ASIMPIN PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO TINCAN COMMAND, PLEDGES CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP WITH NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE
The Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria (ASIMPIN) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to constructive engagement, trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, and national economic development following a high-level courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller of Tin-Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph O. Anani, on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
The visit was led by the Board Secretary of ASIMPIN, Fwdr. Eugene Nweke, Rff, who represented the President General of ASIMPIN, HRH Amb. Eze Damian Emeka Obianigwe, JP, and conveyed the goodwill, support, and congratulations of the National Executive Council and the entire membership of the association to Comptroller Anani on his appointment as Customs Area Controller of one of Nigeria’s most strategic port commands.
The delegation comprised the Chairman of ASIMPIN Tin-Can Chapter, Chief Isaac Ndukwe (Enyioha), the National Secretary of ASIMPIN, Prince Okey Egbuchulam, former President General of ASIMPIN, High Chief Isidore Agoha, Chairman of ASIMPIN Apapa Chapter, Chief Tony Onuora, Chairman of ASIMPIN KLT Chapter, Chief Chukwunonso Chukwudinma (Ebube Igbo), members of the ASIMPIN Elders Forum, Tin-Can Chapter Executives, and other key stakeholders within the maritime industry.
Speaking on behalf of the President General, Fwdr. Eugene Nweke congratulated Comptroller Anani on his appointment and commended the positive reports already trailing his assumption of office, particularly his commitment to stakeholder engagement, compliance enforcement, trade facilitation, inter-agency collaboration, operational efficiency, and open-door administration.
ASIMPIN noted that Comptroller Anani’s appointment comes at a significant period in the history of Nigeria’s maritime sector, especially as Tin-Can Island Port and Apapa Port continue to receive international recognition among the world’s most improved container ports. According to the association, these achievements reflect the collective efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service, port authorities, terminal operators, freight forwarders, importers, exporters, and other stakeholders across the maritime value chain.
The association further acknowledged Comptroller Anani’s commitment to advancing the reform agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, whose strategic pillars of Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation continue to reposition the Nigeria Customs Service as a modern, responsive, and globally respected institution.
During the engagement, ASIMPIN emphasized its long-standing belief that the relationship between Customs and freight forwarders should never be viewed as adversarial but rather as a partnership built on shared responsibilities and common national objectives.
Illustrating this position, Fwdr. Nweke observed that freight forwarders and Customs are custodians of the same economic prosperity. While freight forwarders facilitate cargo declarations and international trade transactions, Customs validates, protects, and collects government revenue. Consequently, improvements in compliance, trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national economic growth can only be achieved through cooperation, professionalism, transparency, and mutual respect.
ASIMPIN reiterated that whenever inefficiencies, non-compliance, or systemic failures occur, Customs and freight forwarders inevitably become partners in weakness. Conversely, when integrity, compliance, and operational efficiency prevail, both institutions become partners in progress, jointly contributing to national development and economic prosperity.
The association therefore expressed confidence that under Comptroller Anani’s leadership, the Tin-Can Island Port Command will consolidate on the achievements of previous administrations and establish new benchmarks in revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, cargo clearance efficiency, national security, and ease of doing business.
Responding to the delegation, Comptroller Joseph O. Anani expressed appreciation to ASIMPIN and commended the association for its commitment to constructive stakeholder engagement. He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to professionalism, transparency, compliance enforcement, and trade facilitation.
Pix: Compt.Joseph Anani and his team in a group picture with members of ASIMPIN during the visit.
The Controller emphasized the importance of accurate declarations by importers and freight forwarders, stressing that compliance remains the most effective pathway to strengthening Customs-stakeholder relations and improving cargo clearance processes.
He further assured the association of his readiness to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the timely processing and delivery of legitimate consignments while maintaining the highest standards of Customs control, revenue protection, and national security.
Comptroller Anani also reiterated his commitment to an inclusive and open-door administration, encouraging stakeholders to continuously provide constructive ideas, operational feedback, and practical solutions capable of improving the efficiency and competitiveness of Tin-Can Island Port.
ASIMPIN views the Controller’s disposition as a demonstration of leadership anchored on consultation, collaboration, accountability, and service delivery. The association believes that such an approach will further strengthen stakeholder confidence and contribute significantly to the continued transformation of the nation’s maritime and port sector.
The association therefore reiterates its readiness to support initiatives aimed at enhancing compliance levels, improving revenue collection, promoting trade facilitation, strengthening national security, and advancing the ease of doing business at Nigerian ports.
ASIMPIN remains convinced that the visit has further strengthened the bridge of understanding between the Nigeria Customs Service and maritime practitioners and has laid a solid foundation for a more productive partnership that will benefit government, industry operators, and the Nigerian economy at large.
