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Jubilation in Customs as Tinubu sacks Hameed Ali as CGC

Wale Adeniyi, Ag, CGC
The eyewitness reporter
There was wild jubilation among the men and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service over the sack of Hameed Ali as the Comptroller General of Customs.
It would be recalled that President Ahmed Tinubu, Monday, approved the sack of the retired Colonel in a major shake-up in the military and paramilitary circle.
He was replaced by DCG Wale Adeniyi.
The happy mood among the officers also seeped into the rank of the freight forwarders who equally heaved a sigh of relief at the unceremonious exit of a maximum ruler who ruled the customs as his fiefdom.
“He suffocated and polluted the benign atmosphere in the customs for eight years he reigned with his draconian laws and jackboot administration.
“His sack was a welcome development, good riddance to bad rubbish.
“It could have come much earlier” a jubilant officer who pleaded for anonymity, said.
It could be recalled that in 2015, former President Buhari brought Ali, a non-career Customs Officer Col(rtd) Ali, to head the service under the pretext of reforming and repositioning the Customs in a bid to raise the revenue profile of the organization.
“If he has any strand of moral fibre left in him, he should have left with his principal who imposed him on the service against the wish of career officers” an anonymous source noted.
“If  I were him, I would have gone with my principal and not waited to be booted out the way he was eased out in an undignified manner,” another source said.
It was gathered that Ali received the news of his sack in far-away Brussels in Belgium where he was attending the World Customs Organization  (WCO) conference.
“What an ignoble way to go out when he could have honourably resigned his position earlier than now when his principal left the office” a freight forwarder noted.
Most of the officers spoken to, who passionately pleaded for anonymity for fear of victimisation, declared that Ali’s eight years in Customs has done more harm to the collective psyche of the officers, and the general good of the service.
According to the respondents, apart from the regular promotions which officers benefitted as well as robust welfare packages and the enhanced revenue profile of the service, they claimed the service has not fared any better under the jackboot reign of the ex-soldier.
“He came to distort the auctioning system in the service which we use to dispose of abandoned cargos in a bid to stave off port congestion.
“But since he introduced his now moribund e – auctioning system, there has been a stockpile of abandoned cargos that had rotten away at the port.
“Go to the border stations across the country, seized cars as well as edible products like rice are there rotten.
 “Go to the customs government warehouses, especially in Lagos, they are filled to the brim with seized goods and vehicles that are now rotten” a respondent lamented.
“The system he and his principal, Buhari, adopted to dispose of the edible products such as rice and vegetable oil to the Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) camps, especially in the North East, is fraught with fraud as most of these items were diverted for personal use” another source alleged.
“Given his military background, the Federal Operations Units of the service, under him, became more vicious and cold-blooded in their operations as there were rampant cases of killing, maiming of innocent citizens and indiscriminate raiding of markets and warehouses across the country” another source observed.
“Under his leadership, corruption was endemic” a non-Customs source claimed.
The source, who is a high-ranking freight forwarder plying his trade in Lagos ports, said despite the so-called automation system in customs, extortion reigned supreme under the nose of Ali who they accused of providing the enabling environment that make the ignoble act fester.
Another source also pointed out the controversial Customs modernisation project, which was spearheaded by Ali’s regime, as the biggest and most monumental fraud in the history of the Customs.
“What are they modernising?, an angry customs source asked rhetorically.
“Ali met modernised customs service whose operations are automated.
“We started the automated process with the ASYCUDA platform which has since been upgraded to a hi-tech operational process.
“What was needed was a continuous improvement in the automation process and capacity building for officers to match the fast-paced technical innovation in the global Customs operations
“To then conceive such fraud as Customs Modernisation project which conceded the revenue generation aspect of customs to outsiders, is not only ingenuously fraudulent but a de-service to the country” an irate source declared.
Another source observed that the increased revenue profile that the service witnessed under Ali and erroneously counted in his favour was nothing other than the function of the high exchange rate.
“You know that for some years now, the exchange rate has gone into a spin, spiraling out of control due to the forlorn economic policies of Ali’s principal.
“This has indeed helped to boost the revenue collection of the service.
“This should not by any means be attributed to any ingenious policy change of Ali or the so-called plugging of revenue leakages as corruption under the sacked CGC  assumed the hydra-headed status of a monster”
The general mood among the men and officers of the Customs is that of big relief at the sack of the maximum ruler in the customs service.
They all hailed the appointment of Wale Adeniyi whom they described as their own and believed will have more empathy than his sacked predecessor.
“Oga Adeniyi is a thoroughbred customs officer who rose through the rank and knows the internal workings of the service” a jubilant officer declared.
“Officers will be glad to work with him to build customs of our dream” another respondent stated.
“Affliction will not rise again. Never again shall we have the misfortune of having a non-career officer as our CG.
“Thank God for the new Customs Act which bars people like Ali who are non-customs officers to become the CGC,” a customs source said.
The maritime media also caught the bug of happiness over the sack of Ali.
“He has no regard for journalists. He treated the media with arrogance and disdain.
” He was the worst thing to have ever happened to the customs in its over 100 years of existence” an obviously elated maritime journalist declared.
“We have watched Wale Adeniyi, the new CG, grow through the rank and we hope his exceptionally sharp public relations acumen will not be blunted by the lure and lucre of his new office.” another maritime media practitioner declared.
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6 Comments

