Customs

Reps summon Hameed Ali, Customs boss, others over delay of E-customs project

Hameed Ali, Customs boss

Eyewitness Reporter

The House of Representatives has mandated the committees on Finance, Banking and Customs to invite the Central Bank Governor, the Minister of Finance, Comptroller General of Customs, Managing Director of Adani Mega Systems Ltd in order to resolve the delay for the take-off of the E-customs project.

The committees are expected to complete their investigations and report to the House within 4 weeks

This was sequel to a motion promoted by Hon Leke Abejide entitled:’URGENT NEED TO RESOLVE THE DEBACLE BETWEEN CBN TECHNOLOGICAL COMMITTEE ON CISS AND ADANI MEGA SYSTEMS LTD HINDERING THE TAKE-OFF OF NIGERIAN CUSTOMS SERVICE E-CUSTOMS MODERNISATION PROJECT’.

In his presentation, Abejide noted that “the CBN Technical Committee on Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) had an agreement with Adani Mega Systems Ltd to engage the latter as Service Provider/Vendor for screening service infrastructure for the inspection of all inbound and outbound cargo in Nigeria.

He explained that ” in the said letter of engagement dated its1h February 2017, also stated its statutory mandate to manage and supervise the project (as provided in Sections 13(1),15(i), and 5 of Pre-Shipment Inspection of Export Act, and Pre-Shipment Inspect of Imports Act).

” The company is expected to “Build, Operate, and Own Agreement between the Technical Committee on CISS (on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria) and Adani Mega Systems Ltd in relation to the provision of the scanning services infrastructures (scanners) required for all operations was sealed and a certificate of “NO OBJECTION” was granted by the BPP after evaluating the profile of the company.

“The level of engagement had reached the turning point whereby Adani Mega Systems Ltd had procured necessary equipment to commence the E-Customs projects as provided for in the contract but since 13th July 2017, the project had stalled without a solution in sight, further causing tremendous revenue loss to the Federal Government which according to the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, had earlier appraised of having the potential of yielding Up to $176 billion over the course of the 20 year concession period.

“And at the moment, Nigeria Customs Service still remain in the analogue era of conducting 100% physical examination which in itself is a major cause of congestion to our Ports and greater loss of revenue to our dear country.

“The dispute between the two parties is at such a time of alarming rate at the entry of undetected Arms and Ammunition into the country’s Ports and Border Stations as a result of no functional scanners.

Stressing that “the 2022 Budget provided for N3.9 Trillion for debt servicing alone, and this is asides repayment of principal. If the E-Customs is allowed to take off by settling the issues between the FGN and ADANl the issue of borrowing that be reduced to the barest minimum, if not eradicated, because the Nigeria Customs Service would be able to generate twice, if not thrice, of what is currently being generated. Despite all these obstacles, there is the possibility of NCS to generate over N2 Trillion this year 2021.

Abejide explained to his colleagues “that for the interest of the country and to reduce country’s debt profile, the lingering crisis between the Federal Government through the CBN Technical Committee on CISS and Adani Mega Systems Ltd need to be urgently resolved.

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Customs

Apapa Customs intercepts 25.5kg Cocaine on board Brazilian Ship

— hands over detained ship, seized drug to NDLEA

Funso OLOJO

The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has uncovered Cocaine weighing 25.5kg onboard a Brazilian ship, MV San Anthonio

The illicit drugs, packaged in 24 parcels/slabs ,were hidden in five bags found aboard the ship during customs intelligence -led checks that has resulted in the detention of the ship

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba,Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port Command ,lauded the discovery while describing it as a fallout of the robust synergy between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) .

According to the Area Controller, Customs intelligence discovered that upon her departure from Brazil, which is the ship’s country of origin, she had called at ports in Honduras, Guatemala and other places suspected to be hubs for illicit drug trade.

Oshoba reiterated the NCS resolve in ensuring only legitimate trade thrives in the port of Apapa in Lagos, following a zero compromise directive by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

While handing over the seized drugs to the NDLEA for further action, he also announced the detention of the vessel that came into Nigeria with the cocaine.

“What has happened today, is the outcome of profiling and intelligence -led operations by the NCS and NDLEA.

“Our resolve to prevent unlawful trade is refreshed daily following the directives of the CGC.

” This seizure and detention of the ship should send strong message of warning that should resonate in the camp of perpetrators of unlawful trade within our port system.

* Customs is strengthening its synergy with all sister government agencies and no criminal or group of lawless persons can beat us here.

” As we approach the Yuletide season, we will not sacrifice national security and economy on the altar of trade facilitation.

“All consignments exiting this port into our markets or warehouses must be duly examined with the contents ascertained to be what was declared” the CAC said.

At a brief handover ceremony,in the port,the NDLEA was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander, Apapa Strategic Command, who formally took over the seizure from customs

Customs

My appointment as WCO chair reflects confidence of global community in NCS reforms — Adeniyi

Funso OLOJO

The Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, said his recent election signals a broader recognition of the growing reform-driven credibility of African Customs administrations, with Nigeria’s recent modernization efforts serving as a strong example of the continent’s readiness to influence global customs policies.

