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Customs’ Operation Whirlwind bares its fangs, swoops on fuel smugglers 

— seizes 150,950 litres of PMS, valued at N105,965,391 in one week
Funso Olojo 
Barely two weeks after Nigeria Customs Service launched “Operation Whirlwind” – a decisive onslaught against illegal trade of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi, has said the Service has started recording massive turnout in curtailing the menace of PMS smuggling across the federation.

Addressing newsmen on Monday, 10 June 2024, in Yola, the Adamawa state capital, the CGC re-emphasised strategic efforts to address the critical issue of fuel smuggling. Stating that the exercise aimed at curtailing economic saboteurs has the solid support of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

He said the Service had, in response to the alarming increase in fuel smuggling, launched the initiative to defend the National currency, reduce pressures that may be attributed to the activities of smugglers and dismantle their cartels within the ecosystem, adding,

“In the past 2 weeks, we have received credible intelligence on the relative stability of the
price of PMS around the Border States, this is easily attributed to
disruptions in the operations of smugglers.”

According to him, the operatives attached to the initiative had, within 7 days of non-stop task, intercepted a total of 150,950 litres of PMS, valued at N105,965,391, at various locations nationwide, highlighting, “On Friday 31 May 2024. A total of 45,000 litres of PMS in a tanker was seized at Mubi, Adamawa State.”

He stated that “On Saturday, 1 June 2024, a total of 45,000 litres of PMS
in a tanker was also seized at Mubi, Adamawa, while between Monday, 3 June 2024, and Friday, 7 June 2024, a total of 92,928 litres of PMS in 25 litres of different sizes of jerry cans at Mubi, Song-Wuroboki, Mubi-Sahuda road and Gidan Madara – Sahuda road, in Adamawa state and others in Illela, Sokoto and Agbaragba creek in Mfum border of Cross River State.

The CGC further stated that the Service has also recorded significant seizures of 129,185 litres of PMS from unpatriotic individuals attempting to deprive Nigerians of access to fuel and cause unnecessary hardship valued at N90,558,685, adding “A combined diversion of 280,135 litres of PMS of N196,524,075.50 raises serious economic concerns with broader implications on National Security.”

The CG lamented the unfortunate increase in smuggling of PMS across Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, and Katsina states borders between April and May 2024, and the Service deemed it necessary to collaborate with the NSA to come up with a lasting solution to ensure that Nigerians enjoy the full benefits of fuel price deregulation in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu.

He said, “Between April and May 2024, Borno and Kebbi States recorded 76% and 59% increases in evacuations, ranking among the top three states. On a year-on-year basis (May 2023 and May 2024), Sokoto and Taraba States recorded the most substantial increases in evacuations, with 247% and 234%
increases, respectively.”

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Customs

Tinubu eulogies Adeniyi over his historic ascension to global prominence as WCO council boss.

– urges CGC to surpass expectations of global customs community 
Funso OLOJO 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has enjoined Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller- General of Customs, to meet and surpass the huge expectations of the global customs community who unanimously elected him as the next Chairperson of the World Customs Organization(WCO) council.
President Tinubu made this exhortation while sending his  congratulatory message to the customs boss for making Nigeria proud as the first ever Nigerian to occupy the exalted seat.
In the massage signed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, President Tinubu was ecstatic that the hoisting of the Nigerian flag at the WCO headquarters in Brussels marks a significant milestone.
“It is the first time the flag has been raised at the organisation’s headquarters since its founding in 1952.
“This event demonstrates the dynamism of the leadership provided by Adeniyi, who has been the head of NCS since his appointment two years ago.
“In two years, Adeniyi has increased revenue collections, consistently surpassing budgetary targets, improved relations with various stakeholders, modernised operations and digitalised processes for effectiveness.
“I congratulate the Customs boss for bringing pride and validation to our country and the economic reforms.
“I urge the new Chairperson of the WCO to live up to the expectation of the WCO Council and even surpass it,” the President said.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General and WCO leaders for unanimously electing the Nigerian Customs boss and assured that his government will support his leadership of the Council.
CGC Adeniyi, who took over the leadership of the Council of WCO from Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, will officially begin guiding the global institution on July 1, 2025.
The WCO Council, the organisation’s supreme governing body, plays a crucial role in promoting uniformity, modernisation, and global best practices among customs administrations.
All WCO working bodies report to the Council, whose policy decisions guide the operations of customs administrations across its 186 member states.
Adeniyi made history as the first Nigerian to head the 73-year-old organisation, which has 186 member countries and is the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.
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Customs

Nigeria makes history in Brussels as Adeniyi, CGC, leads WCO council.

