Tin-Can Customs unveils strategy for 2025 revenue targets

The Tin-Can Island port command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has set its sights on surpassing its revenue target for 2025, detailing a focus on trade facilitation and compliance enforcement.

Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller for the command, shared his strategic priorities during a recent conversation with journalists. He outlined plans to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen collaboration across key units, positioning the command to exceed expectations despite economic uncertainties.

“I’ll facilitate trade, but it has to be legitimate trade. That’s what I feel I should do in the strict sense,” Onyeka said, noting that the cornerstone of his strategy would be thorough cargo examinations.

“Once we’ve examined them, everything should be on cruise control because if you examine them, you’ll now know if it’s supposed to go out or not,” he explained.

Read also: Tin-Can Customs posts record high N1.046trn revenue despite low imports

Building on past success

Last year, the Tin-Can Island Command received a revenue target of N1.13 trillion which it closed in on by November 7, when it reported a revenue of N1.046 trillion, its highest in history, amid declining import volume.

Although the 2025 target is yet to be disclosed by the NCS, Onyeka expressed confidence in the command’s ability to surpass it, drawing on lessons learned from previous achievements of his predecessor, Dera Nnadi.

“In Anti-smuggling, he did well. In revenue generation, he did superbly well, same goes for infrastructure development,” Onyeka noted, adding that he would maintain and enhance the command’s relationship with the media, a hallmark of Nnadi’s tenure.

His plans include integrating the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), Valuation Unit, and other critical departments to ensure synergy and efficiency.

Onyeka emphasised his alignment with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing optimism that his team would deliver on its mandate.

“It’s my prayer, by the grace of God, that all of us will be on the same page to make sure that the renewed hope agenda is brought to fruition,” he said, acknowledging the support of Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the management team.

While revenue generation remains a primary focus, Onyeka stressed the importance of balancing continued trade and enforcing compliance.

Being one of Nigeria’s most critical trade hubs, the command aims to play its role in driving major contributions to meeting the N12 trillion revenue target set for the NCS in 2025.