Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has heaped praises on Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Tin Can Island Port Command, for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national security.
The commendation came during a familiarization visit by the NAGAFF Cargo Watch Team to the Tin Can Island Port on Wednesday. Speaking on behalf of the association, NAGAFF Secretary-General Fwdr. Godfrey Nwosu who represented National President High Chief Tochukwu Emmanuel Ezisi described Comptroller Onyeka as a benchmark for effective management within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
“Your commitment to the three pivotal objectives of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national security is commendable,” Nwosu stated, adding that the CAC’s willingness to work late into the night to resolve trade-related concerns demonstrates exceptional dedication.
NAGAFF also lauded Comptroller Onyeka for his continued support to its media arm, *NAGAFF Cargo Watch Radio*, which serves as a vital platform for sharing port-related information and addressing stakeholder issues. “Your sponsorship and active support of our weekly program have greatly enhanced our outreach and engagement,” Nwosu noted.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Chairman of NAGAFF’s Fact-Finding Committee, Dr. Arthur Igwilo, emphasized that both the Nigeria Customs Service and NAGAFF are “partners in progress” with a shared goal of enhancing port efficiency. He assured that NAGAFF Cargo Watch would give more visibility to the activities of the Tin Can Island Command going forward.
Also speaking, the producer and presenter of *NAGAFF Cargo Watch*, Ruth Sunday, commended Comptroller Onyeka for his approachable and impactful leadership style. She pledged continued collaboration with the Command to support its administration.
In response, Comptroller Onyeka expressed deep appreciation for the visit and long-standing relationship with NAGAFF, particularly with its founder, Chief Boniface Aniebonam. “When I say NAGAFF is in my DNA, it is not an exaggeration,” Onyeka said, recalling over two decades of close engagement with the association.
He highlighted the role NAGAFF plays in promoting transparency and compliance, stating: “They may not always pay the highest duties, but they are honest in their declarations which, as a Customs officer, is more important to me.”
Other senior Customs officers who received the NAGAFF delegation included DC E.E. Esiet (Admin), DC JA Anani (Evaluation), and Acting DC I.S. Ofoegbu (Revenue), among others.