Funso OLOJO 
In a momentous show of solidarity, the Customs global community has affirmed the leadership of Nigeria on global stage when Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller- General of Nigeria Customs service, was unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization(WCO), in Brussels, Belgium.
The election of Adeniyi was historic as he would be the first Nigerian to occupy such exalted posting in the global customs organization.
This momentous development was ironic because it happened exactly two years ago at the same venue where Adeniyi was attending a high-level meeting of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council at Brussels in June 2023, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his appointment as the Comptroller- General of Nigeria Customs service.
The election was held during the concluding session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held on Saturday, 28th June 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels.
CGC Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, and becomes the first Nigerian to hold this prestigious office since the WCO’s establishment.
Reacting to the appointment, CGC Adeniyi expressed profound appreciation to the Council members for the confidence reposed in his leadership, describing the moment as both humbling and historic for Nigeria and the African Customs community at large.
“This honour is not mine alone, it reflects the collective progress of the Nigeria Customs Service and the transformative agenda we’ve pursued over the past two years,” he stated.
“As Chairperson, I pledge to uphold the core values of the WCO, while promoting innovation, equity, and deeper collaboration among member states in response to the complex realities of global trade.”
CGC Adeniyi also expressed gratitude to the Council for electing him the Chairperson.
He pledged unwavering support for the World Customs Organisation’s ongoing modernisation efforts and affirmed his commitment to implementing its 2025–2028 strategic plan.
“We are entering a critical phase in the evolution of global trade, where customs must balance facilitation with enforcement, transparency with innovation, and sovereignty with cooperation,” Adeniyi added.
 “I intend to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to position the WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution fit for today’s challenges.”
CGC further acknowledged the commendable work of his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, for the guidance and stability provided to the Council.
He noted that his leadership laid a solid foundation upon which current reforms can thrive.
The CGC further expressed optimism towards the coming sessions of the Council, affirming his readiness to facilitate meaningful dialogue and progress among the global customs community.
The WCO Council is the organisation’s supreme governing body, established by the Convention on the Establishment of a Customs Co-operation Council.
 Its core mandate promotes uniformity, modernisation, and global best practices among customs administrations.
All WCO working bodies report to the Council, whose policy decisions guide the operations of customs administrations across its 185 member states.
As Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi is expected to provide strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, steering the global customs agenda and facilitating high-level discussions on trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation.
He will also work closely with the WCO Secretary-General, Mr. Ian Saunders, and the WCO Secretariat to ensure implementation of the organisation’s Strategic Plan, while championing greater inclusivity, capacity development, and sustainability in customs operations, particularly for developing countries.
The Chairperson also plays a key diplomatic role, representing the WCO at high-level global fora and strengthening relationships with external partners such as the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG), international donor bodies, and multilateral trade institutions.
Shortly after the Council Session, in a symbolic moment that captured the significance of Nigeria’s ascension, the South African flag was respectfully lowered while the Nigerian flag was hoisted at the WCO headquarters, a powerful gesture signifying Nigeria’s leadership as Chair of the Council.
The scene was met with applause from delegates, affirming Nigeria’s growing influence in global customs affairs and marking a proud moment for the continent.
Under CG Adeniyi’s chairmanship, Nigeria is poised to drive customs reform conversations across the Global South, especially in areas like AfCFTA implementation, illicit trade suppression, and technology adoption.
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Customs

Nigeria Customs in strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia for mutual enhancement of operational efficiency 

Funso OLOJO 
The Nigeria Customs Service and the Customs administration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to work together to enhance their operational efficiency in border management, crime detection and  cross – border alliance in anti- smuggling operations.
The signing of the agreement took place on Thursday, 26th June 2025, on the sideline of the ongoing 145th/146th Sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Headquarters in Brussels.
The agreement was signed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi, Governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Shortly after the signing ceremony, CGC Adeniyi described the development as a major leap in Nigeria’s strategic customs diplomacy and a reaffirmation of the Service’s commitment to building cross-border alliances for secure and efficient trade.
“This agreement provides a strong platform for operational synergy in tackling customs offences, sharing intelligence, and ensuring fair and accurate application of customs laws,” he said.
“It aligns with our broader efforts to modernise Customs, promote transparency, and deepen Nigeria’s integration into the global trade ecosystem.”
The agreement establishes a formal framework for mutual administrative assistance between the two nations in customs enforcement, classification, valuation, revenue protection, and coordinated border management.
 It draws from internationally recognised instruments, particularly the WCO Recommendation on Mutual Administrative Assistance (1953), and other relevant conventions to which both countries are signatories.
“The Service sees this partnership not just as a tool for enforcement, but as a mechanism to drive innovation and trust in customs administration.
“Nigeria is proud to join hands with Saudi Arabia in advancing a future where customs operations are smarter, faster, and more cooperative,” CGC Adeniyi added.
Governor Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi expressed satisfaction with the bilateral engagement, describing the agreement as a reflection of shared priorities in trade facilitation and customs efficiency.
 “Saudi Arabia welcomes this partnership with Nigeria. Our customs administrations face similar challenges, and through this agreement, we aim to share knowledge, strengthen enforcement, and safeguard our economies from illicit trade,” he remarked.
Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will support each other through joint efforts in investigations, data exchange, and the implementation of prohibitions and restrictions based on their respective laws.
The agreement is of indefinite duration, with provisions for mutual amendment and termination by written notice through diplomatic channels.
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