MAJAN Pays Courtesy Visit to Compt. FO Onyeka, Commends Reform

MAJAN Pays Courtesy Visit to Compt. FO Onyeka, Commends Reform.

…I Will Transform Tincan Island Port as One of the Best Port in Nigeria.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), led by its President, Comrade Jerry Aguigbo, paid a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller FO Onyeka on Tuesday. The visit aimed to familiarize with the Command’s activities and acknowledge the innovative measures introduced to move the Tincan Island Port forward.

During the visit, Comrade Jerry Aguigbo highlighted the strategic importance of the Port Command in Nigeria’s maritime industry. He commended Compt Onyeka for implementing strategies that have yielded unprecedented result within a short period. Jerry stated that, “Since your assumption of office as the Command’s Area Controller, you hit the ground running by taken measures that appeals to the freight forwarders. We are here to more about your activities and to familiarize with each other.”

In his response, Comptroller Onyeka expressed his commitment to ensuring seamless operations for compliant traders. He emphasised that the Tincan Island Port Command’s goal is to create a friendly business environment while maintaining compliance with regulations. “We are here to make things seamless for people to operate, I want Tincan Island Port to be the most friendly port in the country,” he said.

Also, he addressed concerns about multiple alerts, explaining that efforts are being made to eliminate redundant alerts and streamline the processes. He assured that the command is focused on creating a smooth operational experience for all stakeholders.

Speaking also, Deputy Comptroller Administration, DC SO Aribiyi and Deputy Comptroller Revenue, DC IS Ofoegbu gave clarification on the issuance of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Certificate to reliable stakeholders.

According to him, AEO is an incentive to encourage traders that are compliant. It is a tool used by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which means, it is an international based platform, Aribiyi said.

He said AEO is not only issued by the Nigeria Customs Service. It is practice by customs worldwide. He said that the security agencies, including the police force, NDLEA are part of the agencies involved in profiling potential beneficiaries of the AEO.

According to him, “police, the Interpol, NDLEA are part of the agencies profiling a beneficiary trader. Fear of people undermining the privilege of having the AEO certificate has been taken care of.”

“The fear of traders bringing in offensive goods, that one is certain and it has been handled because we have agencies that have their eyes on you. So that fear of bringing in illicit goods has been addressed. We have about six agencies that customs have profiled and given the incentive called AEO.

Other officers present at the event include Assistant Comptroller Enforcement, UB Agomuo, Secretary to the Area Controller, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Oben Ihekwama, Customs Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs, OE Ivara and ASC, MB Zubairu, Assistant Public Relations Officer Tincan Island Port Command.

The visit by MAJAN underscored the collaborative relationship between the media and the maritime industry, highlighting the importance of transparency and effective communication in driving industry growth.