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Customs

Adeniyi attributes giant stride of Tin Can customs command in revenue generation, infrastructural development to stakeholders collaboration

— commissions 47- years old renovated command’s office complex 
— hints at rewarding Nnadi with service award
Funso OLOJO 
The Area Controller of Tin Can Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, have caught the fancy of his Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, as he may be conferred with a service award at the Customs’ Awards night that
will hold on Thursday, November 28th, 2024 in Abuja.
Adeniyi, who did not hide his admiration for the renovated office complex of the Tin Can Customs command, described it as an award- winning project which would not be forgotten during the award night.
The CGC praised Comptroller Nnadi and his officers for bequeathing such gigantic edifice that will clearly enhance the productivity  and efficiency of officers in a conducive working environment.
He also praised the efforts of the stakeholders who supported the project and promised that the Customs service is willing to expand the frontier of collaboration with them.
Adeniyi confessed that the magnitude of the renovated complex exceeded his expectation as he had thought the project would only be a few touches of repainting of the building.
” I made it clear on assumption of duties that one of my policy thrusts would be collaboration.
” I have discovered that there is strength in complementing what we can do for each other.
“All of us will bring different ideas and attributes to the table to arrive at common goals.
“Through collaboration, we tap into our different areas of strength and optimize the resources we can get for maximum objectives.
“We have seen this work out in several ways in the last one year.
“Our revenue generation is nothing but a product of deliberate collaboration with all our stakeholders.
“Our intelligence gathering is a product of collaboration.
“All our officers in all the commands have created an environment where we collaborate with other agencies of government for more effective results.
“And I am indeed delighted about this .
“What we are seeing today, (renovated building) is also a product of collaboration.
“Our stakeholders are now telling us that they can support us to improve the quality of our workplace and I am very happy about this” Adeniyi declared.

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The CGC therefore acknowledged the contributions of all the stakeholders to the completion of the project and promised that customs will continue to expand the frontier of collaboration in all the spheres of its operations.
He said there are so many potential for collaboration between the stakeholders and the customs.
He therefore lauded the foresight and tenacity of purpose of Comptroller Nnadi and his officers for the project, while admonishing other Area Controllers of Customs to emulate the Tin Can Customs Command helmsman by engaging their stakeholders to enhance their service delivery.
” I want to commend Comptroller Dera Nnadi and all his men for initiating this project and getting it done.
” When he told me about it, I never knew it was such a gigantic project.
” I just thought that it was something that they are going to do with few swaps of paint brush.
“But from what I have seeing, this is an award- wining project.
” The 2024 Customs service awards which supposed to have taken place two weeks ago will now take place in two days time( Thursday November 28th, 2024) and as the Comptroller General of Customs, we will not forget the project”
An elated Nnadi thanked the CGC and his team for the support and encouragement that enabled the project to come to fruition.
He said the renovation marks a significant milestone in the history of the  Command.
“As we celebrate the unveiling of this renovated facility, we must recognize the historical context of this transformation.
 “Since the inception of this Command in 1977, no major renovation has been undertaken to update and modernize the office complex.
“For decades, our officers have worked diligently within the confines of outdated infrastructure, and today, we witness a transformation that will no longer be just a reflection of the past, but a symbol of the future – a future that is modern, efficient, and committed to service excellence.
“This renovation goes beyond mere aesthetics or upgrading physical infrastructure; it is a clear statement of intent that reinforces the CGC’s policy focus on Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation.
”  It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to improving working conditions, enhancing operational efficiency, and providing a conducive environment for our officers and stakeholders alike.
“A well-maintained office complex ensures that we continue to provide exceptional service and achieve greater results in our core functions of revenue generation and trade facilitation.
“It is important to note that our work here at Tin Can Island Port goes beyond infrastructure; we are deeply committed to the economic growth of Nigeria.
“In 2024, under the leadership and guidance of the Comptroller General of Customs, our Command has made remarkable strides in revenue generation.
“We are proud to announce that for the first time in history, Tincan Island Port has generated over ₦1, 125,744,318,049.60 (One trillion, One Hundred and Twenty Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty-Four Million, Three Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Forty Nine Naira Sixty Kobo) in revenue—an exceptional feat that highlights the dedication and hard work of our officers.
“This achievement is a significant leap from the ₦639,665,622,978.55 (Six Hundred and Thirty Nine Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty Five Million, Six Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira, Fifty Five Kobo) collected as at November 2023.
“The success recorded in our revenue drive reflects not only the diligence of our officers but also the collaborative efforts with other stakeholders.
“It is a testament to the positive impact of our policies and reforms, and it reaffirms the Service commitment to maximizing revenue collection for the growth of our nation.
“In addition to our successes in revenue generation, we continue to make significant strides in enforcing compliance and tackling smuggling activities.
“We are all witness to the seizure of various quantities of arms, unregulated pharmaceutical and psychotropic substances and other Un-customs goods.
 “Our achievement in this direction further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economic and security interests.
“These seizures not only demonstrate the vigilance and dedication of our officers but also highlight our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s borders.
“We recognize the importance of preventing the inflow of harmful goods and ensuring that all imported items meet the legal and regulatory standards.
“I would like to take a moment to congratulate the officers of Tin Can Island Port Command for their unwavering commitment, determination, and excellence.
“The revenue collected, the seizures made, and the success of this renovation are all outcomes of your hard work and dedication to duty.
“This renovation is a direct result of your efforts, and I commend you all for your service to the nation” he exuded an infectious happiness.
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Customs

