Change of Baton at TinCan Command : Compt Nnadi puts maritime journalists on a hot seat
Change of Baton at TinCan Command :
Compt Nnadi puts maritime journalists on a hot seat
…Targets higher revenue collection for FG
The handing over of TinCan Island Port Command on Thursday, September 14, 2023 to Compt Dera Nnadi mni, was a day of impromptu test for maritime Journalists, on the role of developmental Journalism in economic growth and nation building.
Compt Nnadi, who is known to be a workaholic, puts Maritime Journalists on a hot seat, with a question that moved all reporters to rack their brains, forcing Journalists to wear their thinking caps intellectually.
This was how it happened. The first time, Compt Dera Nnadi peeped at all the reporters seated in the conference room and said; “I’m keeping you here for a reason. You have to be part of what we are doing”. After that assertion, he moved speedily back to his office, as the conference hall erupted with laughter.
Few minutes later, he emerged the second time, with yet another question, “What can we do to increase revenue collection for the Federal Government at TinCan Port before the year runs out ? “This is September, we have just three months before the end of 2023, and we must increase our revenue”, he said, demanding suggestions from reporters.
While giving reporters a little time to think, Compt Nnadi went on; “In doing your work as Journalists, you must imbibe the culture of developmental Journalism, using your reports to share important information on areas we need to increase our revenue and export trade to grow our economy for the betterment of the entire Nigerian nation”.
In fact, the handing over at TinCan Command was an interactive session between Compt Nnadi and Journalists, seeking ways to rejuvenate not only trade facilitation at TinCan Customs Command, but the economy at large.
The usual ceremony associated with change of leadership in
handing over a Command to new Customs Controller was not the norm at TinCan Port, because
Compt Nnadi, who is so passionate about his job, succeeded in putting maritime Journalists on their toes, reminding them of their crucial role in national development.
The third time, he said : “Just two days ago, the Customs Adminsitrations of Nigeria and Benin Republic signed an agreement to develop frameworks for clearing of Nigeria bound goods in Benin Ports and vice varsa. This is a call for us to improve our business process and increase our efficiency in service delivery, in order to be competitive with ports in the subregion.
“To this end, I will particularly request the cooperation of shipping companies, terminal operators and other Goverernment Agencies
in our efforts towards ensuring the actualisation of rebranding of TinCan Island Command.
“In line with this, I will essentially request that we respect our various mandates. Those concerned with regulatory functions should stay away from interference in revenue related transactions, except it is in their mandate to do so. Hopefully, this will improve service delivery in the Tincan Port.
“The outgoing CAC made reference to “operating an open door policy”. I will open my doors for seemless trade but I will also close the door against unwholsome activities that will compromise the Service mandates.
” Let me at this juncture state that in my resolve to achieve the goals of the Command, we will not dwell on the usual blame of others for the various challenges bedevilling the maritme industry. No one person is responsible for the rot, but everyone should be ready to offer a solution.”
Giving more details of his speech on assumption as TinCan Customs Boss, he said : “Thank you for welcoming me back to TinCan Island Port Command, as I assume duty as the 20th Area Controller since the inception of the Command in 1977.
‘It is always a pleasure to be in your midst to continue the reforms of the maritime industry from both my personal perspective and that of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“The dynamism of the industry requires that we join forces as stakeholders to provide solutions to our individual and collective needs. The next phase of this assignment starts this morning, as we all commit to lead from the front.
“For us as a Command, it is a daunting but surmountable task. As you are all aware, Nigeria Customs Service has three key performance indicators, which are revenue collection, anti-smuggling and service delivery, often referred to as facilitation of trade. These three serve as yardstick for measuring her performance.
“These indicators will always remain relevant until we attain full development as a nation. It is more so for Tincan Command, especially now.
“The Command revenue target of over N801billion currently stands at 52 per cent, with barely three months to the end of the year 2023, meaning we must collect 48 per cent of the remaining revenue.
“Coming at a time, the floating exchange rate is affecting importers and exporters, this is a big but achievable task.
“Similarly, our roles in securing the nation are vast, ranging from interventions against economic sabotuers, who distort and take advantage of the nations trade policy. These also include those who import illicit goods that contribute to insecurity in the country”.
He went on : “I want to commend the outgoing Controller and officers of the Command for the recent seizure of two containers of tramadol. We will sustain the fight against importation of illicit and unapproved drugs