Customs

Maritime stakeholders set agenda for Adeniyi, new Customs boss

Wal

—- decry multiple customs special units.

The Eyewitness reporter

As the euphoria on the appointment of Wale Adeniyi as the new Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, is gradually waning, the industry stakeholders, who unanimously hailed his appointment, have now tasked the new Customs boss, to hit the ground running.

They disclosed that Adeniyi has a lot of work to do given the distortions and dislocation foisted on the Customs processes by his predecessor, Col. Hameed Ali(rtd).

Ventilating the general mood of the industry operators, especially the freight forwarding practitioners, Barrister Ada Akpunonu, a chieftain of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents(ANLCA) advised the new Customs boss to review some of the actions and policies of his predecessor which she believed had scared away investors and importers from the Nigerian Ports.

Akpunonu said one of the outstanding damages done to customs operations by Ali was the introduction of multiple units of customs which she claimed impeded trade facilitation.

The Amazon of the freight forwarding industry advised the new CG to, as a matter of urgency, commence the process of dismantling this barrier to trade facilitation, if he wants to attract needed revenue.

She believed that Adeniyi has the capacity and experience to reposition the revenue-generating agency

“The appointment of Adeniyi as the CGC was a welcome development and it gladdens our hearts as stakeholders and Customs brokers.

“At least, somebody from the service is now the CGC. Wale is a thoroughbred and experienced officer who rose through the ranks. We congratulate him and are happy for him.

“One of the worst things that happened to Customs was bringing an outsider and we have never had it so bad in Customs when Hameed Ali was the CG.

“Because he was a soldier, he was not a listening leader. He ruled Customs as if the agency was a military command.

“During his tenure, there were so many units he created in a bid to squeeze money out of freight forwarders in the name of revenue collection.

“There was a lack of discipline among the staff, especially the junior ones. His tenure was a disaster.

“But with Adeniyi’s appointment, it is a new dawn in the Customs and we all welcome it with enthusiasm and hope for better Customs operations” she declared.

Akpunonu said that the new CG needs to overhaul the whole system which she claimed has been polluted by the anti-trade policies of Hameed Ali.

”The whole system needs to be overhauled if Wale desires to succeed because Ali has polluted and corrupted the system.

”The particular area which the new CGC needs to look into is the inordinate revenue generation which Ali pursued to the point of killing the facilitation of trade. It got to a point that this passion became a disincentive to foreign investment and many importers, especially foreign ones, had to relocate to the neighboring countries to do their business.

”How do you encourage trade without facilitating trade? When you facilitate trade, trade would be stimulated, there will be more volume of imports and invariably, you will generate more revenue, but that was not the case with Ali who drove the officers crazy in the pursuit of revenue and who in turn harassed and marooned freight forwarders in order to meet their revenue target without facilitating trade. This system as instituted by Ali encourages smuggling.

”Where is the so-called huge revenue they collected when Nigeria still borrowed huge sums from our creditors?

”But we are happy that President Tinubu has appointed an officer who we hope will pursue policies and programmes that will facilitate trade which will enhance revenue. This will make people work with less stress and bring back those had fled our ports.

”Also, there will be less smuggling as trade is being facilitated at the ports and importers and their agents are working in a peaceful and less intimidating environment.

”The new CG should also streamline the multiplicity of Customs units that Ali foisted on the system such as Customs Police, CG strike force and the rest.

”We never experienced the presence of Customs police, we merely heard about them, they are not outside operating in the port environment. This unit is duplicating the function of the Customs Investigating Unit(CIU) which operates like secret agents.

”Even, the Federal Operation Unit(FOU) has also been doing the same work.

”But Ali came and unleashed all kinds of units on the system which encumbered the Customs operations, all doing the same job of running after and harassing importers and their agents to meet the inordinate revenue figures.

”The new CG should therefore streamline all these units into compact and effective machinery that will not encumber trade.

”If the new CG could harness the potential of the well-experienced management and staff of the service we have in Customs, he would succeed in his tenure.

Barrister Akpunonu also decried the menace of touts who he accused of indiscriminately stopping legally exited containers on the road and extorting them.

