Customs

100 days in office: Appreciative stakeholders doff hats for Wale Adeniyi as CGC

—he is the best thing to have happened to Customs –Abdulazeez— he could emerge as the best CGC ever– Akpunonu—-he is a communication strategist –Aniebonam— he is a thoroughbred professional — Tanko .

The Eyewitness reporter

It was a flurry of tributes, commendations and applause by the critical maritime stakeholders for Adewale Adeniyi, the acting Comptroller General of Customs.

Adeniyi, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19th, 2023 to superintendent over the Nigeria Customs Service, marked his first 100 days in office last week.

It was a momentous 100 days of innovative leadership, reformative policies, extensive collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, inspiring leadership and rejuvenating action that drew applause from the critical stakeholders.

The visibly elated industry operators, especially the confraternity of freight forwarders, were unsparing in their conviction that Adeniyi has brought fresh air to the Nigeria Customs Service.

They were unanimous in their declaration that the new Sheriff in the customs has so far done well.

Babatunde Mukaila Abdulazeez, the former National Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ( ANLCA) who was also the immediate past Sole Administrator of the troubled association, couldn’t hide his feelings over the inspiring leadership of Adeniyi.

“It is a personal roller coaster feeling for me. We have never had it so good.”, he declared when he was asked to assess the performance of Adeniyi in his first 100 days in the saddle as the CGC.

Ada Ozomena Akpunonu, another frontline freight forwarder and a top-notch member of the ANLCA, was no less impressed by the performance of Adeniyi as the CGC.

“He could eventually emerge as the best CGC customs ever had” she declared.

Ibrahim Tanko, the Vice President, the Western Zone of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) who is also the National Coordinator of the 100 compliance team of the association, also acknowledged the uncommon professional ingenuity of the new CGC.

“He has done well so far”, he stated tersely.

Dr Boniface Aniebonam, the legendary founder of NAGAFF was no less enamoured by the sparkling leadership qualities of Adeniyi as displayed within his first 100 days in office.

“He is a communication strategist “, he declared as a matter of fact.

It was not however praises galore as some of these stakeholders have some reservations and offered advice on how the new CGC could scale up his game to improve on his laudable achievements.

Babatunde Mukaila Abdulazeez

“It is a personal roller coaster feeling for me. We had never had it so good.

Wale has shown that he has the capacity and what it takes to take Nigeria Customs to the next level.

He has shown that Nigeria can be at par with the rest of the advanced world in the deployment of trade tools.

In the first 100 days, he has shown uncommon courage, commitment and uncanny knowledge of customs operations and processes that are meant to facilitate trade.

For instance, he introduced what is called the Advance Ruling which holds Customs officers accountable for whatever their position is on pre-importation requests.

I can tell you that it takes courage to do that as no officer would want to be held responsible for his action.

But Adeniyi has done that.

He was the first CG to bell the cat on this novel idea. This shows his courage and passion to transform customs.

Also, he introduced another novel idea by partnering with the Japanese government to establish a laboratory for Nigeria Customs.

The issue of argument on chemical imports will be a thing of the past. This will not only help the customs but the NAFDAC as well.

Adeniyi, in his first 100 days in office, has shown us that he knows what needs to be done and that he is a core professional customs officer.

We can only pray for him to succeed. He has put on the table accountability and transparency.

Ada Ozomena Akpunonu

Wale is a professional customs officer and we all know his rich antecedents.

Unfortunately, he came at a time when Nigeria’s economy is in comatose. This will make his task a bit difficult.

For instance, the exchange rate is too high and the Customs duties are equally high which have both combined to make goods clearance at the port very exorbitant.

I hear that it may soon take an average of N10 million to clear one forty-foot container. Where will people get this kind of money from?

The government should help Adeniyi to succeed by putting policies and programmes that are business-friendly and help to promote trade.

Wale is a team player. He carries everyone along.

Through the deployment of his Area Controllers, he has shown the depth of his managerial acumen because his men at the Area Commands are square pegs in square holes.

By the time he is confirmed as the CGC, he will perform wonders. The atmosphere in the customs now is that of conviviality and sanity.

If not for the instability of the naira and the bastardized economy, Wale could emerge as the best CGC ever.

Ibrahim Tanko

Wale is doing well as the CGC.

However, an area of concern to me is where he transferred revenue officers from their area of core competence to enforcement and brought enforcement officers to come and man revenue units.

This may affect the revenue generation of the customs because the enforcement officers put in the revenue units do not understand anything about tariffs.

I think he should have given them training before putting them there. Wale will do better if he puts officers in positions in which they are best suited.

However, he has done well in terms of reducing the bottleneck in clearance procedures by reducing the number of units.

For instance, he has disbanded the notorious CG strike force as well as border drills.

He is also working hard to restore the core values of the Federal Operations Units ( FOUs) of the service by enhancing their professionalism.

He is also doing well in the area of checking the excesses of officers.

He is also doing well in attending to pending cases such as seizures, detentions, dismissals and suspensions.

However, I would like him to define and delineate the functions of Customs Police, FOU and Provosts.

