Customs

The Eagle Has Landed

John Johnson

If there was any Customs deployment that received unanimous and overwhelming endorsement of stakeholders, it was that of Comptroller Yusuf Ibrahim Malanta.

The “revenue mobiliser” made a triumphant entry into the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in February, 2021 as its new Area Controller.

The deployment of Malanta to the command was as unique as it was coincidental.

As a crack system man with solid ICT background, Malanta had few years ago at the same command, awed both his employers and stakeholders with his high capacity for revenue mobilisation and ingenuous knack for plugging revenue leakages.

As an ASYCUDA Project Manager(APM) at Apapa at that time, Malanta during this period, deployed his enormous knowledge of information technology to achieve twin purposes of plugging revenue leakages and revenue mobilisation.

During this period, the revenue profile of the command grew exponentially.

A dedicated and conscientious officer, Malanta was the invisible hands behind the record revenue hauls made by Apapa during his hay day as APM.

Despite his workaholic nature, Malanta also has a likeable visage which make him very accommodating and generally loved by officers and stakeholders in Apapa Command.

So it was like home coming for the likable officer when he was deployed to Apapa Command as its Area Controller.

Little wonder that he got an heroic reception from both the officers and stakeholders when he berthed at his old home as the landlord.

Like someone who knows Apapa Command like the back of his hand, it took the ICT Scion little or no time before he hit the ground running.

Barely three weeks into his tenure as the Area Controller, Malanta has shown the stuff he is made of when the Command made a huge tramadol seizure.

Seizures of tramadol are not alien to the command as his predecessor made similar gigantic interception of the banned substance few years ago.

But what made the seizure recorded by Malanta unique under three weeks of his stewardship was the manner he deployed intelligence to track down the illicit drug.

Using forensic techniques which he called forensic manifest management system, he was able to profile countries of origin into different risk categories to determine the propensity of each of these countries for illicit trade.

He gave a graphic description of how he tracked and intercepted the banned sustain ace, among other seizures worth about N223million.

“The intercepted container with NO. SEGU 1793504 was falsely declared as ceramic tiles.

“Upon 100% physical examination, 1000 cartons of ceramic tiles were loaded in front while 554 cartons of 120mg of Tramadol capsules were concealed at the back of the container and such consignments usually come from one port to another.

“If you look at the bill of lading, you’ll realize the container is coming from India then to Lome before arriving at Lagos port”

“Acting on manifest management system, we were able to track and intercept a container No. 1793504 manifested as ceramic tiles. Upon 100% physical examination to ascertain its true contents, it was found to contain 554 cartons of Tramadol capsules (120mg) concealed with 1000 cartons of ceramic tiles”.

He has also used this method to detect some infractions within the short period he assumed office, stating that nine and six containers were respectively detected to have infractions within his first and second week in office.

“Barely three weeks after I resumed duty, I came in with strong determination, zeal and commitment to ensure that the confidence and trust bestowed on me by the CGC is upheld not abused. In line with that, the command’s anti-smuggling architecture has been redesigned to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum.”

In as much as Malanta has a likable personality which made his a toast of most stakeholders, he nevertheless broods no tolerance for non- complaint importers and their agents.

He warned non- complaint traders and clearing agents to steer clear of Apapa command as he is no friend to such people.

He however assured members of the business community that the command will increase sensitization, enlightenment and robust stakeholders’ engagement for seamless operations, with a view to educating the public on the harmful and destructive nature of these illegal importations.

He further reiterated that the Command under his watch will not tolerate unlawful behavior from any importer or declarant.

The Comptroller noted that he came to the Command to modify some of its operational architecture to make it perform better, and be more productive and to boost its contribution to the national economy.

In as much as he wanted to be friendly and accommodating, Malanta vowed such attitude will not however made him to compromise his determination to boost the revenue generation of the command through ICT- driven detection of infractions and plugging of revenue leakages.

“The only way such insincere importers and freight forwarders can survive in the Command is to make true declarations in terms of classification of the goods, and its value, while ensuring that the content of the container is in consonance with what is in the Single Goods Declaration (SGD) as well as pay the appropriate duty on such goods”.

He said in order to reinvigorate the revenue machinery of the command for effective and efficient service delivery, he and his management team have put in place fresh measures to improve on the operations of the Command.

He therefore advised the trading public using the command to be compliant to all the extant rules on goods importation and clearance procedures if they hope to survive the clinical efficient capacity for detection of any infraction by the ICT Czar in town.

For the unrepentant non-conformist to the rules of the game, they had better steer clear of Apapa command because the new sheriff is in town.

Customs

Apapa Customs records major breakthrough in anti- smuggling operations.

– intercepts 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals, other contraband goods worth N6.38billion

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a huge success in its relentless war against traders of illicit products when its officers intercepted 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals and other contraband goods.

Unveiling the contraband goods at the APM Terminals,Apapa port on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the intercepted consignments are worth over N6.38 billion.

Adeniyi, while speaking with Journalists, revealed that the interception and seizures were made possible through intelligence-driven operations supported by cargo scanning technology and targeted physical examination.

He explained that officers detected irregular cargo profiles during routine scanning procedures, prompting detailed physical inspections that uncovered several prohibited and falsely declared consignments.

According to him, among the seizures was a 40-foot container loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, including Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, Chloroquine injections and Diclofenac tablets.

Customs officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers filled with unregistered pharmaceutical products, including Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate.

In another discovery, a 20-foot container carrying 800 cartons of codeine was found carefully concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware.

Other pharmaceutical seizures included cartons of Artesunate injections, while a separate container was discovered to contain restricted security equipment such as bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies and tactical torches imported without the required End User Certificates.

