Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni has taken over as the 20th Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port Command, succeeding Comptroller Adekunle Oloyede. In his inaugural speech, Comptroller Nnadi expressed gratitude to God and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for entrusting him with the role of area controller. He acknowledged the importance of collaborating with industry leaders to continue reforming the maritime industry, both from a personal perspective and on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service. Comptroller Nnadi emphasized the need for all stakeholders to work together to address individual and collective needs in the dynamic industry. He and his officers pledged their commitment to lead from the front in the next phase of their assignment.
Comptroller Nnadi acknowledged the daunting task ahead but believed it was surmountable. He reiterated the three key performance indicators of the Nigeria Customs Service: revenue collection, anti-smuggling efforts, and service delivery activities. These indicators, he stated, would remain relevant in economic discussions until the nation achieves full development. He highlighted that the Tincan Command’s revenue target of over 801 billion Naira currently stands at 52%, with only three months left in the year 2023, meaning they must collect 48% of the remaining revenue.
The comptroller acknowledged the challenges posed by the floating exchange rate, which has impacted importation and exportation. However, he assured that he and his officers would do everything in their power to achieve the revenue target. Comptroller Nnadi also emphasized their role in securing the nation, combating economic saboteurs, and preventing the importation of illicit goods that contribute to insecurity. He commended the outgoing Controller, Comptroller Oloyede, and the Command officers for their recent seizure of two containers of tramadol, promising to sustain the fight against the importation of illicit and unapproved drugs.
In conclusion, Comptroller Nnadi referred to the agreement between the Customs Administrations of Nigeria and Benin to develop frameworks for clearing Nigeria-bound goods in Benin Ports and vice versa. He emphasized the need to improve business processes and increase efficiency in service delivery to compete with other ports in the sub-region. He called for the cooperation of shipping companies, terminal operators, and other government agencies in the Command’s rebranding efforts. Comptroller Nnadi assured that, like Comptroller Oloyede, he would maintain an open-door policy to facilitate seamless trade while ensuring that unwholesome activities were strictly prohibited. He urged everyone to focus on finding solutions instead of dwelling on problems and solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders.