Tin Can Customs Seeks Stronger Partnership with Freight Forwarders to Boost Trade Compliance

The Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, has called for closer collaboration with freight forwarders, saying stronger partnerships remain essential to improving compliance, facilitating legitimate trade and enhancing operations at one of Nigeria’s busiest seaports.

Comptroller Anani made the call on Thursday 9 July, 2026, while receiving the leadership of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Tin Can Chapter, at the Command headquarters.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, and made available to journalists after the meeting.

Speaking during the engagement, Comptroller Anani said the Command would continue to operate an open-door policy that encourages regular dialogue with stakeholders.

He urged freight forwarders to comply with Customs laws and procedures, stressing that, “compliance remains the foundation for faster cargo clearance, improved trade facilitation and a more efficient port system.”

The APFFLON delegation was led by its Western Zone Coordinator, Chief Sulayman Gambo, alongside the Tin Can Chapter Chairman, Akeem Ayobiojo, the Association’s National Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Giwa Rasak, as well as chapter chairmen and executives from across the Western Zone.

Responding on behalf of the association, the APFFLON leadership pledged continued cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service, assuring the Comptroller of members’ readiness to support initiatives aimed at improving compliance, promoting legitimate trade and strengthening the nation’s maritime sector.

The meeting, according to CSC Ivara, formed part of Comptroller Anani’s ongoing stakeholder engagement since assuming office.

Daily Feeds Newspapers gathered that Comptroller Anani has since keyed into the CGC Adeniyi’s three policy thrusts: consolidation, collaboration and innovation starting with consulting major freight forwarding associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), as part of efforts to build stronger partnerships and improve service delivery at the Tin Can Island Port Command.