Comptroller Joe Anani’s Posting To Tin Can Island Command Draws Mixed Reactions From Stakeholders
By Roland Ekama
Freight forwarders and licensed customs agents have set agenda for the newly deployed Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Tin Can Island Port Command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Joe Anani, with a view to building on the achievements of his predecessors.
The operators urged the new controller to devise tools and mechanisms to address the specific challenges of the command, in contrast to practices at the PTML command.
Recall that the newly deployed CAC, Comptroller Anani, took over from acting ACG Frank Onyeka over the weekend.
A cross-section of freight agents who spoke to DAILY FOCUS NIGERIA on Sunday highlighted strategic measures for the controller to implement in order to achieve success going forward.
According to Comrade Emeka Nwosu, general secretary of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Tin Can Island Port Command oversees more than 10 bonded terminals, so operations there may be demanding for the new chief.
Nwosu noted that Tin Can is an entirely different terrain, adding that PTML has just one off-dock terminal without use of transire.
The Secretary General further urged the controller to take his time to study the peculiarities of Tin Can Island Port Command. He added that Comptroller Anani should begin with focused actions to keep afloat and surpass the records set by the outgoing CAC.
The NAGAFF scribe also stated that the hallmark of a progressive leader as area controller or customs chief lies in trade facilitation, revenue generation and national security; therefore Comptroller Anani should concentrate his efforts on these areas.
Speaking on the development, Comrade Emmanuel Onyeme, National Publicity Secretary (NPS) of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), called on Comptroller Anani to shine a light on junior officers who frustrate trade at the command.
Onyeme said there are still bad eggs at the command and urged the newly deployed customs chief to check these anomalies.
He stressed the need for Comptroller Anani to operate an open-door policy that will further facilitate seamless trade for shippers and freight agents, adding that his accessibility will promote a level playing field for the trading public.
He also pledged ANLCA’s support to the customs command to ensure his success at Tin Can Island Port Command.
According to him, constant stakeholders engagement would further help the new customs chief make significant progress in revenue growth, national security and trade facilitation.