She called on the Federal government to immediately stop this menace as it is capable of adding to the cost of doing trade at the port and at the same time, been a disincentive to foreign investments in the port industry

”On the issue of touts now stopping legally released consignments on the road and extorting money, that is another worrisome development that is killing trade which the government should help to address.

”It has become a big problem because after the importers have paid and escaped from customs and other agencies at the ports, having paid through their noses, they are still being subjected to another round of extortions and harassment on the road by these touts. This is not to talk of the harrowing experiences we have in the hands of the numerous Customs units on the road.

”So when the importers are taking their goods to their warehouse, they are stopped on the road by the touts.

”To carry your box from the ports and probably, going to Ikeja, you will pay about N150,000 to N200,000, cumulatively, to the touts on the road.

”It is very disheartening and discouraging and I don’t think any responsible government will sit and watch this type of economic menace continue.

”However, the reason why this practice is going on unabated is because we don’t have an association.

”The government may not even be aware of most of these things until they are brought to its notice but our association, ANLCA, is in comatose for the past four years, so there was no longer a voice to speak to the authority on the challenges facing the freight forwarders.

We are mostly to be blamed for some of our woes rather than blaming the government because when we cannot put our house in order, what do we expect the Customs or the government to come and do for us? It is a shame”, Akpunonu declared.

Customs

Kaila, Seme Customs CAC, seeks collaboration with stakeholders to achieve seemless trade along border corridor

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The new Area Controller of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has reached out to traditional rulers and sister agencies at the border communities to ensure the achievement of his mandate of detection, determent of smuggling, revenue generation and trade facilitation along the border corridor.

To achieve these objectives, Comptroller Kaila went on tour of the communities within the border corridor where he met and sought for the support and cooperation of major critical stakeholders, including the traditional rulers and sister agencies.

According to him, his objective was to eradicate trade hindrances affecting free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan business corridor.

Speaking at the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I who was a well recognized traditional ruler across the border communities.

“”The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service.

“Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling.

“And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we can not have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said

The King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, who described Kaila as the son of the soil, added that “We have listened to your request.

” Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.

Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, signifies his commitment to fostering the service relationship with residents living within the border communities

“I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required.

” In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he mentioned

While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.

“I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need.

“Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your presence here, things will change for the better, ” he said

In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, Kaila also visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry.

The Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu,expressed the readiness of the formation to always support the command in achieving its mandate.

“Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility.

” Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said

The Area Controller then ended his familirisation tour with seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office, showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.

Customs

SIFAX Group sponsors Customs feature film “Novara”

– a story- telling movie on the sacrifices, resilience of customs officers in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

In a landmark evening that brought together the worlds of commerce, security, and storytelling, SIFAX Group was prominently recognised as a major sponsor at the star-studded premiere of ‘Novara’, the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) debut feature film, held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Viva Cinemas, Jara Mall, Ikeja, Lagos.

The high-profile event, which drew senior customs officials, industry leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and entertainment figures, marked an unprecedented moment in Nigeria’s institutional storytelling, with the NCS leveraging the power of cinema to illuminate the bravery and sacrifices of its officers in the relentless fight against smuggling.

Representing SIFAX Group at the event was Mrs Ololade Dawodu, Head of Clearing and Forwarding at SIFAX Shipping, who delivered an address that drew a direct line between the film’s narrative and the realities of maritime operations at Nigeria’s ports.

She noted that the story resonates strongly with real-life operations at Tin Can Island Port, one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial gateways and a critical hub within SIFAX Group’s operational landscape.

“For those of us in the industry, the sight of cargo ships and port operations is familiar but this film takes us beyond the surface, revealing the high-stakes reality that underpins global logistics.” she said.

Dawodu emphasised that the story goes beyond entertainment, serving as a tribute to the courage and resilience of officers who protect the nation’s economic lifelines.

She pointed to the film’s portrayal of loss and sacrifice as a sobering reminder of the human cost tied to security enforcement.

“At SIFAX Group, we believe that a secure maritime sector is the backbone of a thriving economy. Without security, trade cannot flourish.” she stated.

SIFAX Group’s partnership with the initiative did not go unnoticed.