Speaking exclusively on WCO Global interview session, Adeniyi said the confidence expressed in him by member nations reflects not only personal honour, but also the significant progress made by Nigeria in aligning its systems, procedures, and priorities with international best practices.

Answering questions on the WCO flagship interactive forum tagged “The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, Adeniyi who is also, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said: “It’s a kind of endorsement by the global customs community that we are on track.

” We have been undertaking reforms and modernization programmes in the last two years, and this validates the direction we are taking.” he said.

He noted that Africa’s customs landscape is rapidly changing, with several administrations leveraging WCO guidance to strengthen trade facilitation, improve revenue outcomes, and enhance border security.

Nigeria’s experience, he said, demonstrates how structured reforms, supported by international frameworks, can reposition a national customs service.

Speaking further on the Nigeria experience, Adeniyi pointed to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme as one of the most transformative initiatives Nigeria has implemented with support from the WCO.

According to him, the scheme has reduced clearance times at ports, improved revenue performance and fostered trusted partnerships with compliant traders—outcomes that reflect the effectiveness of global standards when domesticated with commitment.

He described the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and recent work on advance rulings as additional markers of how global customs programmes can change narratives, especially in developing economies.

Adeniyi also underscored the importance of the WCO as a stabilising force for customs administrations around the world, saying its ability to unify diverse countries around shared priorities—economic prosperity, national security, and environmental sustainability—makes it a unique institution.

He affirmed that his appointment as WCO is a honour for him and a recognition for the Nigeria Customs Service.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Customs administration has been undertaking some reforms and mordernisation programmes in the last two years.

“So it will also mean that this appointment is a kind of validation of the reforms that we are doing.

“It a kind of endorsement by the global Customs community that we are on track and we are aligning our priorities with that of World Customs Organisation”, he said.

On the appointment, he said, “I feel so excited. Of course, I know that it’s a very big responsibility on my part and on the part of Nigeria for us to shoulder this and provide quality leadership for the world Customs community

As the first Nigerian to hold the position in nearly two decades, Adeniyi said he is aware of the responsibility his chairmanship places on his country and the African region.

He pledged to use the platform to elevate the continent’s contributions while fostering an inclusive governance approach within the global customs system.

He encouraged member administrations to continue embracing diversity, describing it as the core strength that will enable the WCO to advance global trade and security objectives.

“Our uniqueness is our strength,” he said. “We must let this diversity continue to create opportunity and progress for us.” he noted.

Customs

How Comptroller Adenuga is raising revenue profile of Seme command, facilitating regional trade.

Funso OLOJO

The assumption of duties by Comptroller Wale Adenuga as the Area controller of Seme command of the Nigeria Customs service has begun to have positive impact on the revenue profile of the border station.

Comptroller Adenuga, who was behind the phenomenal revenue runs of the Apapa Customs when he was the Deputy Comptroller, Revenue, was promoted to full Comptroller and was tapped on the back by the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to go and raise the revenue standard of the border station.

Barely two months into his assumption of duties, Seme border has started to feel the positive impact of the revenue wizardry of Adenuga.

In an exclusive interview with our Reporter in his modest office at Seme border, Adenuga said he met the monthly revenue taking of the border at N500 million when he assumed office in September 9th, 2025.

But deploying ingenious methods of trade facilitation, staff welfare and inter- agency collaboration, the revenue profile of the border has climbed to about N3 billion as at the last week of November, 2025.

Sharing the secret of his instant success at the border station while conducting our Reporter on a guided tour of the facilities at the command, Comptroller Adenuga said he deployed the tools of trade facilitation, staff welfare through creation of conducive working environment, stakeholders engagement and strong inter- agency collaboration for effective service delivery.

Trade Facilitation:

The first thing Comptroller Adenuga did was to energise the dormant bonded terminal at the border called God is Wise bonded terminal to handle transire goods from Nigeria to Cotonou, Benin Republic and vice- versa.

This has led to the boom in regional trade across the borders as transactions of legitimate businesses take between six to eight hours in a seamless process.

“The Only God is Wise bonded terminal at Seme border is licensed by the Nigeria customs service.

” It has been approved before I assumed office here but was not functional.

” When I came, I looked at the volume of trade and in order to facilitate regional trade, I decided to make the terminal functional.

” With the help of the Headquarters, we deployed full ICT infrastructures to the terminal, we posted required officers there such as releasing officers, gate officers and exit officers.

” The bonded terminal has full complement of customs operations.

” People can send their transire goods from Lagos Cotonou, e route the bonded terminal.

” Similarly, you can do a transire from Cotonou to Nigeria e route the bonded terminal.

” Just put Only God is Wise bonded terminal and the goods will come into the terminal where the container would be unstuffed and loaded into a truck for its journey to its final destination after all the necessary customs documentation and payment are made”

Adenuga said this procedure has boosted regional trade and enhanced the revenue profile of the border station.

“A lot of people see goods at the border as smuggled goods.

” That is not true. There are legitimate goods at the border.

