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Customs

I almost abandon pursuit of  new Customs Act– Hon.Abejide —–as Customs gets more money to spend 

Abejide
The Eyewitness Reporter
The new Customs Act, 2023, which ushered in a new dawn in the Nigeria Customs Service, was nearly truncated as former President Mohammed Buhari declined his assent to the Act three times.
This was part of the obstacles surmounted by Hon. Leke Abejide, 9th Assembly Chairman, Committee of Customs and Excise at the House of Representatives, who midwifed the reform process before the new Act could berth.
Hon. Abejide was the guest speaker at the two-day management retreat on sensitisation workshop on the new Customs Act held in Abuja Monday.
Abejide recounted his frustration and how he nearly gave up on the national assignment of berthing a new Act befitting modern customs operations.
He said that with perseverance and determination, he and his colleagues on the committee in collaboration with other stakeholders, were able to weather the storm and delivered a brand new Customs Act, the first of its kind in 63 years.
An elated Abejide exuded happiness at this feat and described himself as a fulfilled man.
“Today, I can confirm to the Comptroller General of Customs, Officers and indeed Nigerians that I am a fulfilled man, seeing a career officer within the Nigeria Customs Service appointed as Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, courtesy of the new Nigeria Customs Act, 2023.
” When I assumed the position of Chairman, House Committee on Customs & Excise, I took it upon myself to surmount the obstacles that had made the previous government fail to get the Customs and Excise Management Act, Cap. C45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (CEMA) repealed and re-enacted which with God’s support, the Leadership of the 9th National Assembly, especially my boss, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, the Customs Committee Members and indeed former Management of the Nigeria Customs Service led by Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd.)
“This Act we are all celebrating today did not come that easy as the Bill was declined assent three times.
” It got to a point it became practically the only project I was doing as I was having meetings in the Ministry of Justice while also talking with the Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service.
“Were it not for perseverance and dedication on my part, I would have given up the same way previous administrations did, but all glory to God, it is a reality today”
“The tortuous journey towards the repeal of the Customs and Excise Management Act, Cap. C45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and the re-enactment of this new Act, the first of its kind in 63 years, was indeed very challenging, but God made it possible by the 9th National Assembly with the cooperation of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Customs Service and the general stakeholders at large” an exhilarated  Abejide declared.
He noted that the new Customs Act offered new hope, opportunities and rapid career progression for the officers.
He then congratulated Wale Adeniyi, the Acting Customs Comptroller General for being the first beneficiary of the reformed service.
“Today, every Customs Officer is assured that his labour is not going to be truncated at the peak of his career neither is he going to be denied the fruit of long, faithful and dedicated service to his/her motherland.
“The provisions of Section 14 (1) of the new Act are very instructive on professionalism, by providing appointment of a career officer from the Service to be head of management of the Service.
“To the officers in general, I wish to state that this Act has made provisions for a reward motivational scheme for exceptional and meritorious services rendered by any officer in relation to any Customs or Excise matter.
“This may come by special promotion, letter of commendation, or cash reward. So your labour in executing this law optimally shall not be in vain.
“I want to congratulate the newly appointed Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), for being the first partaker of this career reform exercise.
“The reforms introduced by the new Act have a tremendous effect on every facet of our national economy and also the officers’ career progression with some enhanced level of professionalism and job motivation which has hitherto been deprived of the Service.
“I am persuaded that with your track records of selfless service to this institution, your statutory duty of overseeing the task of reforms injected into this Act would be seamlessly achieved.
Abejide also spelt out some of the benefits of the new Customs Act which includes freeing more money for the service to enhance the welfare of officers and embark on life- imparting projects without going cap in hand to the government.
“Some of the reforms injected into the Nigerian Customs Act 2023 is the enhancement of trade facilitation policies of the service, which has upgraded the status of the Service to the 21st Century strategic revenue generating institution of our dream.
“Our effort is providing policies statutorily implanted, which invigorates the objectives of keeping our borders safe and making avenues of leaked revenue accountability lean, hence this institution shall in the shortest period, reap the dividends of this legal framework that gear up the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
” For the first time since the inception of this Service, the idea to always go cap in hand for finances in order to perform its lawful and statutory duties is now a thing of the past with the introduction of Section 18 of the Act.
“The Act provides for a sum not less than 4% of the Free-On-Board value of imports according to international best practice as part of the funds the service shall keep and maintain for its operation.
“Further, Section 18(6)(a) has empowered the Nigeria Customs Service to superintend over its budget line items whose cost is 10% or less of the entire capital budget under review.
“This makes it faster for the Service to be able to implement their capital projects as quickly as possible to enhance the performance of officers in service delivery.
“This implies that only projects whose value is above 10% of the total capital projects of the year under review will require Federal Executive Council approval.
” It is to be noted that this sum is not cast in stone as it can be upgraded as the need arises by a proposal to that effect by the President to the National Assembly, and accordingly by appropriation put through Budget presentation on Customs Service matters”
Abejide however expressed hope that the new Customs management would be able to harness the new opportunities provided in the new Act to enhance the welfare of officers and reposition the customs for efficient service to the country.
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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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Customs

