COMPTROLLER FRANK OKECHUKWU ONYEKA: AN EPOCH-MAKING ERA AT TINCAN CUSTOMS

COMPTROLLER FRANK OKECHUKWU ONYEKA: AN EPOCH-MAKING ERA AT TINCAN CUSTOMS

A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to take tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way, filled with aura that greatly inspires others.

Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, CAC, TinCan Island Area Command, NCS

Above leadership quotes could best describe attributes of Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, the new leadership face at TinCan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), whose immense dedication and zeal to duty earned him the coveted position as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) to head the nation’s second largest Customs’ revenue earning command. 

For many industry watchers and stakeholders that call at the Tin-Can Island Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, there tend to be a general feeling of a new dispensation at the command with the era of refined customs duty wake up call, improved genuine declarations by willing importers, coupled with automated inclined operational processes that greet transactions at the command.

Since the advent of the present Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, an Customs  technocrat with immense dedication and zeal that has contributed his quota in different capacities to maximize customs operational performance, had hit the ground running by indulging in some reorganizing the command’s working structures which gave rise to a well-structured and fortified revenue collection mechanism, which continued to expose antics of defaulters, and plugging of leakages for an improved collection.

Comptroller Frank Onyeka taking over from ACG Nnadi at TinCan

A highly knowledgeable, quiet and smooth officer of Customs who prefers to do his job without blowing trumpets, which to him breeds unnecessary distractions, Comptroller FO Onyeka leadership at the TinCan Area Command of the service is said to have so far positively changed the operational face-lift of Tin-Can Command to globally acclaimed standard.

This is equally seen to have positively affected the Command’s mandates of revenue collection, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation which according to recent development have continued to rise astronomically when compared to past achievements.

His bold stance at taking certain decisions that even some top echelon would not dare is another positive trait of customs officer Frank Onyeka, who will stop at nothing no matter whose ox is gored, to carry out his undertaken task to the later for the benefit of the entire service. 

He has demonstrated far superior leadership attributes in several units of commands he had held sway as Officers In Charge, at least in the last one decade, achieving huge success to support mandates of the respective commands and was appreciates not only by his command’s immediate bosses but the Abuja top echelon as well.   

Presently as the customs Area Controller of TinCan Island Area Command, the second largest revenue command of the service, Comptroller Frank Onyeka who is confident that the command would meet and surpass its target, has been walking the talk by putting in place several on ground to plug revenue leakages, preventing offensive items from gaining access into the country through the command, and at same time targeting a robust trade facilitation system.

Already, within one month of his leadership undertaking, the TinCan command under the watch of Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka had successfully generated a total of N116,412,735,766.23 in the month of January 2025 alone.

This collection he said represented a significant increase when compared to the amount collected in January 2024, which was N88,430,126,122.76, giving a significant difference between the two figures of N27,982,609,643.47, which represents a percentage increase of 24.06%.

Comptroller Frank Comptroller Frank Onyeka who revealed this during a two days interactive session with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including importers, Customs brokers, shipping agents, and other key players in the trade sector to sensitize them on the implementation of the 4% Free on Board (FOB) levy and the new Unified Customs Management System known as B’Odogwu, expressed optimism regarding the continued growth, stating that the Command is on track to surpass its 2025 annual target of N1,524,699,999,478.52, as his led management is taking adequate steps to maintain the momentum throughout the year.

The Area Controller at the event held in the command between Thursday 6 and Friday February 7, 2025, also emphasized the importance of these reforms, particularly the 4% FOB levy, which applies to the value of goods at the point of import. According to him, the 4% FOB levy which was provided for in Section 18 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 was expected to boost the operational efficiency of the service in line with International best practices.

The interactive sessions, brought together experts from both the private and public sectors, and created an open forum for dialogue on the operational implications of these new initiatives. He noted that these developments are aimed to streamline Nigeria’s Customs processes while improving efficiency and transparency within the trade and importation landscape.

Group Photograph with Stakeholders

In addition, Onyeka stated that the introduction of the B’Odogwu Clearance System was highlighted as a step towards modernizing the Customs clearance process, reducing bottlenecks, and enhancing compliance. Noting that the scheme will soon be launched in the Command.

On some of his reforms introduced in the Command so far, Comptroller Onyeka said he is creating a more trade-friendly environment for all port activities to strive, as he reiterated that the era of multiple alerts are over, and stressed that honest declarations and thorough examinations must be emphasized.

He promised to continue to engage with stakeholders, as this is a crucial part of ensuring the success of these initiatives,”. “Through constant collaboration and feedback, we aim to address concerns, foster a better understanding of the processes, and ultimately ensure smooth implementation of these policies.”

The directives from the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR to initiate these consultations underscores the commitment of the service to transparency, effective communication, and partnership with stakeholders as it navigates through the evolving landscape of international trade.

CHECKMATING MULTIPLE ALERTS

The TinCan Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service NCS under the present Customs Area Controller CAC, Comptroller Frank Onyeka has continued to put up measures to place the command in the right path of achievement drive in terms of the revenue collection mandate to be at its best top form.     