6 Comments

  1. Mustapha Baba suleman

    June 21, 2023 at 8:54 pm

    Pigs armored robbers why will you like Ali.

    Dirty lots

    Reply

  2. Abdul Aziz

    June 21, 2023 at 9:10 pm

    You can say whatever you like about Hamid Ali but not corruption, he is one of the few honest people in this country. Take it or leave it he did very well as far as generating revenue is concerned,in fact in the history of custom no comptroller general has generated such revenue like him.

    Reply

  3. Francis adams

    June 22, 2023 at 12:02 pm

    There was no jubilation, we only jebiliated because the right man was brought in.

    Reply

  4. Realist

    June 22, 2023 at 2:12 pm

    Buhari planted his kinsmen into sensitive positions to plunder and maimed the system and succeeded in doing so. How do you expect a dunce, unintelligent person to choose than his sorts .

    Reply

  5. AGBEJE

    June 22, 2023 at 3:10 pm

    Mr. President, congratulations for a good start which even your avowed enemies cannot deny. Please as you settle down for the greater work of redeeming the nation, I suggest that you send a bill to the National Assembly to criminalise sale employment opportunities in public institutions to the highest bidders to allow the children of nobody to compete for employment in the public institutions. This rape is being perpetuated against Nigerians for over eight (8) year in collaboration with the Federal Character Commission. Some people think it is even part of APC Manifestos to sell employment in public institutions! Kindly ensure that someone in contravention goes to jail to send a signal to the demi-gods in charge of public institutions. Sir, if you do this and also stop the frivolous interventions by CBN I guarantee you unprecedented 15million votes for second tenure. Thank you Sir!

    Reply

  6. AMINA YAKUBU

    June 24, 2023 at 9:48 pm

    I AMINA YAKUBU I need to joy dis Nigeria customer service, I’m always replying the work I won’t see any action, oh my God, my people help me 08068051071

    Reply

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Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.
According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.
This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.
The Programme, according to the NCS,  also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.
“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.
” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per  through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.
However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.
The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.
The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.
“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.
The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.
“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.
“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.
“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.
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Customs

Customs takes delivery, commissions 60- bed hospital donated by BUA Group in Bauchi