Their functions and duties should be well-defined and clearly stated to avoid overlap and clash.

Dr. Boniface Aniebonam

Wale is a master communication strategist. But unfortunately, he is not communicating well.

I am a Customs officer and a founder of NAGAFF. He needs to feel the pulse of port operations and operators from critical stakeholders in the industry.

He has to address them to sell his mandate to the people.

He should visit ANLCA and NAGAFF, the two frontline associations of freight forwarders where he can discuss revenue, suppression of smuggling activities, trade facilitation and other customs operations. However, I commend him on the disbandment of the CG strike force.

The interventionist squad had abused the customs process under previous customs administrations.

We appreciate him for that. He should also take a very strong stance against avoidable trade alerts from different customs units.

This does not facilitate trade.

He should coordinate and hamonise the alert system and I know as a listening officer, he shall look into this disturbing issue.

He should also take a very strong exception to the wastage of human resources at the zonal offices as a core professional customs officer.

The zonal offices of customs must be functional and proactive while the headquarters should be for policy formulation.

There are lot to still be done.

However, his first 100 days in office are well and good.

He should, however, contact critical stakeholders and partner them by using established platforms such as ANLCA and NAGAFF to reach out to the trading public.

His 100 days in office have been avoidably aggressive in revenue target and collection. But the modern-day customs practice is not about revenue but trade facilitation.

If you raise the compliance level of the trading public, this will lead to high revenue. He should de-emphasize revenue and emphasize trade facilitation which leads to high revenue.

You don’t destroy trade because of your pursuit of revenue.

However, the stakeholders, despite their varying views, were unanimous in their assessment of Wale Adeniyi’s first 100 days in office as the CGC.

They all chorused their agreement that the new sheriff in town has raised the bar in customs administration and put the service on the path of greatness, professionalism, public acceptance and global recognition never witnessed in the over 100 years of the existence of the revenue agency in the country.

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Customs

Beer merchants panic over tax stamp policy, seeks solace from Customs

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The proposed Tax Stamp policy of the Federal government has expectedly activated panic mode among beer industry leaders who have expressed anxiety of possible escalation in the production and consumer costs if the policy is eventually implemented.

Though, there is an ongoing dialogue between stakeholders and the government to manage the economic impact of the policy, the leaders of the brewing sector had sought more clarification on the policy from the Nigeria customs service when they engaged with the Comptroller- General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi on Monday, May 11th, 2026.

The brewers have come to discuss the economic impact the proposed policy will have on their brewing business.

At the roundabout discussion, Adewale had emphasised the need for credible data, inclusive consultations and sustained stakeholder engagement in Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal and regulatory reforms.

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‎Speaking during the engagement, CGC Adeniyi stressed that policy decisions affecting strategic sectors of the economy must be guided by verifiable data and a clear understanding of prevailing market realities.

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“‎We need to have a clear understanding of what constitutes illicit trade. Some of these products are legitimately manufactured in Nigeria.

“In other jurisdictions,customs administrations are already engaging in discussions around how such products find their way across borders and into unauthorised markets” the CGC stated.

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‎He further underscored the importance of accuracy and credibility in industry data presented to policymakers, noting that sound policy formulation depends on reliable information.

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‎“One thing we need to understand more clearly is where some of these estimates came from.

“When we are making policy decisions of this nature, the credibility and accuracy of data must never be in doubt,” he added.

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‎Highlighting the Service’s ongoing modernisation efforts, Adeniyi noted that the NCS has continued to introduce reforms aimed at improving trade facilitation and enhancing operational efficiency across the supply chain.

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‎“We have consistently introduced initiatives aimed at facilitating trade. We introduced the Advance Ruling. We introduced the Authorised Economic Operator programme.

“We also rolled out several reforms on our own initiative, not because we were under pressure, but because we recognised the need to improve trade facilitation,” he said.

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‎On the proposed tax stamp initiative, the CGC clarified that consultations with stakeholders are still ongoing and that no final decision has been reached regarding implementation.

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‎“As far as I am concerned, consultations are still ongoing. If this initiative is legitimate and beneficial, then we all have a responsibility to ensure that we are heading in the right direction,” he stated.

‎He also encouraged private-sector operators to maintain constructive engagement with relevant government agencies to ensure that any eventual policy framework balances revenue protection with industrial sustainability and economic growth.

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‎Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Girish Sharma, said the visit was aimed at presenting the industry’s position on the proposed tax stamp framework, which he noted has generated considerable discussion within the sector.

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‎Sharma acknowledged the importance of regulatory controls but maintained that the beer industry remains one of the most structured and highly regulated sectors in Nigeria, with limited exposure to counterfeiting risks.

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‎“We fully understand the purpose and importance of tax stamps, particularly in industries where counterfeiting is a major concern.

“However, within the beer sector, counterfeiting is minimal,” Sharma said.

‎He noted that existing compliance and monitoring systems already provide adequate visibility across production and distribution channels.

‎“From an end-to-end compliance perspective, we believe there is already sufficient transparency and oversight,” he added.

