Connect with us

Customs

Adeniyi reads riot act to newly inaugurated  ACTU members in Abuja as  Customs partners NIIA to train senior officers in global trade

Funso OLOJO 
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance integrity and transparency in Customs operations, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), on Thursday, 25 July 2024, read a riot act to the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) members at the Nigeria Customs Headquarters in Abuja shortly after the inauguration.
This initiative follows the recent partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) in charge of Enforcement, Investigation, and Inspection, Aliyu Alajogun, the CGC emphasised the importance of tackling corruption and other related offences head-on.
Addressing the ICPC delegation, DCG Alajogun stated, “We are tasked with ensuring that our operations are free from corruption and that we uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct in all our dealings to ensure a far-reaching impact on our economic stability and international reputation.”
He urged the newly inaugurated members to adhere to the standards of their new roles, adding, “You are the frontline defenders against corruption and environmental degradation.
” Each of you has been selected for your expertise, integrity, and dedication to public service. Together, you will lead initiatives that foster accountability and restore public trust.”
He continued, “As you embark on this journey, always remember that your efforts contribute to the Nigeria Customs Service and the larger objective of preserving our environment for future generations.
“I urge you to embrace collaboration with other stakeholders, leverage technology, and enact innovative strategies to combat environmental crimes.”
On behalf of the ICPC, Olusegun Adigun, the Acting Director of the System Study and Review Department, praised the Comptroller-General of Customs for his commitment to enhancing the transparency and integrity of the Service through this partnership, which led to the inauguration of the new ACTU members.
“I must commend the Comptroller-General of Customs for today’s inauguration,” he remarked.
“It is hoped that this event will empower the unit to deliver on its mandate, which includes periodic staff training on anti-corruption and the examination of system processes.”
Adigun charged NCS Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit members to maintain integrity, exercise their duties responsibly, and avoid any form of oppression as they fulfil the strategic roles expected of them.
Expressing the Commission’s gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service for making the event a reality, he added, “We hope that achieving our collective vision will assist in building strong institutions for the overall good of our great nation.”
Corroborating this, the newly inaugurated ACTU Chairman, Comptroller of Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), Comptroller Emmanuel Osogba, pledged to implement policies aimed at enhancing the transparency of Customs operations across the Service’s formations while maintaining NCS standards.
“Our focus will be on establishing clear guidelines for transparency, enhancing mechanisms for reporting misconduct, and engaging with different departments and units within the Service to foster trust and participation,”
Comptroller Osogba said. “Together, we can create a legacy of integrity and transparency that engenders a positive perception among the public and improves our rating on the transparency and integrity index—a legacy that future generations will cherish.”
The newly inaugurated ACTU members took the Oath of Allegiance, administered by Barrister Nkem Ezenwa, Director of the Anti-Corruption Unit. Their tenure will span three years, after which a new regime will be appointed.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), has taken a significant step towards enhancing the country’s trade and investment landscape with the launch of the Bashir Adeniyi Centre for International Trade and Investment.
The centre, named after the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, was inaugurated in Lagos at the NIIA on Thursday, 24 October 2024.
The CGC expressed optimism about the centre’s potential, saying, “The establishment of this Centre comes at an opportune time as Nigeria is repositioning itself in the global trade environment. “As we continue to advance these initiatives, I envision that this Centre will evolve into a comprehensive national think tank focused on international trade and investment.”
In his welcome address, the Director General of NIIA, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, acknowledged that the centre will serve as a finishing school for senior customs officers.
“Today, we are very pleased as an Institute to announce to the world that we now have the Bashir Adeniyi Centre for International Trade and Investment. This centre will serve as a finishing school for senior officers in customs, offering senior executive courses that will be certificated. Because this is the NIIA, we will do this as a global affair, properly immersing the Nigeria Customs Service in the framework of the World Customs Organisation,” he stated.
The event featured a panel discussion with eminent Nigerians, including Donald Duke and Dr Chinyere Almona, examining the challenges and solutions for Nigeria’s economy regarding trade and investment.
Speaking to reporters about the benefits of the centre, the CGC emphasised its importance, saying, “We have a strong commitment to our mandate of trade facilitation, among other things, so we believe that the centre will be a centre of excellence in building capacity and, most importantly, creating awareness about the necessity of conducting international trade. Trade brings prosperity, and we hope that this centre will foster prosperity through trade.”
The CGC officially unveiled the centre and toured the facility.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Customs

Relief as Customs grants January 31st, 2026 extension for fast track operators to migrate to AEO

Funso Olojo
The Nigeria Customs Service has now extended the earlier December 31st, 2025 deadline for the migration of importers from fast track scheme to Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) to January 31st, 2026.
The extension, according to the Customs Authority, is meant to absorb more fast track operators into the AEO programme, deepen trade facilitation, secure supply chain and strengthen compliance in line with global standards.
As a result of the extension, Customs high command advised all existing Fast Track beneficiaries who are yet to complete their migration are to initiate and conclude their AEO applications through the official platform: aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng.
“The extended timeline provides operators with ample opportunity to meet programme requirements and secure AEO certification without disruption to their business operations.
” For enquiries, technical support, or guidance, stakeholders may reach the dedicated helpdesk via aeo@customs.gov.ng.
“Only companies duly certified under the AEO Programme will continue to access the facilitation privileges previously available under the Fast Track Scheme.
The AEO Programme is a globally recognised compliance-based initiative that grants trusted operators enhanced benefits such as expedited cargo release, reduced documentation, lower inspection levels, pre-arrival processing, and greater predictability in cross-border trade.
” The extension reinforces the Service’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and inclusive transition process for all stakeholders.
“This decision to fully migrate from the fast-track scheme to AEO is consistent with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and is supported by Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
To further support stakeholders and sustain ongoing sensitisation efforts, the Service will convene another comprehensive Stakeholders Engagement Forum to provide practical guidance on the migration process, demonstrate application procedures, and address compliance-related concerns.
 The forum is scheduled for Thursday, 18 December 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos, from 0900hrs to 1600hrs.
“Participants will have the opportunity to interact with AEO implementation teams and obtain detailed information on programme requirements, benefits, and operational modalities.
“The NCS urges all fast-track beneficiaries to take advantage of the extension period, participate actively in the engagement forum, and complete their transition to the AEO Programme.
” This proactive involvement not only ensures compliance with applicable regulations but also enhances the supply chain’s effectiveness and sustainability, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits all parties.
“The Service remains committed to driving trade efficiency, enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness, protecting national revenue, and promoting a predictable, transparent, and secure cargo clearance ecosystem that supports legitimate business” the agency declared.
Continue Reading