“You are worthy ambassador of Osun State” Oni of Ife eulogies Adeniyi’s leadership of Customs 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi II, has eulogized the sterling qualities of Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller- General of Customs, for his revolutionary leadership of the Nigeria Customs  Service.
The  first class Yoruba monarch made the commendation on Thursday, 28th May 2026, during the annual Eid-el-Kabir gathering hosted by the Comptroller-General at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State.
The Oni, who cited President Bola Tinubu’s public commendation of Adeniyi as evidence of the confidence reposed in the Customs boss, described him as a good ambassador of Osun State and a source of pride to the ancient Ife Kingdom and the Modakeke community.
Oba Ogunwusi said President Tinubu’s public expression of satisfaction with Adeniyi’s performance reflected confidence in his leadership and the results being achieved by the Service.
“We are very proud of him and the work he is doing. When Mr President publicly expressed satisfaction with his performance, it was not a casual statement.
” It reflects trust in his capacity and the results he is delivering. What he is doing in the Customs Service and in the community shows that he is a unifier.”
Reaffirming the support of the Ife Kingdom for the Comptroller-General, the monarch declared:
“He brings people together, and that is what leadership is about. We will continue to stand by him and pray for him.”
Addressing guests, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adeniyi expressed appreciation to the Ooni of Ife, community leaders, family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers for their continued support.
He described Eid-el-Kabir as a season that reminds humanity of the virtues of sacrifice, gratitude, obedience, and service to others.
According to him, beyond the celebration, the gathering provides an opportunity to reconnect with people, strengthen relationships, and reflect on the collective responsibility of building stronger communities and a better nation.
The CGC noted that the NCS has continued to record significant progress in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, technological innovation, and corporate social responsibility initiatives in line with the economic objectives of the Federal Government.
He said the Service remains focused on supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through reforms aimed at facilitating legitimate trade, enhancing national security, improving compliance, and creating opportunities for economic growth.
CGC Adeniyi added that Customs has continued to invest in community-focused interventions across the country, including educational support programmes, healthcare initiatives, and other projects designed to improve the lives of Nigerians.
He pledged that the Service would continue to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening its operations and delivering greater value to the nation, while assuring stakeholders of Customs’ commitment to professionalism, transparency, and service excellence.
Adeniyi also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and assured Nigerians of the Service’s continued support for government policies geared towards economic prosperity and national development.
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Customs

World Bank strengthens Customs capacity in post clearance Audit in two- week capacity building exercise

Gloria Odion,  maritime reporter 
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a two-week Technical Assistance Mission on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in collaboration with the World Bank Group under the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform (ARMOR) Programme, aimed at strengthening compliance management, revenue assurance, and trade facilitation through modern audit practices.
The workshop, which runs from June 1 to June 12, 2026, is taking place at the Service’s  Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General , Babatunde Olomu, described the mission as a significant step in advancing the Service’s modernisation agenda and strengthening its capacity as a technology-driven, intelligence-led, and globally competitive customs administration.
He noted that modern customs administrations increasingly rely on intelligence-led, risk-based, and post-clearance interventions that promote voluntary compliance while supporting legitimate trade and economic growth.
According to him, the mission offers an opportunity to assess existing processes, identify operational gaps, adopt international best practices, and develop practical solutions to strengthen the Post Clearance Audit framework.
Olomu identified risk-based targeting, case management, registry management, quality assurance, standardisation, and integrated audit systems as key areas of focus.
He emphasised that effective Post Clearance Audit enables Customs to move beyond transaction-based controls to a strategic compliance management approach that enhances revenue assurance, facilitates legitimate trade, strengthens transparency, and boosts public confidence.
“This mission presents a valuable opportunity to critically assess our existing processes, identify gaps, learn from international best practices, and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our PCA framework and overall compliance management system.” he stated.
The ACG commended the Comptroller-General for his commitment to modernisation and capacity building and also appreciated the World Bank and other development partners for their sustained support for Customs reforms.
He urged participants to actively engage throughout the programme and ensure that lessons learned are translated into measurable improvements in daily operations.
Speaking at the event, World Bank Task Team Lead, Moses Kajubi, said the mission is designed to strengthen the capacity of Post Clearance Audit officers through modern customs practices, practical audit tools, and internationally recognised methodologies.
He explained that participants would be exposed to global best practices, case management techniques, and compliance management strategies that can be adapted to Nigeria’s operational environment.
Kajubi stressed the importance of leveraging technology, structured case management systems, and data-driven decision-making to improve audit quality, compliance monitoring, and trade facilitation outcomes.
“This engagement will equip participants with practical tools and global best practices that can be applied directly in the field to improve the effectiveness of Post Clearance Audit operations.”He stated.
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He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen institutional capacity and contribute significantly to the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernisation objectives.
Lead Consultant for the ARMOR-P, Colonel Aloke Dutt, said the mission seeks to enhance trade facilitation, optimise revenue, and improve compliance management through a more structured and unified approach to Post Clearance Audit.
He emphasised the need for standardised audit methodologies, effective monitoring mechanisms, and the integration of data analytics into audit processes to improve accountability and operational efficiency.
Dutt also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology-driven solutions such as the B’Odogwu platform and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support a competency-based audit system across the Service.
During a technical session, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Muhammad  Jubril, demonstrated the Post Clearance Audit process on the B’Odogwu platform, explaining how officers can initiate audit reviews using Harmonised Commodity codes and other risk indicators.
In his closing remarks, Comptroller Muhammad Shattima encouraged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop and apply the knowledge gained to achieve the strategic objectives of the NCS.
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