The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has unveiled the newly renovated Complex of the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Unveiling the complex on Tuesday in Lagos, Adeniyi described the new look of the facilities as capable of winning award.
He said “We dedicate this to the glory of God, and for the provision of better and more optimal service to the federal government of Nigeria. I commend Comptroller Dera Nnadi and all his men for the initiative of getting this done. When he told me about it, I never knew that it was such a gigantic project.
“I just thought that they put some brushes here and there. But from what I have seen physically and from the video I’ve seen, this is an award-winning project. The award for the Nigeria Customs Service in 2024, which was supposed to have taken place two weeks ago, will now take place in two days’ time. As Comptroller-General of Customs, I can assure you that we will not forget this project.”
The Area Controller, Compt. Dera Nnadi said the renovation was not just about aesthetics and upgrading physical infrastructure, but intended to make a statement to reinforce CGC’s policy focus on “collaboration, consolidation and innovation’.
Nnadi explained that the offices were fashioned in such a way that customs officers offer their services and achieve wonderful results.
Nnadi’s speech on the occasion reads:
”As we celebrate the unveiling of this renovated facility, we must recognize the historical context of this transformation. Since the inception of this Command in 1977, no major renovation has been undertaken to update and modernize the office complex. For decades, our officers have worked diligently within the confines of outdated infrastructure, and today, we witness a transformation that will no longer be just a reflection of the past, but a symbol of the future – a future that is modern, efficient, and committed to service excellence.
“This renovation goes beyond mere aesthetics or upgrading physical infrastructure; it is a clear statement of intent that reinforces the CGC’s policy focus on Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to improving working conditions, enhancing operational efficiency, and providing a conducive environment for our officers and stakeholders alike. A well-maintained office complex ensures that we continue to provide exceptional service and achieve greater results in our core functions of revenue generation and trade facilitation.
“It is important to note that our work here at Tin Can Island Port goes beyond infrastructure; we are deeply committed to the economic growth of Nigeria. In 2024, under the leadership and guidance of the Comptroller General of Customs, our Command has made remarkable strides in revenue generation. We are proud to announce that for the first time in history, Tincan Island Port has generated over ₦1, 125,744,318,049.60 (One trillion, One Hundred and Twenty Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty-Four Million, Three Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Forty Nine Naira Sixty Kobo) in revenue—an exceptional feat that highlights the dedication and hard work of our officers.
“This achievement is a significant leap from the ₦639,665,622,978.55 (Six Hundred and Thirty Nine Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty Five Million, Six Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira, Fifty Five Kobo) collected as at November 2023. The success recorded in our revenue drive reflects not only the diligence of our officers but also the collaborative efforts with other stakeholders. It is a testament to the positive impact of our policies and reforms, and it reaffirms the Service commitment to maximizing revenue collection for the growth of our nation.
“In addition to our successes in revenue generation, we continue to make significant strides in enforcing compliance and tackling smuggling activities. We are all witness to the seizure of various quantities of arms, unregulated pharmaceutical and psychotropic substances and other Un-customs goods. Our achievement in this direction further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economic and security interests. These seizures not only demonstrate the vigilance and dedication of our officers but also highlight our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s borders. We recognize the importance of preventing the inflow of harmful goods and ensuring that all imported items meet the legal and regulatory standards.
“I would like to take a moment to congratulate the officers of Tin Can Island Port Command for their unwavering commitment, determination, and excellence. The revenue collected, the seizures made, and the success of this renovation are all outcomes of your hard work and dedication to duty. This renovation is a direct result of your efforts, and I commend you all for your service to the nation.
“As we celebrate this achievement, I also want to acknowledge the crucial role played by all our stakeholders—importers, clearing agents, shipping companies, and everyone involved in the operations at Tin Can Island Port. I ask for your continued support in maintaining a habitable environment within this complex. A clean, safe, and well-maintained office space is essential for the continued success of our operations, and I urge all stakeholders to respect the rules and guidelines surrounding this complex, so we can sustain the positive atmosphere that this renovation has created.
“This facility, though newly renovated, is still a work in progress. The work is far from over, and we need your support to ensure that it remains in top condition. By working together, we can maintain the high standards we have set for ourselves and ensure that Tin Can Island Port remains a symbol of excellence in customs administration.
“I would like to thank the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority and the Port Managers of Tincan Island Port for their support. At this juncture , I wish to most sincerely express my deepest gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, dsm, fnipr, psc(+) and his management for their continuous support to Tin Can Island Port Command. CGC Sir, your leadership, vision, and commitment have provided the guidance and resources necessary for us to reach these significant milestones. Without your support, the achievements we celebrate today would not have been possible.
“In conclusion, may I kindly remind the officers, stakeholders and all those that will use this facility that we all continue to work together to maintain the standards of excellence we have set and ensure that this newly renovated complex serves as a beacon of progress for years to come.