How NPA’ s ETO call- up system hampers seamless export processes at Lilypond Terminal — Customs

Funso OLOJO 
The Customs Area Controller of the Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, has attributed the persistent delay in export cargo movement at the command to logistics issues associated with the Nigerian Port Authority’s Eto call-up system, rather than any bottlenecks from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Eto call- up system is a structured movement of container- laden trucks into the terminals meant to decongest Port access road and facilitate quick goods clearance at the port.
It was developed by the NPA and driven by a private company.
However, Comptroller Odusanya, speaking at a Roundtable with members of Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN),emphasized that while the command has streamlined the export process,  lack of available slots for trucks to enter the ports remains a major challenge.
 He noted that despite the command’s efforts, numerous containers remain stranded at Lilypond due to the inability of trucks to secure clearance under the Eto system.
He explained that prior to the implementation of a centralized export processing system, multiple customs units across Apapa, Tin Can, PTML, and Lekki ports handled export documentation.
However, in July 2024, the government directed the full centralization of all export processes under the Lilypond Export Command.
This move, driven by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and backed by agencies such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), was aimed at streamlining operations and reducing multiple checkpoints.
Odusanya revealed that between January and December 2024, the command processed exports valued at approximately $1.9 billion, a figure that could have been higher if the consolidation had occurred earlier in the year.
He added that in February 2025 alone, the command facilitated exports worth $225.1 million.
He attributed these successes to inter-agency collaboration, with Customs working alongside the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and quarantine services, among others.
Despite the improved export facilitation, Odusanya acknowledged that challenges persist, particularly with the Eto call-up system, which has created logistical constraints.
 He explained that export containers often get delayed at Lilypond not due to customs processes but because of congestion at the ports, caused by import containers awaiting clearance.
He pointed out that while Apapa remains the busiest port for exports, the congestion problem is less severe at Tin Can due to the presence of an export processing terminal.
On the issue of the Nigerian Export Proceeds (NXP) form, Odusanya stated that the command has ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements.
 He, however, acknowledged exporters’ concerns about the process and assured that Customs is working to facilitate seamless trade while ensuring adherence to financial regulations.
He urged maritime stakeholders, including the media, to continue sensitizing exporters on the ease of processing export goods through Lilypond, emphasizing that the command operates transparently and does not condone extortion.
He reiterated that officers at the entry points are strictly there to verify processed cargo and not to serve as an additional checkpoint.
Odusanya concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the Lilypond Export Command to supporting Nigeria’s growing export sector, ensuring efficiency in cargo movement, and addressing any emerging challenges in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
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Customs

