Customs CG Commissions Renovated TinCan Command Complex, Honours 97-Year-Old Veteran

Customs CG Commissions Renovated TinCan Command Complex, Honours 97-Year-Old Veteran

In a groundbreaking ceremony that promises to reshape the future of customs operations, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, unveiled an impressive array of infrastructure projects at the TinCan Island Command, Lagos State, on Tuesday.

THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the ceremony marks a significant leap forward, setting the stage for enhanced efficiency and modernisation within the command, and reinforcing the TinCan Island Command as a force in customs excellence.

The projects include a newly renovated command office complex, customs police unit and other facilities, all in a move to boost operations and trade facilitation.

During the ceremony, CG Adeniyi commended the officers and leadership of the TinCan Island Command for their remarkable infrastructure achievements and outstanding performances. He also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their collaboration with the command.

“The newly renovated project and other significant accomplishments of the TinCan Island Command being celebrated today are the result of teamwork among customs officers, security agencies, and other stakeholders,” he stated. “What we see today is a product of our collaboration with all stakeholders.”

Adeniyi emphasized, “Upon assuming duty, I made it clear that one of my primary policy thrusts would be collaboration. I’ve realized that there is strength in complementing each other’s efforts. Each of us brings unique attributes to the table, and in a modern organization, we must harness each individual’s strengths.”

He highlighted that the TinCan Island Port Command has excelled in various areas, including resource maximization, record-breaking revenue generation, and inter-agency collaboration.

“Our revenue generation is a direct result of the deliberate collaboration we maintain with all our stakeholders. When we receive intelligence about security threats, it stems from our collaborative efforts.”

Reflecting on his past, the CGC shared, “This command (TinCan Island) was my first posting as a customs officer. I was assigned here in 1991, fresh from training college, and my experiences here have shaped my dedication to service.”

Also, the Area Customs Controller of TinCan Island Command, Dera Nnadi, expressed joy at witnessing the commissioning of the newly renovated office complex.

He remarked, “As we unveil this renovated facility, we must acknowledge the historical significance of this transformation. Since the establishment of this Command in 1977, no major renovations have been undertaken to modernize the office complex.”

“For decades, our officers have worked diligently within outdated infrastructure, and today marks a transformation that represents not just our past but a commitment to a modern, efficient future dedicated to service excellence.”

Nnadi added, “This renovation transcends mere aesthetics; it is a clear statement of intent that reinforces the CGC’s policy focus on Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation. It reaffirms our commitment to enhancing working conditions and operational efficiency, providing a conducive environment for our officers and stakeholders.”

He emphasized, “A well-maintained office complex is crucial for delivering exceptional service and achieving greater results in our core functions of revenue generation and trade facilitation.”

“It is important to note that our work at TinCan Island Port extends beyond infrastructure; we are committed to Nigeria’s economic growth. In 2024, under the leadership 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 achievement that underscores the dedication of our officers.”

“This achievement marks a significant increase 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 of November 2023. The success in our revenue efforts reflects not only the diligence of our officers but also the collaborative spirit with our stakeholders. It attests to the positive impact of our policies and reforms, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to maximizing revenue collection for the nation’s growth.”

“I want to congratulate the officers of TinCan 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 recognize the crucial role played by all our stakeholders—importers, clearing agents, shipping companies, and everyone involved in the operations at TinCan Island Port. I urge your continued support in maintaining a habitable environment within this complex. A clean, safe, and well-maintained office space is essential for our ongoing success, and I encourage all stakeholders to respect the rules and guidelines surrounding this complex to sustain the positive atmosphere created by this renovation.”

“This facility, although newly renovated, is still a work in progress. Our efforts are far from over, and we need your support to ensure it remains in top condition. By working together, we can uphold the high standards we have set for ourselves and ensure that TinCan Island Port remains a beacon of excellence in customs administration,” Nnadi concluded.

Additionally, the Customs CG and Area Controller Nnadi took the opportunity to honour Pa Joseph Brigue, a veteran retired senior customs officer who served as the first substantial Area Administrator of TinCan Island Command from 1982 to 1984.

Now 97 years old, having retired forty years ago, Brigue was presented with a commemorative plaque and received applause from all officers and stakeholders at the commissioning ceremony.