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Customs frowns at officers engaging in goods clearance jobs at ports, border posts

–bans commercial activities inside customs formations nationwide
Funso OLOJO 
The management of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of  Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has warned officers who engage in clearing activities to desist forthwith from the illicit practice or be prepared to face the dire consequence.
The warning was handed down at the just concluded CGC conference in Abuja
 to officers who are involved in customs brokerage through proxies.
The service noted with concerns that such unethical practice conflicts with the official mandate of the officers which may compromise their professional integrity.
The Area Controller of Apapa command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu,make this revelation last week while addressing his officers on the performance of the command as well as the outcome of the 2024 CGC conference in Abuja.
According to Olomu, while appreciating his officers over the command’ s breathtaking revenue performance in 2024, disclosed that other fallout of the conference include the banning of commercial activities within customs formations and premises.
According to Olomu, such commercial activities that are rampant within the customs’ premise include Points of Sales(PoS) and sales of sundry items.
Stakeholders, especially clearing agents, have hailed the decision of the customs’ top hierarchy to ban officers from engaging in goods clearance activities.
They claimed that the practice, which they said was as old as the service itself, was common among middle and top level cadre of officers who they accused of using this illicit practice to take away juicy clearing jobs from the bonafide and registered customs licensed agents.
Dr Segun Musa, the Deputy National President of the  National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders(NAGAFF)  has been vociferous against this illicit practice by customs officers.
‘ I used to know and am sure with certainty that up till now, some serving customs officer have licenses” he claimed.
” In order not to be speculative but talk with proof, the customs authority should screen all existing licenses and probably check how all licenses are issued” Dr Musa declared.
He lamented that this illicit practice by some of the officers whom he described as unscrupulous, has harmed the businesses of genuine and registered customs brokers whom he claimed have lost premium jobs and clients to these customs officers cum clearing agents.
” It is not fair to be competing with somebody who is regulating you.That is unfair and unjust.
“Most of the queries on our jobs , especially agents who are clearing high value cargo, are as a result of this development.
“As a leader in the industry, most of this category of agents have complained that regardless of the correct duty they pay and without committing any infraction, they still have problems from these set of customs officers” Musa alleged.
” That is why I have proposed at different fora that there should not be an interface, physical interaction, between agents and customs officers to promote transparency and professionalism”
Musa further advocated that a code should be assigned to licenses so that customs officers will not be able to identify the owners of the licenses or the persons doing the jobs in order to protect the agents from professional victimisation from their business rivals in uniform.
” We do no want to have physical contact again because there is a mutual suspicion and distrust between the agents and customs officers.
” We are tired of being called and labelled by customs as criminals and fraudsters” the NAGAFF chieftain asserted.
He advised that if the leadership of the customs is desirous of stamping out this illicit practice among officers, an independent body to screen all the customs licences, including how they were issued, should be inaugurated to do a diligent screening of these licenses.
According to him, if customs officers are involved in the screening exercise meant to expose officers involved in the illicit practice, the process of the screening would not be transparent as customs officers will never screen out any of their own involved in this act, especially if such officers are of senior cadre.
“As a matter of morality, all what the Customs needs to do in order to weed out this illicit practice in customs is to surrender, in the interim, the authority for issuance or renewal of practising licenses to an independent body to clean up the process ” Dr Musa declared.
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Customs

Apapa Customs commences stricter crowd control measures to enhance security at command

