Customs
As Customs graduates 50 officers for Junior Course 19, Adeniyi urges them to uphold professionalism
Funso OLOJO
The auspicious event, where the CGC, was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, DCG Bello Jibo, also had in attendance, Assistant Comptrollers-General, Commandant of the College, ACG Kingsley Egwuh, and Deputy Commandant, Comptroller Oluyomi Adebakin.
Addressing the graduands, DCG Bello Jibo, urged them not to relent on furthering their knowledge of Customs operations, as they were rigorously trained.
DCG Jibo described the College as a remarkable citadel of learning and training within the Service, highlighting that, “It is here that the foundation for future leadership is laid, where Customs officers are equipped with the skills and knowledge.”
He further stated that the standard knowledge that students gained at the college is more than enough for them to navigate the complex landscape of global trade, security and border management.
The CGC’s representative, DCG Bello Jibo, further said, “Your journey has not been easy, but your resilience and determination have brought you to this point. The knowledge and skills you have acquired here are not just tools for your career; they are keys to unlocking the future of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
He charged them to uphold the ethics of their work, as the Service considers them top bearers of its mission to facilitate trade, secure national borders and ensure the country’s economic prosperity.
He said, “The future of our service depends on your ability to lead with integrity, innovate with purpose and uphold the highest standard of professionalism. Today, we recognise the honour of the outstanding achievement of some of our graduates who were given special awards.”
He described the awards given to them as ‘a testament of the exceptional dedication and performance’ throughout their stay at the college, adding that “These awards are not just a recognition of their hard work, but a call to all of us to strive for excellence in everything we do.”
“The success of the Junior Course 19 reflects your commitment to excellence in training and education. In closing, I want to remind each of our graduates that today is not the end of your learning journey, but rather the beginning of a new chapter in your careers.” DCG Bello Jibo said.
Speaking on the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi’s commitment to collaborating with sister security agencies and stakeholders, DCG Jibo appreciated the turnout of the representatives of military and paramilitary agencies.
On his part, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Kingsley Egwuh, while delivering his remarks, complimented the graduating students and conferred them with the Pass Junior Staff Course (PJSC) title.
ACG Kingsley said, “With the permission of the Special Guest of Honour, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, heavily represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in-charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, DCG Bello Jibo, I stand here before you with joy to confer you all with this title and to implore you to practice what you have learned as you go back to your respective Commands.”
On her part, Comptroller Oluyomi Adebakin, who doubles as the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies at NCCSC Gwagwalada, urged students to continue to be good ambassadors of the Service, adding that “as you all move to your respective commands to continue to work for the Service, I implore you to transfer your knowledge to your subordinates.”
She also stated that the students were engaged in various courses relating to leadership, public speaking, and computer programs that will shape their careers as professional Customs officers, adding that “The College, as an academic institution, is focusing on research to build knowledge and proffer solutions to the identified challenges.”
While sharing his experience at the college, one of the graduands, Superintendent of Customs Ekene Ochi, stated that the college’s robust courses had equipped him and his colleagues for future endeavours in the service. While thanking Almighty God for the knowledge gained, he expressed gratitude to the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by CGC Adewale Adeniyi, for the opportunity given to him and his colleagues.
On a separate occasion, the College organised a regimental dinner night on Monday, 26 August 2024, to celebrate the graduating students for completing their three months of training at the College, as part of its tradition to bid farewell to the students.
At the colourful dinner night, DCG Bello Jibo, who played the role of Special Guest of Honour on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the gesture as an avenue for fostering comradeship among officers.
Highlighting the course’s objectives, DCG Jibo said, “This course is essential to our officers’ professional growth and capacity building. When the college introduced senior and junior courses a few years ago, we could hardly have imagined the significant achievement that will emerge from this initiative today.”
Customs
MACI hails Customs’ anti-corruption framework, demands full implementation
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Media Anti-Corruption Initiative (MACI) has applauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for introducing a comprehensive anti-corruption framework aimed at identifying institutional vulnerabilities, strengthening internal controls and promoting integrity across the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The initiative, which MACI described as a significant milestone in the fight against corruption within the Service, is anchored on three key documents signed by the Customs chief: the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Internal Corruption Risk Analysis and Mapping (ICRAM), the ICRAM Handbook and the Integrity Action Plan (IAP).
In a statement jointly signed by MACI President, Funso Olojo, and Project Coordinator, Lod Onyeji, the organisation described the development as a “pivotal moment in the fight against corruption within the Nigeria Customs Service.”
Mr Olojo, who commended the initiative of the Customs, noted that the stance of the agency on corruption is in alignment with the aims and objectives of MACI which is an advocate for corruption- free society.
The signing ceremony, held on October 6th, 2026, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, also witnessed the inauguration of the ICRAM Steering Committee, which is responsible for identifying, assessing and mapping corruption risks across the Service’s operations.
According to the statement, the framework represents a proactive institutional approach to tackling corruption by identifying vulnerabilities in Customs processes and establishing measures to prevent abuse of office, improve accountability and strengthen public confidence in the Service.
