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Customs empowers 1,300 students at official launch of its CRS programme, Customs Cares in Abuja.

Funso OLOJO
About 1,300 students of Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja became the first beneficiaries of Customs Care, a Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) programme of the Nigeria Customs Service when it was officially launched on March 20th, 2025.
The launch of the first phase of the humanist initiative was witnessed by
the Ministers of Finance, Education, and Youth Development, alongside representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The host of the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs ,Adewale Adeniyi described “Customs Cares” as a strategic response to Nigeria’s critical social, educational, and infrastructural gaps.
“The Customs Cares initiative represents our comprehensive approach to CSR, designed to foster inclusive growth and create sustainable impact across Nigerian communities where we operate.” he declared.
Adeniyi noted that the programme, which will be rolled out in phases, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This initiative is strategically aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises holistic national development. Inspired by this framework, we focus on six key pillars, beginning with education.” he revealed.
The CGC highlighted the NCS’s commitment to education, noting that Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, was carefully selected based on historical ties and pressing infrastructural needs.
“We have prioritised education because human capital development is fundamental to national prosperity. This initiative is not just about donations but long-term commitments to sustainable development.” he said.
The Customs boss further announced that the initiative would be expanded across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the adoption of one School in each Local Area Council, ensuring tailored interventions to address each institution’s needs.
“These school adoptions, including GSS Wuse Zone 3, are long-term commitments. We will continue to impact these institutions over the years, ensuring sustainable development rather than one-time interventions.” The CGC assured.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for demonstrating a strong commitment to national development beyond revenue generation.
“The Customs Cares initiative is a game-changer. It exemplifies how government institutions can integrate social impact into their core mandate.
“I commend the Comptroller-General of Customs for this visionary leadership, and I assure you that the Ministry of Finance fully supports this initiative.” Edun declared.
Comptroller Patience Ibrahim, who heads the Corporate Social Responsibility Unit, outlined the Service’s broader vision for improving healthcare, social infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
“We will deploy mobile clinics, conduct medical outreaches, and implement anti-malaria campaigns to improve community health, particularly in underserved areas of our operations.” She said.
She further disclosed that the NCS will initiate water borehole projects, upgrade electricity infrastructure, and facilitate skills acquisition programmes, empowering individuals and fostering economic self-reliance.
“In our quest to ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry, we will support agricultural extension services, facilitate food donations, and improve market access for farmers, thereby strengthening the agricultural value chain.” she added.
Comptroller Ibrahim however described the choice of Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, as symbolic, representing the Service’s dedication to education and youth empowerment.
The Minister of Education , Olatunji Alausa praised the Comptroller-General of Customs and his team for aligning the initiative with President Tinubu’s vision for a transformed educational system in Nigeria.
“President Tinubu believes in human capital development. When we talk about this, it centres on the youth and our future.
“This administration’s top priorities are education, healthcare, social investment, and food security.” Olatunji stated.
While commending the NCS for prioritising education, he encouraged the Service to work closely with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Nigerian Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) to enhance programme effectiveness.
“Aligning efforts with these agencies will lead to greater impact and ensure that targeted interventions are based on data-driven priorities.” he advised.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande ,also commended the Customs Cares Initiative, describing it as a model for how government agencies can contribute to national development beyond their core mandates.
“Investing in youth development through education aligns with the federal government’s commitment to building a skilled and productive generation.” he noted.
The Principal of Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Josephine Ugwu, expressed profound gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service for selecting the School as the pilot location for the Customs Cares initiative.
“This is a historic moment for our school. The Nigeria Customs Service has invested in our students and strengthened the foundation for their future.” she enthused.
She further noted that installing security infrastructure and providing learning materials would significantly improve the school’s academic environment.
The launch of “Customs Cares” attracted several distinguished personalities, including representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), Deputy Comptrollers-General of Customs, Assistant Comptrollers-General of Customs, heads of various Customs formations, local community leaders, and other key stakeholders.
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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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Customs

World Bank strengthens Customs capacity in post clearance Audit in two- week capacity building exercise

Gloria Odion,  maritime reporter 
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a two-week Technical Assistance Mission on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in collaboration with the World Bank Group under the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform (ARMOR) Programme, aimed at strengthening compliance management, revenue assurance, and trade facilitation through modern audit practices.
The workshop, which runs from June 1 to June 12, 2026, is taking place at the Service’s  Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General , Babatunde Olomu, described the mission as a significant step in advancing the Service’s modernisation agenda and strengthening its capacity as a technology-driven, intelligence-led, and globally competitive customs administration.
He noted that modern customs administrations increasingly rely on intelligence-led, risk-based, and post-clearance interventions that promote voluntary compliance while supporting legitimate trade and economic growth.
According to him, the mission offers an opportunity to assess existing processes, identify operational gaps, adopt international best practices, and develop practical solutions to strengthen the Post Clearance Audit framework.
Olomu identified risk-based targeting, case management, registry management, quality assurance, standardisation, and integrated audit systems as key areas of focus.
He emphasised that effective Post Clearance Audit enables Customs to move beyond transaction-based controls to a strategic compliance management approach that enhances revenue assurance, facilitates legitimate trade, strengthens transparency, and boosts public confidence.
“This mission presents a valuable opportunity to critically assess our existing processes, identify gaps, learn from international best practices, and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our PCA framework and overall compliance management system.” he stated.
The ACG commended the Comptroller-General for his commitment to modernisation and capacity building and also appreciated the World Bank and other development partners for their sustained support for Customs reforms.
He urged participants to actively engage throughout the programme and ensure that lessons learned are translated into measurable improvements in daily operations.
Speaking at the event, World Bank Task Team Lead, Moses Kajubi, said the mission is designed to strengthen the capacity of Post Clearance Audit officers through modern customs practices, practical audit tools, and internationally recognised methodologies.
He explained that participants would be exposed to global best practices, case management techniques, and compliance management strategies that can be adapted to Nigeria’s operational environment.
Kajubi stressed the importance of leveraging technology, structured case management systems, and data-driven decision-making to improve audit quality, compliance monitoring, and trade facilitation outcomes.
“This engagement will equip participants with practical tools and global best practices that can be applied directly in the field to improve the effectiveness of Post Clearance Audit operations.”He stated.
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He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen institutional capacity and contribute significantly to the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernisation objectives.
Lead Consultant for the ARMOR-P, Colonel Aloke Dutt, said the mission seeks to enhance trade facilitation, optimise revenue, and improve compliance management through a more structured and unified approach to Post Clearance Audit.
He emphasised the need for standardised audit methodologies, effective monitoring mechanisms, and the integration of data analytics into audit processes to improve accountability and operational efficiency.
Dutt also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology-driven solutions such as the B’Odogwu platform and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support a competency-based audit system across the Service.
During a technical session, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Muhammad  Jubril, demonstrated the Post Clearance Audit process on the B’Odogwu platform, explaining how officers can initiate audit reviews using Harmonised Commodity codes and other risk indicators.
In his closing remarks, Comptroller Muhammad Shattima encouraged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop and apply the knowledge gained to achieve the strategic objectives of the NCS.
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