UCHE EJESIEME
Command Public Relations Officer
Tincan Island Port Area Command
The Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port Area Command, Comptroller Musa MBA, and his management have clearly shown the resolve to continue deploying several measures to boost the trade facilitation process in the area command. Recently, in an interactive session Comptroller Musa, held with some other stakeholders in his office, said that the area command just introduced what is known as “Time Release Study Tool”, which is essentially a strategic plan aimed at determining the actual time required for the release and clearance of goods right from the time of arrival to physical release from Customs control.
At the interactive session, Comptroller Musa MBA highlighted the fact that “Time Release Study” (TRS), is a strategic tool, meant to identify operational bottlenecks in the trade value chain so as to eradicate them. This he said, will make it easier for them to create an enabling environment for effectiveness and efficiency in the operations of the area command. He said the introduction of Time Release Study’’ (TRS) in their operations coupled with other strategies they had in place, significantly contributed to area been able to generate a total of One hundred and seventeen billion, eight hundred and thirty-nine million, four hundred and eighteen thousand, three hundred and thirty-two naira and sixteen kobo (N117,839,418,332.16 billion) between January and April 2020. He said he was particularly pleased that this feat was achieved in spite of the current national health and economic crises triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The revenue figure he said, shows an increase of over eleven billion over revenue generated in the same period in 2019 which amounts to the sum of One hundred and six billion, six hundred and forty-four million, six hundred and forty-three thousand, nine hundred and seventeen naira and twenty-five kobo (106,644,643,917.25) generated same period in 2019, thus reflecting a difference of Eleven billion, one hundred and ninety-four million, seven hundred and seventy-four thousand, four hundred and fourteen naira and ninety-one kobo (411,194,774,414.91). Whilst responding to issues bordering on challenges facing the command amid Covid-19, the Comptroller reiterated the readiness of the Command to ensure adherence and compliance with the extant protocols by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) towards containing the spread of the virus. He disclosed that prior to the outbreak of the virus, the Command had conducted series of seminars and awareness campaigns aimed at sensitizing the officers and men as well as other stakeholders on measures to adopt in dealing with the menace. These measures, according to the CAC, would be sustained even post-Covid-19 era. “Even at the outbreak of this pandemic when pressure, anxiety and general apprehension was the order of the day, the Command demonstrated resilience, sagacity, and compassion in its approach to the novel Pandemic, such that tension was reduced from the psyche of the operatives and confidence was inspired which enabled them to attend to their functions without any fret or hindrances”. He said: “We use this medium to remind Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the numerous incentives by the Federal Government in the area of export to draw and attract the consciousness of Nigerians to the advantages in export trade,’’ especially at this moment when it has become compelling for the diversification of the economy for national development”. While assuring that the command will continue to support and encourage the culture of compliance with fiscal and monetary policies, he promised a rewarding system for compliant traders. To minimize contacts with the public and other stakeholders, the comptroller said: `We have developed a framework and different layers for channeling of official complaints, including the Help Desk for the speedy resolution of trade disputes. Efforts are also being made to ensure continuous stakeholder engagement and collaboration for the actualization of the joint responsibilities of creating business-friendly environments that will encourage trade and investments as well as boost the morale of stakeholders.
In spite of the challenges, the Command will not let down its guards in pursuance of its official mandate.’’ The Comptroller expressed his appreciation for the logistics support and advice from the Customs management led by retired Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.) and also applauded the renewed commitment and zeal of the officers and men which is evidenced by the operational profile of the Command. He also acknowledged the collaboration and support of heads of security and regulatory agencies at the port, describing it as consistent efforts’’ in supporting the Command to realize its statutory mandate.
My commendation also goes to the Maritime media stakeholders including print, electronic and online publications for their quality reportage of the happenings in the sector. I thank the stakeholders for their continuous engagement with the Command and I request the strengthening of this collaboration,’’ the comptroller said.