Court orders forfeiture of huge foreign currencies intercepted by Customs at Aminu Kano Airport

Funso OLOJO
The Court has ordered the forfeiture of a total sum of $1,154,900 (One Million, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred US Dollars) and SR135,900 (One Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred Saudi Riyals) which the officers of the Nigeria customs service intercepted at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The seizure was made recently during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
During the physical examination of the passenger’s luggage conducted by
NCS Officers, the undeclared currency was discovered concealed within palm-date fruit packs locally referred to as Dabino.
This interception aligns with the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.
In line with established procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign
currency have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary legal action.
 Subsequently, the court convicted the defendant as charged and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government in line with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
The Service reiterates that all travelers must comply with Nigeria’s financial
regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of the country.
The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, provide clear guidelines on currency declaration.
Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties.

 The Service, therefore, urges the public to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid legal consequences.

Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale
Adeniyi, the NCS remains resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.

 This latest seizure highlights the Service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

The NCS will continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and
stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.

Travelers and stakeholders in the financial sector are advised to remain vigilant and always adhere to lawful financial practices.
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Customs

Lilypond export processing terminal processes $1.9billion value of export goods in 2024.

Funso OLOJO
The collapse of all the export terminals in the Lagos Ports into a consolidated export terminal at the Lilypond Port has boosted export of goods in the country as the terminal processed the sum of $1.9b in 2024.
Making this revelation on Thursday, March 13th, 2025 while interacting  with the members of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN), the
Customs Area Controller (CAC), Lilypond Export Command, Ajibola Odusanya, declared that processing of exports at the dedicated Lilypond Port has improved significantly, reducing processing time to a few hours.
It would be recalled that the Lilypond export processing terminal came into existence in 2024 from the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) between the Nigeria customs service and the Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA).
However, Comptroller Odusanya lamented that transferring the export containers to Apapa Port has become a challenge recently, as priority is placed on exiting import containers out of the port.
He bemoaned that accessing the Export Processing Terminal (EPT) especially in Apapa Port is delayed due to traffic gridlock on the internal port access road.
However, Comptroller Odusanya assured that the the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and APM Terminals are working to improve on the port internal traffic.
“The NPA has contributed significantly to export facilitation by creating the Electronic Call-up System (ETO) and EPTs at the ports, but the internal port access roads would need more attention to clear up for seamless movement of export containers into the ports for outward shipping,” Comptroller Odusanya said.
In 2022, the Nigeria Customs Service and the NPA reached an agreement to make the Lilypond Port an export processing port as part of the country’s deliberate plans to improve exportation of non-oil products.
The Lilypond Port Controller explained that due to the presence of all the relevant agencies in the export port, processing of export goods have become very fast and seamless, leading to processing of about $2 billion worth of exports from the port between July and December 2024.
He said: “Since after the MoU between Customs and NPA to streamline export to Lilypond Command in July 2024 and the command became the only command processing sea bound export, we processed about $2 billion in that period Between and December, 2024.
“In February, 2025, we processed $225 million. This achievement is made possible by collaboration with other government agencies and port stakeholders.
“We now have the DSS, NDLEA, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the quarantine service dedicated to export at Lilypond Port.
“Now, with synergy with these sister agencies, export goods treated at Lilypond port are not stopped by any other agency on its way to Apapa or Tincan port.
“Such export will only be checked by Lilypond Customs officers at the port gate and not necessarily to open the container, except there is a security alert.”
He noted that the NPA and the terminal operators would not allow the ugly port access road situation in Apapa in the past to return.
“If you go to Lilypond now, you will see many containers there, but the problem is not with processing of the exports in Lilypond, but the logistics aspect of moving the containers to the ports.
“Sometimes, even when you have obtained your ETO, you won’t be able to access the port.
“You see the trucks lined up on the road with export containers on them.  We have to work on this so that we don’t return to what it was before.
“We have to keep working hard to maintain the sanity on the port road,” Comptroller Odusanya emphasised.
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