecessor did to raise the bar of compliance and impressive work culture change that resulted significant scorecards across board, skepticism was still rife. His predecessor, DCG Dera Nnadi, had set a high bar, and many wondered if Onyeka could sustain the momentum. His response was modest yet firm: “It’s by God’s grace, and through the cooperation of our stakeholders. We will build on the foundation laid and raise the bar of performance.”
Digital Leap: Paperless Customs
One of Onyeka’s boldest initiatives has been the push for a paperless clearance regime. At a recent media parley, he unveiled the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) platform designed to harmonize processes and reduce human interface. “We are determined to accelerate trade and strengthen transparency. The era of fragmented documentation is ending,” he declared.
The results are already visible. In January 2026, Tin-Can Customs generated ₦145.9 billion, a sharp rise from ₦116.4 billion in January 2025. Onyeka attributed this leap to improved efficiency and digital adoption. “Our officers are embracing e-transactions, and the results are evident in both revenue and facilitation,” he said.
Revenue Breakthroughs
Tin-Can Island Customs has not only met but surpassed its 2025 revenue target of ₦1.52 trillion, raking in ₦1.57 trillion. Onyeka lauded his officers for their “unalloyed commitment and unwavering zeal” in meeting the Comptroller General’s tripod policy thrust: revenue generation, anti-smuggling, and trade facilitation.
He emphasized that the Command’s success was not just about numbers but about credibility. “Revenue is important, but it must be earned through legitimate trade. Our enforcement is not to stifle business but to protect the economy,” he explained.
Voices From The Port
Stakeholders confirm that reforms are biting. Clearing agents note that the OSS platform has reduced clearance time. “We used to spend days chasing alerts from different desks. Now, clearance is faster, though there are still hiccups,” said one freight forwarder. Importers have echoed similar sentiments.
“The paperless system reduces opportunities for rent-seeking. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s a step in the right direction,” noted a Lagos-based trader.
Terminal operators also acknowledge improved collaboration. “Customs is more open to dialogue now. Issues are resolved quicker, and that helps us plan better,” said a senior official at one of Tin-Can’s terminals.
Smuggling Wars And Enforcement
Tin-Can remains a hotspot for ingenious smuggling attempts, from concealed compartments in vehicles to mislabeled goods. Onyeka’s command has recorded significant seizures, ranging from narcotics to arms. Confident ans assertive, Onyeka says: “Smugglers are becoming more sophisticated, but so are we. Intelligence-driven enforcement is our weapon of choice.”
These seizures not only protect Nigeria’s economy but also underscore Tin-Can’s role as a frontline in the fight against illicit trade.
The Human Angle: Customs Care
Beyond technology and enforcement, Onyeka, riding on the CGC’s leadership vision has emphasized officer welfare and stakeholder engagement. His Customs Care Initiative seeks to humanize enforcement, offering support to officers and outreach to port users. “Morale is critical. A motivated officer delivers better service, and a satisfied stakeholder complies more willingly,” he explained.
It must be mentioned that training and capacity building have also been prioritized. Officers are being equipped to handle modern trade complexities, ensuring that reforms are not just policy statements but lived realities.
A Port In Transition
Tin-Can Island Port remains a crucible of Nigeria’s trade challenges. Yet, under Comptroller Frank Onyeka, bottlenecks are giving way to breakthroughs. With rising revenue, digital reforms, and a renewed focus on collaboration, the Command is scripting a new chapter in Nigeria’s port story, one where efficiency and enforcement walk hand in hand.
The journey is far from complete. But for now, Tin-Can Customs stands as a testament to what determined leadership, stakeholder cooperation, and digital innovation can achieve in Nigeria’s maritime sector.