Customs

Again, Customs, NDLEA Collabo intercepts 2,374 packages of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port

– Comptroller Oshoba warns illicit traders against daring resolve of Customs Officers at Yuletide season 
Funso OLOJO 
For the second times in a week,  the impregnable wall of surveillance mounted by the combination of the Apapa Customs and the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against the exit of  illicit drugs from Apapa Port has interdicted a 20- foot container marked FCIU 6369526 laden with 2,374 packages of cannabis concealed in 55 bags with a  total weight of 1,187kg.
This interception, the product of a credible intelligence, came barely 5 days both agencies uncovered 25.5kg cocaine in a Brazilian flagged vessel.
The latest seizure was suspected to be
Canadian Loud, an expensive strain of cannabis concealed inside an imported vehicles.
 Both agencies, in the course of joint examination, discovered the seizure which has been taken into the custody of the NDLEA.
A breakdown of the drugs indicates that they were packed in 500 grams per sachet
Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, commended the robust synergy between the NCS and NDLEA while reiterating the service zero tolerance for smuggling.
 ” Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements.
 “No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and economy for any form of trade.
“While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle eyed officers are activated to be alert at all times.
 ” Let me warn, once again for the umpteenth time, any trader- importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond ,will face the full wrath of the law.
“Investigations are ongoing on this seizure and we shall bring the perpetrators to book” Comptroller Oshoba said.
Continue Reading

Customs

Comptroller Aliyu vows to sustain onslaught on smugglers as he assumes duties at FOU A

Funso OLOJO 
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, the new controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU ) A of the Nigeria Customs Service, has expressed his determination to sustain the ongoing stranglehold on smugglers and other illicit traders within the Zone
Comptroller Aliu make this pledge on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 when he assumed duties as the helmsman of the Zone A anti- smuggling unit.
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the opportunity to serve in the unit.
The new controller also commended outgoing Controller of the Unit, Muhammed Shuaibu, who has been elevated to an Assistant Comptroller General for his outstanding service, achievement and pledged to consolidate on them for greater success.
“I assure you that we will consolidate on these achievements for even greater successes.
“The FOU Zone A plays a critical role in enforcing compliance,  suppressing smuggling and safeguarding the economic integrity of our dear nation.
” I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come from this position especially within a zone as strategic, dynamic and challenging as Lagos and its environment.
“However, I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant officers and men of this command , we will continue to fulfill this mandate diligently.”
Aliyu, who until his new disposition, was the Customs Area Controller of Oyo/ Osun Command, outlined other key areas of focus that will guide the unit under his watch to include professional conduct and discipline among officers, stakeholders engagement as well as capacity building and welfare of officers.
He said, “High standards of ethics, discipline and integrity as well as accountability will remain non-negotiable.
” Every officer must ensure that their actions reflect the core values of the service.
“We will deepen collaboration with sister agencies ,community leaders and the trading public to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade.
“The motivation and welfare of officers will be prioritized to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness.”
Aliyu assured stakeholders and the trading public that justice, equity and fairness will guide the unit’s actions at all times.
He added that the unit’s operations under his watch would be underpinned by three cardinal objectives including management change, compliance management, and reputation management.
He called on all officers and stakeholders to join hands with him in this new role, promising to operate an open door policy.
Earlier, in his valedictory speech,  outgoing Controller, ACG Shuaibu, highlighted the unit’s major successes during his seven-month tenure, which began on April 23, 2025.
He stated that the unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions, comprising 761 seized items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N10.151 billion.
Some of the notable seizures listed included: 23,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailers).
 98 ‘tokunbo’vehicles, 2,350 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, and 1,820 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Others are 15 assorted rifles and 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two industrial drones, 25 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and 4 cylinders of Russian-made explosives (each weighing 50kg), seizure of $30,000 and 110 CFA, totaling N31 million, which has been secured as final forfeiture to the Federal Government.
Additionally, he said the unit within the review period arrested 38 suspects and handed over eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5 billion to NAFDAC, among other items.
Beyond enforcement, ACG Shuaibu stated that the unit recovered a total sum of N419,202,458.85 through demand notices issued on questionable declarations and undervalues, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.
He attributed the successes to the unwavering support of stakeholders and dedicated officers, urging them to extend the same level of cooperation to Comptroller Aliu.
“I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. Our shared objective remains to sustain prudent stewardship and strengthen the fight against smuggling.
” To my successor, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your appointment. I wish you great success and have no doubt that your leadership will usher in new perspectives and further advancement in these pivotal roles, ” he said.
Continue Reading

Trending