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‎Sharma also highlighted the industry’s contribution to employment generation, government revenue and economic growth, cautioning that additional regulatory measures should be carefully designed to avoid unintended impacts on the sector and the wider economy.

The 2026 tax stamp policy in Nigeria is a regulatory, security-focused, and mandatory track-and-trace system imposed by the government on excisable goods—including alcohol, tobacco, and sugar-sweetened beverages—to curb illicit trade and bolster revenue.

The policy, aimed at reducing smuggling and counterfeiting, requires high-security physical labels or digital codes to be affixed to products.

The policy applies to excisable products such as tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, with specialized stamps for textile imports, such as the Red vs. Green stamps.

Manufacturers must ensure compliance. Under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, compliance is required, and failure to stamp documents within 30 days can lead to severe penalties, including a 10% penalty fee plus interest.

While the government aims to enhance revenue, manufacturers, particularly in the brewing sector, have raised concerns that the policy could significantly diminish profitability and increase consumer prices, with potential to create 100% loss in profits if implemented as proposed.

Customs

At UNILORIN conference, Adeniyi advocates for human- driven technology for balanced developmental efforts

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

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‎The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to responsible digital transformation and innovation driven governance during his keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, in collaboration with the Faculty of Philology, RUDN University, Russia.

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‎The conference, themed “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” was held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at the University of Ilorin Main Auditorium.

The event attracted academics, communication experts, technology professionals, researchers, policymakers, and heads of government agencies to deliberate on the growing influence of digital innovation and artificial intelligence on governance, education, trade, and economic development.

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‎In his address, CGC Adeniyi stressed the importance of balancing technological advancement with human responsibility, noting that the future of the digital economy depends not only on artificial intelligence but also on ethics, leadership, and institutional capacity.

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‎“The digital age is, in the end, a human story, and the real test of our generation is not how powerful our machines become, but how wisely our societies choose to use them,” Adeniyi stated.

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‎He observed that disruptive technologies such as digital payments, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and smart systems have already reshaped global operations, adding that the world is no longer preparing for disruption but actively functioning within it.

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‎According to him, government institutions must ensure that technological innovation strengthens transparency, public trust, and operational efficiency without compromising accountability.

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‎Drawing from the Nigeria Customs Service’s experience, the CGC highlighted ongoing digital transformation initiatives, particularly the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, which has significantly improved trade facilitation, cargo processing, and inter-agency collaboration.

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‎He disclosed that the platform generated over N230 billion at the PTML Command within its first eight months of deployment, while cargo clearance timelines for compliant traders have been reduced to less than eight hours.

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‎“The partnership, not the rivalry, between human and artificial intelligence is where the real value lies,” he said, adding that technology delivers optimal results when guided by strong institutional values and ethical standards.

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‎Adeniyi further noted that although artificial intelligence enhances efficiency, risk management, and decision-making, human expertise and leadership remain indispensable to effective governance and enforcement.

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‎“Technology changes processes leadership and expertise still deliver the results,” he added.

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‎The CGC also called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, and public agencies to develop practical solutions to emerging digital and governance challenges.

He urged academic institutions to move beyond theoretical learning and play a more active role in innovation and policy development.

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‎He identified areas where academia can support Customs modernisation efforts, including digital compliance systems, AI-driven risk management, public trust communication strategies, and the governance of cross border data flows.

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‎Adeniyi further advocated for the development of digital governance frameworks tailored to African realities, legal systems, and developmental priorities, emphasising that technological advancement must remain accountable to the people it serves.

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‎On the sidelines of the conference,the CGC engaged with heads of government agencies, scholars, communication professionals, traditional rulers, and institutional leaders on opportunities for collaboration in digital innovation, research, community development, and capacity building.

Customs

Oshoba, Apapa Customs boss, charges officers on discipline, revenue, trade facilitation

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged officers and men of the Command to intensify revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations and uphold professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties.

Comptroller Oshoba gave the charge during the Command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at the Command headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.

The Area Controller emphasized the need for greater operational interventions across terminals to block revenue leakages while ensuring seamless trade facilitation and timely cargo clearance.

“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. That is why any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated.

“Even at the gates. If a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay at the gates,” he stated.

He also urged officers to remain accessible and professional in their dealings with stakeholders.

“You must make yourself accessible to our stakeholders and we must avoid actions capable of tarnishing the good image of the Service and the good work being done by the CGC and members of his management.

“We should not be seen as slugs in the wheels of progress,” Oshoba added.

The CAC further called for heightened vigilance against smuggling activities, especially illicit drugs and prohibited items, while warning officers against misconduct and improper dressing.

Highlight of the parade was the recognition of outstanding Officers and Units for exemplary service.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month, while CSC Augustine Ondoma, ASCI Bukola Olaleye and IC Olalekan Salawu were recognized for professionalism, innovation and punctuality respectively.

Similarly, officers of APM Terminal received the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while Officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal received the Excellence Award on Revenue Generation.

Comptroller Oshoba explained that the award initiative was introduced to encourage hard work, excellence, professionalism and healthy competition among Officers and Units of the Command.