The Service also uncovered multiple containers loaded with expired food items, including muffin cookies, 36,000 cans of expired energy drinks, and large quantities of expired tomato paste brands.

In addition, officers seized a 40-foot container containing 1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup concealed among luxury food flasks.

Another container was found carrying 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine hidden with electric kettles, alongside additional cartons of Co-codamol tablets.

Customs further intercepted 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing 347.57 kilograms, which were concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Adeniyi described the seizures as a major breakthrough in the Service’s ongoing crackdown on illicit trade and smuggling through Nigeria’s seaports.

He warned that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses serious risks to public health, while the smuggling of codeine-based products contributes to the growing problem of substance abuse.

The Comptroller-General emphasized that under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized goods are liable to outright forfeiture, adding that investigations are ongoing and all persons connected to the shipments will face prosecution.

He also stressed that the Service is expanding the use of Non-Intrusive Inspection (cargo scanning) to improve cargo clearance efficiency while strengthening enforcement against high-risk consignments.

According to him, Apapa Port processes thousands of containers daily, making it one of the most strategic trade gateways in West Africa.

“Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation,” Adeniyi stated.

He assured compliant traders that Customs enforcement is not aimed at legitimate business but at protecting Nigeria’s economy and citizens from dangerous and illegal imports.

Customs

Dera Nnadi bows out of Customs in a blaze of glory

Geraldine Samuel, Reporter

Dera Nnadi, a Deputy Comptroller- General of Customs(rtd), has dropped anchor of service in the Nigeria Customs and graceful bowed out of the agency in a blaze of glory.

In a commemorative retirement ceremony conducted by his appreciative colleagues at the Customs’ Headquarters, Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Nnadi was pulled out of the Service he has diligently served amidst glowing tributes.

Incidentally, his pull- out ceremony coincided with his 60th birthday.

Leading the management staff, men and officers of the service in paying moving tributes to the retiring Nnadi was the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who described DCG(rtd) Nnadi as an exemplary officer whose professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty significantly strengthened the values and operational effectiveness of the NCS.

According to the CGC, the retirement ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate a successful career but also to appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of officers who devote their lives to safeguarding the nation’s economic and border security interests.

He noted that Nnadi’s career reflects the core ideals of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in leadership, revenue generation and trade facilitation.

“Today is a moment of celebration and reflection. It is also an opportunity for us to thank Almighty God for the grace that has sustained our colleague throughout his years of service,” the CGC said.

The CGC also highlighted the personal and professional bond he shares with the retiree, noting that their relationship extends beyond official duties to family ties.

He expressed confidence that DCG Nnadi still possesses the energy and experience to continue contributing meaningfully to national development through academic and other professional engagements.

Members of the Service’s management team also paid glowing tributes to the retired DCG, commending his leadership qualities, integrity and mentorship.

Officers who served under him described him as a dependable leader who provided guidance and encouragement to younger personnel while strengthening the Service’s institutional capacity.

Responding to the honour, DCG Dera Nnadi (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, the management team, officers and Men of the Service for their support and cooperation throughout his career.

He described his years in the NCS as a fulfilling journey of growth, learning and service to the nation.

The ceremony featured the presentation of awards, gift items and commemorative photographs in honour of the distinguished officer.

Customs

Customs takes charge of implementation of National Single Window project

– rallies stakeholders for successful take-off

Funso OLOJO, Editor

As the preparations for the official launch of National Single Window(NSW) project on March 27th, 2026 gather momentum, the Nigeria Customs service may have been designated as the lead agency to drive the modernisation project.

This much was confirmed by the Director of the Project, Tola Fakolade who acknowledged the pivotal leadership of the NCS in the implementation process.

At one of the stakeholders sensitisation programmes in Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Fakolade declared “Our number one stakeholder is the NCS,”

“We have maintained a strong and constructive working relationship.

Customs’ participation and institutional experience are critical to the success of this project.” the project coordinator confirmed.

Confirming the lead role of the NCS, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, described the NSW as a major milestone in the Service’s ongoing modernisation drive.

She revealed that the NCS has been actively engaged in preparatory work for months to ensure that the framework being developed reflects operational realities and supports seamless implementation.

“This is a national project, but Customs is at the centre of its execution,” DCG Adebakin said.

“The success of the Single Window depends on collective understanding and cooperation. We must all appreciate its value because we cannot effectively promote what we do not fully understand.”

She reassured officers and stakeholders that the initiative is designed to strengthen institutional capacity rather than replace human resources, explaining that technology will enhance efficiency, transparency, and speed in cargo clearance and trade documentation processes.

Reaffirming the critical role of the service in the implementation of the NSW project, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Abuja stakeholders engagement with airlines and shipping companies held on March 4th, 2026, emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring the successful rollout of the initiative.

He noted that the support of critical stakeholders has played a significant role in the achievements recorded in the Service’s modernisation journey so far.

Adeniyi disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the Service to take a bold step forward towards a successful launch of the National Single Window, a move aimed at positioning Nigeria as a major player in global trade.

He added that airline and shipping line operators remain vital partners in ensuring a seamless transition to the new system.

He further assured stakeholders that adequate support structures are being put in place to ease the migration process.

“A help desk with well-trained personnel will be available to address any operational challenges that may arise during the rollout”, the Comptroller-General stated.

The NCS described the National Single Window as a strategic reform that aligns with Customs’ mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and inter-agency coordination.

With the NCS spearheading coordination and stakeholder engagement, the NSW project is expected to transform Nigeria’s trade environment, enhance revenue generation, and strengthen the country’s position in the global trading community.