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 Freight expert tasks customs on eliminating human contacts in its operations to curb corruption

Dr. Segun Musa

—commends CGC Adeniyi for improved customs operations 

Funso OLOJO 
Dr. Segun Musa, the Deputy National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders(NAGAFF), has urged the management of the Nigeria Customs Service to eliminate human contacts in its operations to minimize corruption in the cargo delivery system at the ports.
Musa, who was a guest at the roundtable conference organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria(MARAN), claimed that 50 percent of Nigeria’s corruption emanates from the ports.
The NAGAFF chieftain believed that if the customs adopts full automation of its operations, it will not only facilitate legitimate trade but reduces corruption in the clearance system to a minimum.
The freight forwarder cum politician who once contested for the governorship election in Lagos State, however, commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his transformational leadership which he confessed has greatly improved the operations of the agency.
” There is an improvement in the operations of the customs under the present leadership of Wale Adeniyi but there is still room for more improvement” he declared.
He believed the agency has greatly improved in the area of technology.
” Before now, when Customs officers wanted to access their system, they used their passwords.
” But now, they do that through their thumbprints
” This will make it difficult for any other person to gain access to their system or steal their passwords, even passwords alone cannot gain access to the system except through their thumbprints” he noted.
The NAGAFF chief however appealed to the customs management to grant clearing agents similar privilege that will allow them to use their thumbprints to enter their entries into their system.
He said he made this call to reduce the high incidence of sending innocent customs brokers to jail for offences they did not commit.
“A lot of agents have gone to jail for offences they did not commit but which somebody who fraudulently used their licenses to perpetrate the illicit acts.
“If we are made to be using our thumbprints to access customs portal to lodge our entries just like customs officers do access their NICSII platform, fraudulent people will not be able to use our license to do illegal business” he noted.
He urged the customs authority to fully automate its operations unlike what he described as semi-automation that presently obtains.
According to him, with full automation, there would be no need for agents to physically interact with officers as it is presently done.
” Customs operations should be fully automated to eliminate human contacts.
“We, as customs agents, do not want to interface with customs officers again.
” Yes, Customs say we are corrupt. We have accepted that we are corrupt.
“But we do not want to be corrupt again.
” We want to be as saint as the customs officers so we do not want to interface with them again.
“Let us be relating with them virtually, online” Musa insisted.
To further eliminate corruption and human contacts with customs officers, the freight forwarder cum politician wanted the customs to assign codes to their documents so that officers processing such documents will not have access to the owners.
” Also, the name of the company must not be on the license. It should be a code.
” Let every company have a code. This will make it impossible for the officer treating a particular job to interface with the owner.
” Let’s make it difficult for such an officer to identify the owner of the document”
” This will eliminate interaction and familiarity between the customs officers and owners of the license which often leads to compromise and extortion.
He claimed that through such an unholy alliance between the customs officers and importers, clearing agents have often lost the services of their clients who abandoned them after such interactions with the officers.
The NAGAFF chief also advised the customs management to always give a timeline for a document to spend with an officer.
” When the entry gets to the table of an officer, it must be timed and be given a timeline which an entry must spend with the officer with the caveat that if he doesn’t process the document or query it, as the case may be, say in five minutes, such an officer will be queried. This is how to facilitate trade.
” As an importer or clearing agent, I don’t need to go to the customs or terminal operators or shipping companies to get my job out”
” Gone were the days. The world has moved beyond that stage and we cannot continue to be living in the past.
” Our counterparts in other African countries have gone far ahead of Nigeria in terms of trade facilitation.
” We do not want to know customs officers and they too should not know us as freight forwarders to do our job.
” My job must not be treated because I know the CGC or the CAC. My document must be treated on merit, with no preferential treatment.
” Let everyone be treated equally, after all, we the agents charge our clients agency fees” he asserted.
Musa said that the only way legitimate trade could be facilitated is when the customs, shipping companies and terminal operators fully automate their operations and reduce human contact.
” If corruption in the ports, which accounts for about 50 percent of corruption in the country, is reduced to a bearest minimum, the prices of goods in the market will be cheaper.
” People have often claimed that the cost of doing business at the  Nigerian Ports is very expensive. Why is this so?
” Because we are still operating an analogy system in a highly automated world.
” By the time we migrate into full automated system, prices of commodities in the markets will be cheaper .”
” This is because I don’t have to bribe customs officers to treat my document, I don’t have to pay higher storage or demurrage charges to exit my goods from the port.
” My shipment will not get to its expiry date before I get it out. That is what we call trade facilitation”
” If the customs officer queries your job, get about 6 months bond and argue the matter.
” If the customs has a superior argument for the query, you as the importer or his agent will pay the DN and the accumulated charges.
” But if you, as an agent, have a superior argument and win the case and they did not allow you to provide a bond and your shipment gets stuck at the port, accumulating demurrage, the officer who issued the query should be queried and made to pay any accumulated charges, including paying the inconveniences of the agent.
” This will serve as a deterrent to other officers who deliberately delay the processing of documents to frustrate agents who are forced to compromise” the NAGAFF chieftain observed.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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