The film’s producer, Agozie Ugwu, and the Superintendent of Customs 1, Mr Okpanachi Adejoh, both publicly commended SIFAX Group’s contributions to the project’s success, describing the Group’s sponsorship as instrumental in bringing the story to the screen at the scale it deserved.

The premiere concluded on a reflective note, with guests commending both the storytelling and the collaboration between the creative industry and key institutions.

For SIFAX Group, the evening reinforced a clear message: sustainable growth in trade and logistics depends not only on infrastructure and expertise, but also on unwavering commitment to security.

About ‘Novara’

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Agozie Ugwu and featuring veteran Nollywood actors Francis Duru and Ray Adeka, Novara tells the story of a dedicated customs officer navigating the dangers of undercover operations, while also shedding light on the personal sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel.

Through its narrative, the film highlights the often-unseen risks involved in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.

The film follows Superintendent Panshak Asiya, an undercover Customs officer who risks everything, including the safety of his family, to dismantle one of the country’s most dangerous smuggling syndicates.

Beyond its gripping action sequences, the film explores themes of love, faith, sacrifice, and the unseen human cost of law enforcement.

Customs

Customs seeks strong commitment to war against narcotics trafficking in Nigeria

Funso OLOJO, Editor

–renews partnership with NDLEA for effective operations

The Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has warned that weak and uncoordinated institutional fight against drug trafficking may undermine Nigeria’ s standing in international community.

Leading a high- powered Customs delegation to a strategic meeting with the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) held at the headquarters of the anti- narcotics agency on Monday, April 27th, 2026, Adeniyi said that Nigeria must show strong commitment, clinical enforcement and transparency in its fight against narcotics trafficking in order to enhance the confidence of international community.

Addressing the joint meeting between the top- ranked Customs officers and the leadership of the NDLEA led by its Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the Customs boss stated that narcotics trafficking is in the front burner of discussions at international fora and the West African corridor is under serious scrutiny.

Adeniyi further declared that the fight against drug trafficking now goes beyond domestic enforcement, warning that Nigeria’s credibility before international partners depends largely on how effectively local institutions work together.

“I came here directly from international engagements in Europe and Asia, and at every table, narcotics trafficking remained a major issue. The West African corridor is under serious watch.”

“The agreements we sign abroad will only carry value when our operational credibility at home supports them.

“If intelligence shared with Nigeria is not pursued to interception, prosecution and destruction, our standing is weakened,” CGC Adeniyi said.

The Customs boss disclosed that the Service had continued to make major seizures and handovers to NDLEA, particularly through the Apapa Command and other operational formations.

Adeniyi, however, stressed that interdiction alone was not enough, calling for stronger post-seizure accountability, regular prosecution updates and transparent destruction procedures.

“Interdiction is only the first act of enforcement, not the last. Where narcotics are transferred but not promptly destroyed, where prosecution advances without feedback, and where exhibits are separated from originating officers, then the chain of enforcement is incomplete.”, he declared.

The Customs boss proposed a fresh framework between both agencies, including joint destruction of seized drugs where suspects are not arrested, periodic case status reports, coordinated court appearances and standing liaison channels at command level.

“We have not come here to apportion blame. We have come to design the next phase of a partnership that has carried Nigeria this far and must now carry it further,” the CGC declared.

Responding, the NDLEA Chairman described the concerns raised by Customs as legitimate and timely, assuring that the agency remains committed to transparency, accountability and professional cooperation.

“The concerns relating to post-transfer accountability, prosecution outcomes and disposal processes are valid concerns.

“We must move beyond ceremonial handovers to a structured and mandatory reporting framework under which NDLEA provides formal updates on investigations, prosecutions and final disposal of Customs-originated seizures.” Marwa noted.

The NDLEA boss proposed the immediate establishment of a joint committee to review grey areas in the existing Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) signed by both agencies under previous administrations.

According to him, the committee would recommend clearer procedures and, where necessary, draft a supplementary agreement for approval by both leaderships, stating, “Today’s meeting is timely. It gives us the opportunity to discuss areas of concern frankly and strengthen our collaboration.”