Tin Can Island Port Bids Farewell to ACG Frank Onyeka as Revenue Hits Record ₦1.6 Trillion
Tin Can Island Port Bids Farewell to ACG Frank Onyeka as Revenue Hits Record ₦1.6 Trillion
…Comptroller Anani takes over with a pledge for continuity and stronger trade facilitation.
By Success Okezie
The Tin Can Island Port Command entered a new chapter on Friday, May 22, 2026, as newly promoted Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, formally handed over the reins of leadership. In a ceremony heavy with gratitude and pride, Onyeka described his tenure as one defined by bold achievements in revenue generation, decisive anti-smuggling operations, stronger stakeholder partnerships, and deliberate investment in people.
Speaking before officers, stakeholders, and senior officials, ACG Onyeka began by giving thanks to Almighty God for the grace to serve. He extended heartfelt appreciation to the officers and men of the Command, the broader trading community, and the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service for standing with him throughout his stewardship.
He called his elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General both emotional and historic. “Serving as Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command will remain one of the greatest honors of my career,” he said, his voice reflecting both humility and conviction.
Onyeka revealed that under his watch, the Command recorded ₦1,609,874,328,972.55 in revenue for the 2025 fiscal year, comfortably exceeding its ₦1,524,669,999,478.52 target. The momentum continued into 2026, with ₦401,011,998,443.71 collected in the first quarter alone.
He attributed the performance to a clear formula: discipline at every level, intelligence-driven operations, improved compliance strategies, consistent engagement with stakeholders, and the deployment of modern trade facilitation tools that balance enforcement with the ease of doing legitimate business.
On enforcement, Onyeka pointed to significant breakthroughs in the interception and seizure of illicit drugs and other prohibited items. The street value of these seizures exceeded ₦35 billion.
“These operations show our resolve to protect Nigeria from criminal networks,” he stated. “They reinforce the role of Customs as a frontline national security agency committed to dismantling transnational organized crime.”
The ACG emphasized that progress was not achieved in isolation. The Command deepened collaboration with freight forwarders, terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and other government agencies. The result was smoother operations, higher compliance levels, and faster, fairer dispute resolution across the port.
He also highlighted heavy investment in personnel development through capacity-building programs, workshops, and professional training designed to raise competence and morale. Special recognition went to the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), whose humanitarian and family-focused initiatives, he said, had strengthened both officers’ families and the wider community.
Onyeka commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and Chairman of the World Customs Organization Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his visionary leadership and trust. He thanked his management team and all officers for their loyalty, professionalism, and sacrifice, stressing that every success was a product of teamwork.
As he handed over to Comptroller Joe Anani, Onyeka expressed full confidence in his successor’s ability to lead. He urged stakeholders and officers to extend the same support and cooperation to the new Controller.
“As I step into my new role as Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, I remain available for consultation, guidance, and support whenever needed,” he assured. “Tin Can Island Port Command will always hold a special place in my heart.”
In his remarks, the incoming Area Controller, Comptroller Joe Anani, pledged to not only sustain but elevate the standards set by ACG Onyeka. He promised an open-door policy and a focus on trade facilitation for compliant traders.
“One Frank is leaving and another Frank is coming in,” Anani said with a smile. “Compliant traders have nothing to worry about. But to those who choose non-compliance, my advice is simple: avoid Tin Can Port.”
The event closed with an outpouring of goodwill. Representatives from the NDLEA and other agencies, alongside stakeholders, spoke glowingly of Onyeka’s leadership. The consensus was clear: he was a leader “who came, saw, and conquered.”
About The Author