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, officially commissioned the Abdul Samad Rabiu / Nigeria Customs Service Hospital in Bauchi, a 60-bed healthcare facility constructed and donated by Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of ASR Africa and Founder/Executive Chairman of BUA Group.
The hospital, delivered through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, is expected to significantly expand healthcare access for Customs officers, their families and host communities across Zone ‘D’ and neighbouring states.
Describing the project as a strategic welfare investment, the CGC said the facility reflects the Service’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity through improved personnel wellbeing.
 “This commissioning is a clear statement that the NCS prioritises the health and welfare of its officers,” he stated.
“A modern Service requires not only technology and operational reforms, but also strong social infrastructure that supports those who serve.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, emphasised the intervention’s sustainability focus.
“ASR Africa is committed to impact-driven philanthropy,” he said. “Our partnership with the NCS demonstrates what can be achieved when private sector commitment aligns with institutional reform and clear developmental goals.”
Also delivering a message on behalf of the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, the Secretary to the State Government, Aminu Hammayo, described the commissioning as a boost to the state’s healthcare ecosystem.
“This facility will complement existing public health institutions and improve access to specialised services,” he said.
 “It reflects the value of collaboration between government and responsible corporate entities.”
The hospital’s commissioning marks the culmination of a phased transformation that began in 2008 with the establishment of a basic health post at the Zone ‘D’ Headquarters, Bauchi.
It was subsequently upgraded to a clinic, and later a medical centre, before a 2023 partnership between the NCS and ASR Africa converted it into a 30-bed hospital, completed in April 2025.
Following a needs assessment, the CGC approved the remodelling and expansion of the facility into a 60-bed secondary healthcare facility with selected tertiary services.
Now equipped with seven clinical departments: Nursing Services, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, alongside Administrative and Health Information Management units, as well as Dental, Radiology and Nutrition units.
The hospital is projected to manage up to 300 patients per month during its first operational year.
Long-term expansion plans include advanced diagnostics such as CT scans and MRI, as well as specialised surgical procedures, positioning the facility as a referral centre across the North-East and parts of North-Central Nigeria.
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Customs

Ahead of Customs’ paperless operations in June, Comptroller Onyeka declares Tin Can Customs trade enabler

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
Barely few days after the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced that the Customs will migrate to paperless operations in June, 2026, the Tin Can command of the Service has made an elaborate preparation to key into the digital platform.
Even though, the Customs High Command is yet to release the blue print for the take -off of the digital revolution in goods clearance, the Controller of Tin Can Customs, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has declared that his command is ready to hit the ground running.
To this end, Comptroller Onyeka has declared Tin Can Island Customs as a trade enabler where seamless operations will be the order of the day.
While speaking with the maritime media on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, Onyeka stated that as long as an importer or his agent makes an honest declaration and the consignment is not flagged, such goods will leave the customs control within the 48 hours clearance time being envisaged by the Customs under its paperless operations regime.
Comptroller Onyeka further disclosed that his command will aim at collecting collectable revenue instead of maximum revenue which often leaves no room for trader to handle logistics costs and other sundry charges.
“By focusing on collectable revenue, we ensure that the trader makes profit, return to the market and continues to contribute to the society.
“I want to be known as a trade enabler personified” Comptroller Onyeka enthused.
While making projection into the year 2026, the Customs chief said the command recorded a lot of positives in 2025 when it surpassed the revenue target for that year and when a record revenue collection of 26 billion was recorded in a single day, a feat that was unprecedented in the history of the command.
Onyeka said the command started the year 2026 on a good revenue trajectory with the collection of  N145. 9bn in January, representing a 25.3 percent increase when compared to the N116.4billon  collected in January 2025.
He acknowledged the support of the media for its “constructive reportage” which acted as a catalyst for the good performance of the command in 2025.
While soliciting for the continued support of journalists in 2026, Comptroller Onyeka said his officers have been well primed to confront the challenges ahead.
He dismissed the fears of possible network glitches which stakeholders expressed may hamper the success of the paperless operations, saying such eventuality will be surmounted just as the teething problems which plagued B’ Odogwu platform at take off were conquered.
“Despite the teething problems with B’Odogwu,  we have recorded tremendous success, so we are ready for the paperless operations.
“There could be network issues but I want to urge the trading public to build capacity.
“With that, you can complete container clearance entirely online, with no physical contact with customs officers.
“If your declaration is not flagged, the process will be seamless, there will be no reason to come and see anyone.
“We cannot guarantee a perfect system from day one, but those challenges will not stop us.
” The more traders declare correctly and honestly, the smoother this process becomes for everyone,” he declared while advising importers to palletise their consignments.
It could be recalled that while launching the Customs’ One- Stop- Shop(OSS) on Friday, February 13th, 2026, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the Service is advancing toward a fully paperless customs environment, with the first phase of digital clearance and documentation processes scheduled for rollout by the end of the second quarter of 2026.
“This platform is a deliberate shift from fragmented interventions to coordinated governance, from discretion to data, and from isolated actions to collective responsibility,” Adeniyi had declared.
 “Through this reform, we continue to build systems that support lawful trade, protect national interests and serve the economy with professionalism and integrity.” he concluded.
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