The CAC’s recent move to  resolves Multiple Alert Issue at Tin-Can Port, during a recent stakeholders engagement held at the command conference hall on the 4th of February, 2025, is part of the key reforms measures being introduced to address the issue of multiple alerts, streamline operations, and enhance trade facilitation.

It was said that the stakeholders’ engagement exercise brought together government agencies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, importers, and customs agents to discuss trade facilitation, maritime activities, and improved service delivery. 

During the meeting, Comptroller Onyeka addressed key operational bottlenecks, particularly the issue of multiple alerts, which had previously hindered smooth cargo clearance at the port. He emphasized that moving forward, alerts will only be issued by legitimate units such as the Valuation Department or the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), based strictly on intelligence and with his direct approval. 

“Once there is an alert, all other units will key into it and reconcile with the issuing unit before the goods are released. Enforcement has no reason to place alerts on consignments unless authorized by me. Our goal is to ensure seamless operations where traders who declare goods appropriately, pay the correct duties, and perform necessary examinations face no undue delays,” Onyeka stated. 

He reassured stakeholders that Tin-Can Island Port is committed to fostering a conducive business environment, adding that transparency and collaboration are vital to achieving trade facilitation. “We are here to make operations exceptionally easy for everyone. Traders who comply with the rules have nothing to fear. I have already started addressing the concerns raised during this meeting,” he said. 

Reacting to the development, the Secretary of the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), Mr. Eugene Nweke, commended Comptroller Onyeka for his proactive approach and commitment to resolving longstanding challenges. Nweke noted that Onyeka’s reforms align with the resolutions of the Comptroller General of Customs Conference held in Abuja in 2024, which focused on reducing bottlenecks at ports. 

“The issue of multiple alerts has been a major impediment to smooth cargo clearance. Comptroller Onyeka has resolved this by ensuring only one alert will be recognized in the command, and it must follow due process. His openness, integrity, and commitment to trade facilitation are commendable,” Nweke said. 

The CCC, comprising terminal operators, shippers, and other maritime stakeholders, expressed optimism about the reforms and pledged their support for Onyeka’s leadership. 

The meeting ended on a positive note, with stakeholders praising the improved dialogue and Onyeka’s dedication to addressing their concerns. The Customs boss reiterated his commitment to fostering a better working relationship and ensuring the Tin-Can Island Port remains a hub for efficient and transparent trade operations.

Comptroller FO Onyeka with the CGC and DC Balogun (Rtd) during his Comptroller decoration in Abuja

Charges Importers, clearing agents on honest declaration

Similarly, in order to facilitate legitimate trade  at the Tin Can Island Port Command (TCIP) corridor of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Frank Onyeka has called on stakeholders, importers, exporters and their clearing agents to always give honest declaration of their goods through the proper channel.

The CAC made the call recently at a stakeholders’ meeting with the Executives members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Tincan Port Chapter, as part of his ongoing efforts to enhance stakeholder’s engagement, facilitate trade and ensure efficient customs operations at the port.

Onyeka during the meeting emphasised that accurate declarations are essential in enhancing the ease of doing business and facilitating smooth trade operations. He noted that ensuring proper declaration of goods through customs processes does not only help in fostering transparency but also plays a critical role in combating illicit trade practices, reducing delays at the ports, and enhancing national revenue collection.

“Proper declarations are the foundation of an efficient customs process. When stakeholders declare goods correctly, it enables us to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks at the ports, and improve the overall experience for both businesses and consumers,” he said.

The call comes as part of ongoing efforts by the NCS to strengthen relationships with stakeholders across various sectors, including importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and Customs brokers.

 It is also in line with the NCS’s broader mission to create a transparent, fair, and secure environment for international trade. Onyeka further urged stakeholders to collaborate with the NCS in maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in their transactions.

He reassured all parties that the NCS is committed to continuous capacity building and the implementation of technology-driven solutions aimed at making trade easier and more efficient. “We must work together to ensure the declaration process is not only a statutory requirement but a tool for trade facilitation. By enhancing compliance and promoting transparency, we are building a more robust, resilient, and dynamic trade ecosystem. “The NCS is committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to reduce the time and cost associated with trade operations while ensuring compliance with global best practices, “he said.

Meanwhile, stakeholders present at the meeting commended the open door policy of the newly promoted CAC, Mr. Taiwo Oyeniyi, a Chieftain of ANLCA, and a renowned customs broker, appealed to stakeholders to cooperate with the customs boss and make honest declarations to enable him collect maximum revenue.

“Do not forget that the Customs generated a total of N6.1 Trillion last year and they have been given a target of N12 Trillion to generate this year. To achieve his own target, Comptroller Onyeka has to block all revenue loopholes, but what we are appealing for him to do is that if he sees something going wrong since we know that he is a grass root man, he should let us know.

He added “He was a valuation officer here at TCIP and he performed creditable well as well as he did at the Onne Command. He is going to do even better here as the CAC and I appeal to all stakeholders to cooperate with him and to make honest declarations. It is not all the persons who engage in the act of goods clearance that is a Customs Licensed Agent, but I would want the CAC to keep going constantly along this channel of dialogue with stakeholders and I pray that he succeeds.

