The new Customs Controller of Tin-Can Island Port command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni has taken up his new role at the command.
Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, while delivering his maiden address yesterday on the occasion of his official assumption of duty as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Tincan Island Port Command expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and outlined his vision for the command.
Addressing the gathering, Comptroller Nnadi extended his appreciation to all present for welcoming him back to Tin-Can Island Port Command, where he assumes the role of the 20th Customs Area Controller since the command’s inception in 1977.
He noted that it is always a pleasure to be part of the maritime industry and that he is eager to continue the ongoing reforms, both from his personal perspective and on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Recognizing the dynamic nature of the maritime industry, Comptroller Nnadi stressed the importance of stakeholders working together to find solutions to individual and collective needs.
He emphasized the need for proactive leadership and urged all stakeholders to lead from the front.
Comptroller Nnadi outlined the key performance indicators for the Nigeria Customs Service, which include revenue collection, anti-smuggling efforts, and service delivery (facilitation of trade). These indicators, he noted, are essential in measuring the agency’s performance and will remain relevant until Nigeria achieves full economic development.
The Comptroller acknowledged the challenging task ahead, with the command’s revenue target exceeding 801 billion Naira and standing at 52 percent completion with only three months left in the year 2023.
The Tin-Can Port boss expressed confidence in achieving the remaining 48 percent of the revenue target, despite the challenges posed by the floating exchange rate affecting importers and exporters.
Regarding security, Comptroller Nnadi emphasized the Customs Command’s role in securing the nation by intervening against economic saboteurs and those who import illicit goods that contribute to insecurity in the country.
He commended the outgoing Controller and the command’s officers for their recent seizure of two containers of tramadol, reaffirming the commitment to combating the importation of illicit and unapproved drugs.
In his words: “The concept of regional trade integration is pursuant to the new world order which encourages cooperation between independent countries within a region or sub region as the case may be to speed up economic and social development through removal of barriers in trade and movement of persons which may impede free movement of goods and services within a particular region.
“This strategic agenda between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin is in line with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and would aid smooth transitioning into the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”
The CAC highlighted the recent agreement between the Customs Administrations of Nigeria and Benin to develop frameworks for clearing Nigeria-bound goods in Benin Ports and vice versa.
He called for improved business processes and increased efficiency in service delivery to remain competitive with other ports in the subregion.
Comptroller Nnadi called for the cooperation of shipping companies, terminal operators, and other government agencies in the command’s efforts to rebrand and improve service delivery.
He stressed the importance of respecting various mandates and avoiding interference in revenue-related transactions, except where it falls within their regulatory functions.
Nnadi assured that he would maintain an open-door policy for seamless trade while remaining resolute in his commitment to prevent activities that compromise the service’s mandates.
He concluded by urging everyone to offer solutions rather than assign blame for the challenges facing the maritime industry.
Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni, assumes the role of Customs Area Controller at Tincan Island Port Command with a determination to lead the command toward greater efficiency and effectiveness.
