NAGAFF extols CAC Onyeka’s leadership qualities
Maureen Aguta
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has praised the extraordinary leadership qualities being exhibited by Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) Command of Nigeria Customs Service.
President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochukwu Emmanuel Ezisi, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the command by the NAGAFF Cargo Watch team, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Esizi who was represented by Fwdr. Godfrey Nwosu, Secretary-General of NAGAFF, noted that Comptroller Onyeka has set a benchmark in the management and administration of the command.
His words, “Your commitment to the three pivotal objectives of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national security is commendable.”
Esizi also commended the CAC for usually extending his official working hours beyond normal work hours. “You have taken it upon yourself to work beyond that hours, even to some part of the mid-hours of the night, and doing so voluntarily, not as if you are under any compulsion but because you simply want to ensure that every trade-related concern raised by our members and other Customs Brokers is dealt with effectively and expeditiously,” he said.
The NAGAFF President further said, “We also want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support to NAGAFF Cargo Watch Radio-our media outlet. Through this channel, we can share vital information about port operations and actively engage with our stakeholders on challenges they encounter.
“Your role as one of the primary sponsors of our weekly programme, NAGAFF Cargo Watch Radio, has not gone unnoticed, and we are immensely grateful for your contributions,” he added.
Chief Ezisi also stressed the need to continually engage major stakeholders in the clearing and forwarding business for seamless cargo clearing activities.
“We kindly encourage you to continue keeping your doors open as we are eager to engage in further discussions about your extraordinary achievements and the fantastic work being done,” he stressed.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Fact Finding Committee of NAGAFF, Dr. Arthur Igwilo said NAGAFF and Nigeria Customs Service are partners in progress, hence working towards one goal which is Trade Facilitation, Revenue Generation and National Security.
Igwilo pointed out the role of NAGAFF Cargo Watch has been playing in the information dissemination and propagation of issues and events in the maritime industry including that of the NCS, will also do for TCIP Command under the watch of Comptroller Onyeka.
He further commended the CAC, saying, “ever since you took the mantle of leadership here, there’s a new turnout of events.
On her part, the producer and presenter of NAGAFF Cargo Watch on Radio and TV U’Tube, Ruth Sunday commended the TCIP Command Controller for his exemplary leadership style which according to her, has endeared him to freight forwarders. She also thanked him for his support to them while pledging to align with the command to ensure the success of his administration.
Responding to the encomiums, Comptroller Onyeka, expressed appreciation for the visit.
He confirmed maintaining a very close relationship with Chief Boniface Aniebonam, Founder of NAGAFF for the past 21 years, even before the association moved to its headquarters in Apapa.
He said, “The Founder of NAGAFF has been watching my back over the years, his feedback has always been very constructive, whatever achievement that I’ve recorded, it’s because of the type of feedback I’ve gotten from people that made up NAGAFF. Founder is an honest stakeholder and leader. I have followed him for the past 25 years
“NAGAFF will always play according to the rules. NAGAFF will not do any push, they always open containers (for you to know what’s in there), they may not pay well but they open container as a form of declaration, which is more important to me as a Customs Officer,” Onyeka said.