Funso OLOJO, Editor
In response to the rising wave of insecurity across the country, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded plans to tighten access control measures to ensure that only authorized persons gain entry into the command to conduct official business.
As part of the new security arrangement, all licensed clearing and forwarding agencies operating at the command have been directed to submit the names of three representatives through Customs Form C-30, who will be authorized to carry out daily transactions on behalf of their companies.
The NCS Form C-30 is an operational document that serves as proof of authorization for a licensed clearing and forwarding agent to operate within a designated Customs command. It is a mandatory requirement for cargo clearance and export processing at Nigerian ports.
The initiative comes amid heightened efforts by government agencies and private organizations to strengthen security protocols and protect personnel, facilities, and critical national assets from emerging threats.
Speaking exclusively with our correspondent, the Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the measure is aimed at reducing the number of visitors to the command and enhancing access control in response to growing security concerns nationwide.
According to him, the requirement for clearing and forwarding agencies to nominate representatives for Customs transactions is already provided for in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, although it has not been fully implemented.
He disclosed that the Apapa Command has decided to activate the provision in view of the prevailing security situation in the country.
“This is a standard procedure globally to enhance security at ports, which are critical to the world economy.
“In Nigeria, our ports are the arteries of the economy, and we cannot afford to expose them to the risk of attacks.
“We have to be proactive and not wait until an unfortunate incident occurs before taking action.
“America never expected the September 11 terrorist attacks.
“It is for these reasons that the management of the Service has decided that the enforcement of the crowd-control provisions contained in the Customs Act 2023 should commence at the Apapa Command, given its status as the largest and flagship Customs command in the country,” Oshoba stated.
The Customs Area Controller explained that restricting physical access to accredited company representatives would not only strengthen security but also improve operational efficiency and facilitate better monitoring of activities within the command.
He further disclosed that the policy, which is scheduled to take full effect next week, will significantly limit the movement of unauthorized persons within the command premises.
“The accredited representatives of all registered clearing and forwarding agencies will be issued official duty identification cards, which will grant them access to the command.
“Whenever there is a change in personnel, the concerned agency will notify the command so that the necessary adjustments and replacements can be updated in our system.
“Visitors, including journalists, will be required to register at the gate and will be issued visitor identification cards.
“This is a standard practice globally. I am aware that terminal operators such as Grimaldi at PTML and APM Terminals at Apapa Port already operate similar crowd-control mechanisms,” he noted.
The new access-control regime follows recent efforts by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to improve security, operational efficiency, and reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.
It could be recalled that between May 14th and 16th,  2026, PEBEC, led by its Director-General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, coordinated a major enforcement operation along the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors in Lagos to dismantle illegal checkpoints and extortion points obstructing cargo movement.
The operation targeted notorious extortion locations, including Liverpool Bridge, the Terminal International Container Terminal (TICT) Second Gate, NAGAFF Junction, ETISALAT Roundabout, and Fidelity Roundabout.
Working in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Government, PEBEC sought to restore order and eliminate unauthorized checkpoints that had become a major impediment to trade facilitation.
The exercise resulted in the immediate removal of illegal structures and unauthorized personnel operating along the corridor, while authorities issued a stern warning against any attempt to re-establish the extortion checkpoints.
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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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Customs

“You are worthy ambassador of Osun State” Oni of Ife eulogies Adeniyi’s leadership of Customs 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi II, has eulogized the sterling qualities of Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller- General of Customs, for his revolutionary leadership of the Nigeria Customs  Service.
The  first class Yoruba monarch made the commendation on Thursday, 28th May 2026, during the annual Eid-el-Kabir gathering hosted by the Comptroller-General at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State.
The Oni, who cited President Bola Tinubu’s public commendation of Adeniyi as evidence of the confidence reposed in the Customs boss, described him as a good ambassador of Osun State and a source of pride to the ancient Ife Kingdom and the Modakeke community.
Oba Ogunwusi said President Tinubu’s public expression of satisfaction with Adeniyi’s performance reflected confidence in his leadership and the results being achieved by the Service.
“We are very proud of him and the work he is doing. When Mr President publicly expressed satisfaction with his performance, it was not a casual statement.
” It reflects trust in his capacity and the results he is delivering. What he is doing in the Customs Service and in the community shows that he is a unifier.”
Reaffirming the support of the Ife Kingdom for the Comptroller-General, the monarch declared:
“He brings people together, and that is what leadership is about. We will continue to stand by him and pray for him.”
Addressing guests, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adeniyi expressed appreciation to the Ooni of Ife, community leaders, family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers for their continued support.
He described Eid-el-Kabir as a season that reminds humanity of the virtues of sacrifice, gratitude, obedience, and service to others.
According to him, beyond the celebration, the gathering provides an opportunity to reconnect with people, strengthen relationships, and reflect on the collective responsibility of building stronger communities and a better nation.
The CGC noted that the NCS has continued to record significant progress in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, technological innovation, and corporate social responsibility initiatives in line with the economic objectives of the Federal Government.
He said the Service remains focused on supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through reforms aimed at facilitating legitimate trade, enhancing national security, improving compliance, and creating opportunities for economic growth.
CGC Adeniyi added that Customs has continued to invest in community-focused interventions across the country, including educational support programmes, healthcare initiatives, and other projects designed to improve the lives of Nigerians.
He pledged that the Service would continue to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening its operations and delivering greater value to the nation, while assuring stakeholders of Customs’ commitment to professionalism, transparency, and service excellence.
Adeniyi also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and assured Nigerians of the Service’s continued support for government policies geared towards economic prosperity and national development.
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