” So with this bonded terminal, it shows that legitimate business can be done at the border and they pay duties into the federal government coffers.

“You know, if you go to the port, you’ll see container number so-so-so. But from here, it’s truck number. So this is to serve as accountability and to avert fraud.

“So every Kobo collected goes into the federation account.

Staff Welfare:

Comptroller Adenuga said on his assumption of duties, one of his priorities was to enhance staff welfare for optimum productivity.

Consequent upon this, he said his management renovated the staff quarters which has been in shambles over the years.

He said the place is well- lit at night with other recreational amenities such as functional officers mess which make the working environment conducive.

“The Officers are high in spirit and are putting in their maximum efforts into the job.

” We work till around 7 to 8 pm to ensure there is no backlog of untreated entries.

” This could be achieved because the officers are happy and their morale is boosted by the humane environment in which they are working” Onanuga declared.

In addition, the Comptroller said he has renovated the examination bay at the border which is well- lit at night.

” We achieved all these to boost the morale of our men and officers to put in their best.

” And this has paid off with their high productivity rate” the Comptroller declared.

Stakeholders collaboration:

Comptroller Adenuga said he conducts regular stakeholders meetings, especially with the Obas, Chiefs, Baales of the border communities to engender good rapport and cordial relationship with the border communities which he believed is necessary for uninterrupted customs operations in the area.

He also said that he has a good working relationship with his Beninuou counterpart for seamless cross – border operations.

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Comptroller Adenuga also takes synergy between his command and other sister agencies at the border such as NDLEA, Immigration, Police and NAFDAC,very seriously.

” We do hold regular meetings where we have frank discussions with one another on the need to ensure seamless cross – border trade and work towards achieving same purpose of realizing government vision of enthroning friendly business environment at the border.

” We talk as brothers, we talk as friends, we talk with one voice” the Customs chief declared.

Adenuga said such collaboration has led to drastic reduction of check points along Seme border to Agbara, in Ogun state.

According to him , when he assumed duties in September, he met between 20 to 30 customs checkpoints along the corridor but said the numbers have reduced drastically.

” We have been able to collapse some of these checkpoints to reduce their numbers.

“We have two approved Customs checkpoints between Seme and Agbara and they are at Agbara and Gbaji.

“However, we have about three to four roving checkpoints which are interventionist in nature.

” They are not stationary but roving as interventionists” the Comptroller said.

” All the security agencies know there is need to reduce checkpoints on the road because the development is shameful to us as a nation”

Comptroller Adenuga has recorded these achievements within the two months he assumed duties at the border station.

His impact has however reverberated across the border so much so that a Non- Governmental Organization(NGO)of ECOWAS called The Corridor, has commended him for his action.

“To God be the glory, we have an NGO, we call it The Corridor.

“The Corridor is an NGO of ECOWAS that monitors all the ECOWAS borders.

“And they came here to look at what is happening in Seme right now and they gave us a kudo because one, we facilitate a lot of trade. You know, this is cross-border trade.

“So there have been a lot of improvements in the cross-border trade between Nigeria and other West African countries” Comptroller Adenuga declared.

Challenges:

Adenuga disclosed that his main challenge at the border station is lack of scanning machine.

According to him, the one donated by the ECOWAS is spoilt.

He said he would have loved to have a functional scanner that will further enhance trade facilitation.

But he took solace in the fact that the CGC Adeniyi has taken up the matter with the President of the ECOWAS.

“Yeah, we have challenges. For example, the scanners. Yeah, the issue of scanners.

“I would have loved to do scanning because this will reduce time of examination.

” Yeah, we are still on 100 percent examination because there is no scanner on ground but with scanner, I can scan 10 consignments within 10 minutes.

” The only scanner which the ECOWAS donated to us is spoilt but the CGC has taken it up with the ECOWAS president.

” So with the CGC taking it upon himself, and I think very soon, with the

volume of trade going on here, I think it will be repaired and put in place” Adenuga enthused.

Projections:

Adenuga said in the next few years, he wanted to see Seme- Krake border command rival the conventional Ports of Apapa and Tin Can commands in revenue generation and also to be the biggest border station in West Africa.

He said by the time he is leaving as the Area Controller of the border station, he envisage the border command to be grossing between 5 and 6 billion Naira monthly.

“Yeah, I want a situation that in the nearest future, Seme border will be the number one in West Africa where legitimate businesses can be done seamlessly.

“Let’s grow the trade between the

West African countries.

“Let’s grow the trade. When we grow the trade across the borders, among the West African countries, the level of inflation will drop. That’s correct.

“Two, unemployment among all these West African countries will reduce.

” You know the level of crime is high in the region but the more our inflation drops, companies are producing, people can trade among themselves, you’ll discover that crime rates will reduce.

” And then, you know, when all these

things are done, our revenue will increase.

“I’m projecting that by the grace of almighty God, by the time I’m leaving Seme, the revenue of Seme Command should be dangling between 5 billion and 6 billion monthly.

” Then Seme border will be competing with the conventional Ports in Lagos” Adenuga enthused.