Immediate past Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin-Can Island Port Command, Assistant Comptroller-General Frank Onyeka, has handed over leadership of the command after recording revenue collection of N1.609 trillion in 2025.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, Oscar Ivara, confirmed this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, following Onyeka’s elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.

Onyeka said the command exceeded its 2025 revenue target of N1.524 trillion, describing his tenure as one of the most fulfilling periods of his career in the service.

He formally handed over to Comptroller Joe Anani, who previously served as Customs Area Controller at Ports and Terminal Multiservices Ltd.

“This moment is both emotional and historic for me. Serving as the Customs Area Controller of this great command has been one of the greatest honours of my career,” Onyeka said.

He disclosed that under his leadership, the command generated N1.60 trillion in 2025, surpassing its target, and also recorded N401.01 billion in the first quarter of 2026.

Onyeka attributed the performance to discipline, intelligence-driven operations, improved compliance measures, stakeholder engagement, and the deployment of modern trade facilitation tools.

Beyond revenue, he said the command recorded significant anti-smuggling successes, including seizures of illicit drugs and prohibited goods valued at over N35 billion.

“These seizures underscore our collective resolve to protect the nation from criminal networks and safeguard public health and security,” he said.

He also noted strengthened collaboration with port stakeholders, including freight forwarders, terminal operators, shipping companies, importers and exporters, aimed at improving efficiency and compliance.

According to him, staff capacity development was prioritised through training, workshops and professional development programmes to enhance operational effectiveness.

“I believe that the strength of any institution lies in the quality and preparedness of its personnel,” he said.

Onyeka further acknowledged support for the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), noting their humanitarian contributions to families and surrounding communities.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and support, and thanked the media and stakeholders for their cooperation during his tenure.

He urged continued collaboration with the incoming management, stressing that unity and continuity were key to sustaining the command’s performance.

The former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, has commended Gov. Alex Otti for his transformative agenda, including the ongoing remodeling of the Ariaria International Market, Aba.

In a statement in Umuahia on Saturday, Wabara stated that the market now compared with markets in London and other developed economies

According to the statement, the former senate president made the commendation after a recent visit to the market.

He said the level of transformation at the market “reflected deliberate efforts to revive Aba’s economic glory.

He noted that what he saw went beyond a facelift, describing it as a deliberate economic renaissance, capable of restoring Aba’s pride as the industrial and commercial hub of the South-East

He urged Otti not to relent until the entire remodeling was completed, stressing that no section of the market should be left out.

He added that the comprehensive modernisation of Ariaria should be treated as one of the signature projects of Otti’s administration.

Wabara added that the completion of the market would leave a lasting legacy and further reposition Aba as a leading commercial hub in Africa.

He also applauded Otti’s proposed seaport project at Azumini Blue River in Ukwa.

Wabara, who hails from Ukwa, further said that the seaport would fast-track infrastructure development, improve logistics, create jobs, and strengthen the economy of the South-East.

He urged the governor to remain focused on developmental policies that improve the business environment and uplift the living conditions of the people.

By Raphael Atuu, Abuja

Efiko Management Consulting has unveiled a revamped version of its digital newspaper and knowledge platform, EPaperVendor, introducing enhanced features aimed at professionals, executives, and organizations seeking deeper business and strategic insights.

The upgraded platform comes with a redesigned and more interactive interface, simplified subscription and payment options, improved reader accessibility, and strengthened Digital Rights Management protections to better support newspaper publishers and content owners.

Speaking on the relaunch, Omagbitse Barrow said the development reflects the company’s commitment to supporting knowledge driven organizations and professionals in an increasingly fast-paced digital environment.

“In an age dominated by short-form content, snippets, and headlines, there is still tremendous value in deep reading and informed analysis,” Barrow said. “Newspapers remain one of the most important sources of context, business intelligence, and strategic insight for serious professionals and organizations.”

According to him, the platform currently supports executives and teams across several leading institutions, including Quest Merchant Bank, Oando, Ecobank, ARM, Geregu Power, Stanbic IBTC, Rand Merchant Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, AMCON and CSCS.

The platform hosts several Nigerian newspaper titles, including BusinessDay, New Telegraph, ThisDay, Blueprint Newspapers, Daily Asset, Leadership and Nigerian Tribune, with subscription packages tailored for individuals, corporate organizations, and enterprise library deployments.

Barrow also disclosed that the relaunch introduces a growing library of indigenous learning and business resources focused on leadership, strategy, and organizational effectiveness.

“These resources are designed to help bridge the gap between global management ideas and local realities,” he said.

Among the newly added resources are Quick Reads, which summarize bestselling management and leadership books into concise four-page insights contextualized for African professionals and organizations.

Other additions include business case studies, Executive Insights, Thought Leaders summaries, and working papers aimed at simplifying complex management and strategy concepts into practical knowledge tools.

Efiko noted that many of the additional learning resources are available free of charge, while prospective subscribers can access a seven-day free trial on the platform.

Barrow emphasized that the initiative is also intended to encourage a stronger reading culture among professionals and business leaders.

“There is a difference between consuming information and developing insight,” he said.

“Social media gives speed, but newspapers and deeper reading provide context, nuance, analysis, and perspective. For leaders making strategic decisions, that depth matters.”

He added that organizations that promote reading and knowledge-sharing among employees are often better positioned to adapt, innovate, and respond to changing market realities.

“As business environments become more complex, the ability to think critically and stay informed becomes a competitive advantage,” he added.

Efiko Management Consulting said the platform will continue to expand its content offerings and enterprise capabilities as part of its broader mission to support learning, strategic thinking, and organizational effectiveness across Africa and beyond.