The Comptroller-General, Adeniyi, disclosed that the framework was developed in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and partner administrations, including His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom.
He explained that the documents provide practical guidance for Customs officers operating at seaports, land borders and airports, equipping them with procedures and controls designed to promote integrity, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.
MACI noted that the introduction of the framework followed a pilot programme conducted across seven Customs Commands and Units, covering 66 processes spanning regulatory activities, core Customs operations and support functions.
The exercise culminated in the development of a comprehensive Integrity Action Plan containing 101 action items and 295 sub-actions designed to address identified corruption risks and strengthen institutional safeguards.
Key measures outlined in the plan include increased automation and improved audit trails, stronger supervisory mechanisms, clearer accountability structures, effective segregation of duties, regular staff rotations and targeted training programmes.
The framework also seeks to strengthen controls governing interactions between Customs officers and stakeholders, an area considered critical to reducing opportunities for corrupt practices and improving compliance with established procedures.
MACI commended the Customs leadership for adopting a risk-based approach to corruption prevention, noting that identifying and addressing institutional weaknesses before they are exploited is essential to building a transparent and accountable public institution.
The organisation, however, stressed that the effectiveness of the initiative would ultimately depend on the consistent implementation of the prescribed measures across all commands and operational units of the Service.
It therefore urged Customs management, officers, stakeholders and relevant partner institutions to support the full implementation of the framework to ensure that the initiative delivers measurable improvements in institutional integrity.
MACI expressed confidence that effective implementation of the ICRAM framework and Integrity Action Plan would strengthen internal controls, reduce corruption risks, promote ethical conduct and enhance public trust in the Nigeria Customs Service.
The organisation emphasised that the new framework should not merely remain a collection of policy documents but should translate into tangible changes in operational practices, staff conduct and the overall culture of accountability within the Service.
Customs
FOU Zone ‘A’: Aliyu retires after ₦3.19bn revenue recovery, Afeni takes over
Gloria Odion, Maritme reporter
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja-Lagos, on Wednesday, 30th September 2026, welcomed Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni as the unit’s 30th Acting Comptroller, following the retirement of Comptroller Gambo Aliyu after a distinguished career in the Service.
The formal handing-over ceremony, held at the unit’s conference hall, was attended by colleagues, friends, well-wishers, senior Customs officers and other stakeholders.
Among those present were the Acting Customs Area Controllers of the Port and Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML), Ogun 1 Area Command, and the Enugu/Ebonyi/Anambra Area Command.
Addressing officers and stakeholders for the first time as Acting Comptroller, DC Afeni pledged to provide purposeful, professional and accountable leadership in advancing the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the management of the Service for the confidence reposed in him.
The new Acting Comptroller said his administration would strengthen intelligence- led enforcement,tackle revenue leakages and safeguard Nigeria’s economic and security interests.
He said that enforcement operations under his leadership would remain firm, lawful and respectful of human dignity, while legitimate trade would be facilitated through constructive engagement with traders, manufacturers, importers, exporters, customs brokers and other stakeholders.
DC Afeni also called for stronger collaboration with sister security and law enforcement agencies to combat trans -border crimes, particularly the illicit movement of drugs, arms, currencies, counterfeit goods and other prohibited items across the Nigeria border.
He also pledged to prioritise officers’ welfare and professional development, strengthen institutional discipline and encourage regular sporting activities to promote physical fitness, teamwork and work-life balance among personnel.
In his handing-over address, the immediate past Comptroller, retired Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, expressed gratitude to God and the Service, describing the ceremony as an important transition in leadership and an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities and challenges of commanding the unit.
Comptroller Aliyu said his administration persevered on combating smuggling, revenue fraud, concealment, under-declaration, false declaration and the illicit movement of prohibited goods.
The report,according to him includes, recorded 779 seizures during his tenure, involving various prohibited and illegally imported items, including:
- More than 20,900 bags of foreign parboiled rice;
- 61 used vehicles;
- Thousands of used compressors and clothing items;
- Foreign poultry products;
- 4,418 jerrycans of vegetable oil;
- 12,606 parcels of cannabis weighing 6,194.3kg;
- 2.30kg of cocaine;
- More than 3,000 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), equivalent to 76,505 litres; and
- 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg.
According to him, the seizures had a combined duty-paid value of ₦13,075,056,616.00.
On revenue recovery, Comptroller Aliyu disclosed that the unit recovered ₦3,192,511,547.52 between 10 December 2025 and 24 September 2026.
He said the figure represented 798 per cent of the unit’s ₦400 million annual revenue recovery target for 2026, while also recording a 776 per cent increase over the ₦411,451,901.18 recovered during the corresponding period in 2025.
Aliyu attributed the performance to strengthen risk profiling, stricter compliance checks, targeted examination of suspicious declarations, teamwork,and collaboration with sister agencies and stakeholders.
He stressed that effective enforcement required collective efforts, noting that “no enforcement agency can succeed in isolation.”
Concluding his address, the retired Comptroller congratulated his successor and expressed confidence that the new administration would build on the operational foundation already established.
