On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, dsm, fnipr, psc(+), proudly commissioned the newly renovated office complex of the Tin Can Island Port Command. This significant event marks a monumental milestone in the command’s history, coinciding with its 40 years of service.
Adeniyi expressed his delight at the presence of the first substantive Administrator of the Command, the now 97-year-old Comptroller James Brigue (rtd), who led the command from 1982 to 1984. The Comptroller General noted that it brought him immense joy to unveil the major renovation, a long-overdue update after four decades of the command’s operation.
What particularly intrigued attendees was the fact that the renovation was executed by Customs Officers—qualified professionals in construction—serving within the command, under the vigilant supervision of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni.
Reflecting on his personal connection to the command, Adeniyi commended Comptroller Nnadi for his impressive work on the renovation. “When Comptroller Nnadi first informed me about the project, I underestimated its scale. I expected minor touch-ups, but what I have seen today—both in person and through video—truly deserves recognition as an award-winning project.
“He further announced that the Nigeria Customs Service would soon hold its annual awards ceremony, originally scheduled weeks earlier, to honor outstanding achievements within the organization. “As Comptroller-General of Customs, I assure you that this project will not be forgotten,” he said.
Additionally, Adeniyi revealed that the government is developing a single-window platform aimed at integrating all stakeholders into an automated system, enhancing regulatory oversight and boosting operational efficiency. “I commend other area controllers for prioritizing this event and encourage ongoing stakeholder engagement. Following this ceremony, I will be visiting the Murtala-Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) for a similar occasion,” he added.
In his welcome address, Tin Can Area Controller, Comptroller Nnadi, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General for his unwavering support throughout the project. “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 renovation has been undertaken to modernize our office complex.
“Nnadi emphasized that for decades, officers have diligently worked within outdated infrastructure, and today marks a transformation that signifies a commitment to a modern and efficient future, dedicated to service excellence.
He also proudly announced a remarkable revenue achievement for the command: a staggering N1.125 trillion generated in 2024, a significant increase from the N639.6 billion collected during the same period in 2023. “This remarkable revenue generation is a direct result of our officers’ dedication and our strong collaborative efforts with stakeholders,” he stated.
“This achievement is not only a historic milestone for Tin Can Island Port but also a testament to the effectiveness of our policies and reforms. It reaffirms our commitment to maximizing revenue collection for the growth of our nation.”
Regarding the renovated office complex, Comptroller Nnadi highlighted the importance of maintaining an exceptional workspace to enhance service delivery and achieve superior results in revenue generation and trade facilitation. “This renovation transcends mere aesthetics; it is a clear indication of our commitment to collaboration, consolidation, and innovation. It strengthens our dedication to improving working conditions and providing a conducive environment for our officers and stakeholders alike,” he affirmed.
The commissioning of the renovated Tin Can Island Port Command Office Complex stands as a testament to progress and a renewed commitment to excellence, setting the stage for a brighter future in trade and revenue generation.