By Barnabas Esiet.
The Customs Area Controller of the Tin-Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Anani, has pledged to strengthen stakeholder engagement, improve traffic management, and sustain anti-smuggling operations as part of efforts to enhance the command’s performance.
The assurance was given during his first formal meeting with members of the maritime media since assuming office as Controller of the command.
During the interactive session, maritime journalists and association leaders highlighted several challenges confronting the port, including worsening traffic congestion along the Tin-Can port corridor, increasing crowding within the command, and the need for deeper engagement with stakeholders.
Veteran maritime journalist Timothy Okorocha urged the controller to exercise caution in managing the sensitive command and sought clarification on strategies to boost revenue generation and sustain the fight against smuggling.
Responding, Comptroller Anani said he would build on the achievements and operational framework established by his predecessor, Assistant Comptroller-General Frank Onyeka.
“The template is already there, and I intend to ride on it. I have my strategies, and by God’s grace, we will continue the fight against illicit trade and other infractions,” he stated.
Addressing concerns over crowd control and access restrictions within the command, Anani disclosed that measures had already been put in place to tackle the issue.
“I do not like people operating in restricted areas. My lieutenants and I already have a blueprint on how to handle crowd control,” he said.
On the persistent traffic congestion around Tin-Can Port, the controller described the challenge as a national issue requiring collaboration among key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Ports Authority and security agencies.
He revealed that discussions had already been held with terminal operators aimed at improving truck movement and easing gridlock around the port environment.
The meeting also featured calls from journalists for greater welfare support and capacity-building initiatives for media practitioners covering the maritime sector.
Participants stressed that training programmes should be tailored to the needs of journalists and developed in consultation with leaders of media associations to ensure maximum impact.
The journalists also commended the command’s Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, for his accessibility, professionalism and effective crisis-management skills, describing him as one of the command’s most valuable assets.
In his closing remarks, Comptroller Anani thanked the journalists for their support, prayers and constructive contributions, assuring them that their concerns would receive due attention.
“We are all united in love. Sometimes a whole day is not enough to say everything we would like to say. The important thing is to take the good things that will make us progress,” he said.
“By God’s grace, and with your support as partners, we are going to take this command to the next level.”
The meeting marked the beginning of what stakeholders hope will be a stronger partnership between the Tin-Can Island Port Command and the maritime media in advancing trade facilitation, revenue generation and national economic development.
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