It would be recalled that at his immediate past position at in Charge, Exit Gate, Apapa Area One Command, Nigeria Customs Service, before his transfer to head the TinCan Island Command as Area Controller, Onyeka as an Officer of Customs with sterling work principles was indeed an epitome of hard work and resourcefulness who inherently possesses rare leadership qualities that will stand the test of time.

Little wonder, his work dexterity have once again earned him the revered ‘Revenue Officer of the Month’ of August Award conferred on him by the present Customs Area Comptroller in Charge of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu who was the cynosure of all eyes over the unprecedented revenue collection feat of the command in the tune of over N2.2trillion generated in last year under his watchful eyes.

However, the all-round achievements of the command is said to be made possible with the likes of Frank Onyeka, and many other fine officers of the command, who are the gallant unseen hands behind the scene that are solid supporter through their commitment and dedication in performing the revenue collection ‘magic’.  

It is indeed a rare occurrence for an Officer In Charge of Exit Gate, the last point of checks for exited consignments whose oversight function is to ensure total compliance of such items with trade rule before leaving the Ports, to bag such a respected recognition from the high command.

For the amiable Frank Onyeka, this award is a replication of the Award for ‘Value Chain Officer’ of the Month of February 2023, conferred on him at Onne Command where held sway as Officer In Charge of Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) Gate by then Comptroller Imam Baba in appreciation of his discipline, hard work and resourcefulness in service delivery.

As an on the job upright and no-nonsense officer who never looks back or bow to retrogressive forces when he is determined to do things rightly, Onyeka had faced several bottlenecks from recalcitrant stakeholders, who see his actions as a deprivation for them to achieve their illicit act, and often times cast aspersions, among other forms of attack on his person, including frivolous petitions on his character in the course of doing the right thing, but some of these awards could however be regarded as a vindication on his part.

Despite these uncharitable hindrances, Onyeka had, with the firm backing of his bosses, continued to bulldoze his way to do a yeoman’s job to get things done rightly, and achieving maximum generation of revenue for the service, unmindful of threats from the recalcitrant stakeholders who are bent on continuing with their illicit act of shortchanging government through various nefarious antics.

Another very interesting take away fact about Onyeka’s escapades at achieving feats that often cause uneasy calm among some dishonest traders is his ability to deploy good VALUATION principles on consignments for exit. He has so far in the several departments he held sway as Officer In Charge succeeded in raising huge sums through Debit Notes (DN) raised in this regard for the service.

As a valuation maestro from his work antecedent, which started years back at TinCan Command where he held sway as Officer in Charge of Valuation Unit with colossal sums of revenue additions raised while his tenure lasted at the unit. This valuation feat is another duty addition he has deployed at subsequent positions to make the job virile.

Comptroller Frank Onyeka is a hardworking and highly responsible officer of customs who have cut his teeth in virtually all formations of the service and leaving indelible footprints, and waxing stronger in performance, especially at most very technical positions of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

His capabilities and competences in several units and formations he held sway as Officer in Charge have endeared him to many especially top-notch officers of Abuja High Command and notable stakeholders who revered his on the work intelligence and brilliance.

…The Man Frank Onyeka

Comptroller FO Onyeka holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science; a Master’s in Public Administration and has attended other training where he obtained several certifications in the Service within and outside the Country.

Comptroller FO. Onyeka has consistently demonstrated remarkable intellect and exceptional courage in every assignment he undertakes. Whether in the field or at the helm of operations, his dedication to the core mandates of the Comptroller General of Customs stands out.

He effectively carries out these duties while ensuring alignment with the global best practices. His ability to uphold high standards in the customs process showcases both his professional expertise and his commitment to improving operations within the service.

Before his present deployment as the Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Port Area Command, Frank O Onyeka was the officer in charge of the Premier Port Gate, where he worked tirelessly with the seating Area Controller in generating the massive trillions the Command has generated.

He also served in Onne Port Area Command Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) gate, where his uncommon intelligence also saw the FOT gate on top chart of transformational innovations, huge revenue collected and seizures made.

He was the first recipient of the valued addition officer award created by the present Assistant Comptroller General Board; ACG B Imam. Comptroller Onyeka’s enthusiasm and zeal with his professional instincts for trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling feats are unassuming. 

With his deployment to Tincan Island Port, CAC Onyeka will usher in his years of experience and training to uphold the Comptroller General of Customs’ Policy Thrust of Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation. He has a unique interpersonal skill yet very strict to trade compliance and laden with innovative ideas to achieve results.  His success is puzzling, a workaholic that attracts success at all levels.

In his inaugural address, Comptroller FO Onyeka had expressed his commitment to the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team, as he emphasized that one of his principles is an all-inclusive attribute, as no man has a monopoly of knowledge, while he called on all critical stakeholders, security agencies, freight forwarders, terminal operators and the media, etc. to put all hands on deck to ensure that the achievement legacy of the command is upheld.