He urged DC Afeni to lead with fairness, firmness, courage and sound judgment, while assuring him of the cooperation and support necessary to sustain the unit’s mandate.
Comptroller Aliyu also commended officers of the unit for their loyalty, discipline and resilience throughout his tenure.
He prayed for the success of the new leadership, the continued growth of the Nigeria Customs Service and the security and prosperity of Nigeria.
Customs
Mu’azu steps in as 33rd CAC at Apapa port as Oshoba bows out
— Vows to sustain ₦323bn monthly revenue record, end cargo delays
Funso OLOJO, Editor
Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu has assumed duty as the 33rd Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Area Command, pledging to sustain the Command’s revenue momentum while eliminating avoidable delays in cargo clearance and strengthening trade facilitation at Nigeria’s busiest port.
Mu’azu formally took over from Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba (rd) on Tuesday, September 29th, 2026, at a ceremony held at the Auditorium of the Apapa Area Command, Lagos, attended by senior security and regulatory officials, government agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies, customs brokers, importers, exporters and other port stakeholders.
The new Controller inherits a Command that recently posted some of the most impressive revenue figures in its history, including a record ₦323 billion monthly collection in July 2026 and a single-day collection of ₦28.102 billion on August 18, 2026.
Acknowledging the weight of the responsibility before him, Mu’azu described his appointment as “a great honour and privilege,” thanking the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged to discharge the responsibility with “a deep sense of duty” and in line with the economic interests of the country, promising to build on the Command’s achievements in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation and institutional discipline.
The new CAC said his administration would be anchored on the three strategic pillars of the Comptroller-General — consolidation, collaboration and innovation — with particular attention to revenue integrity, efficient trade facilitation, professionalism and meaningful engagement with stakeholders.
On revenue collection, Mu’azu was unequivocal, declaring that every revenue due to government must be properly assessed and collected.
“Every revenue due to government must be properly assessed and collected, and every decision taken by our officers must be capable of standing the test of scrutiny over time,” he said.
But beyond revenue, the new Controller signalled that reducing bottlenecks in cargo clearance would be a major priority of his administration.
He declared that avoidable human delays in cargo processing, which he described as “Non-Tariff Barriers”, would no longer be tolerated.
“Unnecessary human delays in cargo processing otherwise known as Non-Tariff Barriers shall not be tolerated henceforth,” Mu’azu said.
According to him, once all statutory requirements have been met, legitimate cargo should be allowed to move without unnecessary obstruction.
He consequently charged Customs officers to maintain discipline, professionalism, courtesy and decorum in their dealings with importers, exporters, customs brokers and other members of the trading public.
Mu’azu also promised to deepen collaboration with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, terminal operators, the Nigerian Ports Authority and other government agencies operating within the port environment.
He said such collaboration was essential to making Apapa Port more efficient, predictable and responsive to legitimate trade.
The new CAC openly acknowledged the scale of the revenue challenge left by his predecessor, Oshoba, particularly the unprecedented figures recorded under the outgoing Controller.
“This is indeed a record to reckon with and strive towards matching same. It is therefore a Herculean task upon myself and my team to match and surpass such a record,” Mu’azu said.
He also commended Oshoba for his contributions to enforcement, trade facilitation and the implementation of key modernisation initiatives of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Among the initiatives highlighted were B’Odogwu, Advance Ruling, the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, the One-Stop Shop and Non-Intrusive Inspection technology.
The Advance Ruling programme, in particular, has been positioned as a mechanism for providing greater predictability to legitimate traders by enabling them to obtain clarity on Customs treatment before importation.
Oshoba had, in his farewell address, described Advance Ruling as an initiative that provides legitimate traders with greater predictability and clarity on Customs treatment before importation, thereby reducing uncertainty and strengthening confidence in the trading environment.
In his farewell remarks, Oshoba attributed the achievements recorded during his tenure to the collective efforts of officers, stakeholders and partners of the Command.
“The achievements recorded during my tenure do not belong to one individual. They belong to all of us,” he said.
He charged officers to sustain the standards established during his tenure, stressing that discipline, professionalism and excellence must remain central to the Command’s operations.
“Discipline must remain our foundation, professionalism our standard and excellence our aspiration,” Oshoba said.
He also appealed to officers and stakeholders to extend the same cooperation and support to his successor.
Mu’azu, in turn, called for collective ownership of the Command’s mandate, stressing that the responsibility for sustaining Apapa’s performance could not rest on the CAC alone.
“The success we seek cannot be achieved by the CAC alone. It requires our collective efforts, operational integrity and willingness to uphold the standards of the Service,” he said.
He assured stakeholders that his administration would operate an open and constructive engagement framework based on fairness, mutual respect and the national interest.
With the transition now completed, the new Apapa Customs administration faces the dual task of protecting the Command’s record-breaking revenue performance while making cargo clearance faster, more predictable and less burdened by avoidable administrative delays.
Mu’azu expressed confidence that, with the support of officers and stakeholders, Apapa Area Command would continue to serve as a model of efficient revenue administration, legitimate trade facilitation and professional Customs conduct.
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