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KLT Customs laments low volume of trade at the command

— seeks assistance of ANLCA to market the underutilized facility
Funso OLOJO
The Area Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command of the Nigeria customs service, Comptroller Joy Edelduok has made a passionate appeal to the leadership of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) to assist in reviving the struggling command by marketing the terminal to importers for patronage.
This appeal follows the lamentation of Comptroller Edelduok that importers have abandoned the terminal which has resulted to low activities and miserly revenue.
The Customs’ chief was addressing the leadership of ANLCA, led by its National President, who was in her office to introduce the newly elected KLT chapter executives of the association led by Ahmed Olajide.
Comptroller Edelduok told his guests that out of 13 bonded warehouses under the control of the KLT customs command, few are functional as the rest are moribund, struggling for survival.
This, the Customs Controller said ,was responsible for the megre sum of N38 billion revenue collected in the first quarter of 2025, an amount collected by Apapa customs command in two days.
She therefore begged for the intervention of the ANLCA leadership to talk to their Importers for patronage.
According to her, without the active participation of ANLCA and other stakeholders, the Customs would not be able to achieve its target.
“I want to say that without the active participation of our stakeholders, the agents, the associations, i’m not sure we’ll be able to achieve our revenue goals.
“So, i want to say thank you for the cooperation we’ve had thus far.
“And coming today, i want to make an appeal for continued cooperation, continued collaboration, which is one of the main policy thrusts of our CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi”
Comptroller Edelduok acknowledged the importance of the role ANLCA plays at the command, even as she pledged  a better working relationship with the new Executives of KLT Chapter led by its Chairman, Ahmed Olajide Bello.
On trade facilitation, Compt Edelduok appealed to the ANLCA team to canvass their importers to make use of KLT command as Port of destination, assuring of 24 -hour cargo delivery.
She also urged the agents and importers to make genuine and honest declarations at all times, in order to ensure faster cargo clearance.
“I want to make an appeal, we know that you are the ones that interface with your importers, we don’t know your importers, you are the ones that we know, so you are the ones that will take the word back to them to bring their consignment to KLT” she said.
Also speaking, ANLCA President, Emenike Nwokeoji, introduced his KLT executives to the Customs Comptroller, saying that the association has returned to take its pride of place after suffering a five years internal crisis in 2018.
“We are here to introduce to you our new executives of the chapter, we have gone through some issues in ANLCA for some years since 2018, through the intervention of the CGC, we are now one big united family.
” The ANLCA you used to know is back, and we have taken black our rightful place” he said
Emenike assured the customs boss that the association would embark on a Crusade and champion the movement of cargoes to KLT Command, even as he commended the leadership style of the Comptroller.
“Our duty is to market commands, you cannot talk to the importers, no matter what you tell them, the importer would listen to us more than you.
“We have been on the issue of transire for a very long time, it is unfortunate that it is an internal issue between the officers of Customs.
“If you as next door neighbour to the ports are complaining, you can imagine what the inland terminals are going through on this transire.
“The importer has rights to dictate where his cargo should go to, you cannot impose it on him.
“For an importer or agent to choose a particular port, there must be something they are getting there. In this our business, speed of clearance is important, whoever enters the market first would determine price before others.
” Please keep up the good work you are doing at the command”
“Trade facilitation is important, everything should not be about revenue.
” If infraction is something you can overlook, please overlook it and caution the agent.
“The officers should please take it easy with an average agent, we are going through a whole lot” he appealed
On the aspect of making honest declarations, the ANLCA President pledged to continue sensitising agents and importers across board on the need to ensure honest declarations.
“The speed of the Cargo clearance cannot be what it ought to be if the declaration is not right, we are sensitising our importers and members on the need to always make honest declarations” he said
Speaking in the same vein, the Vice National President of ANLCA, Prince Segun Oduntan,assured the KLT Customs boss that the association would now put efforts in ensuring that containers are stemmed to the command.
“On the stemming of containers to this command, we are going to put our own effort into it.
“As per the issue of delays in transires, since you have assured us, I can now tell my importer to use KLT, let us try them out, even if it is with ten containers.
“After this, we would continue to tell others.
“The atmosphere here is very good, when you have women in management positions, we believe things go better. As we step out of here today, we would do more to assist you” he said
Speaking when the visitation train moved to the KLT Chapter Secretariat, the chapter Chairman, Ahmed Olajide Bello, appreciated the ANLCA President for his unwavering support and leadership, adding that “Your presence here today underscores the importance of this chapter to the broader ANLCA vision.
“To our esteemed stakeholders and our members, we appreciate your collaboration and we look forward to strengthen our participation for smoother trade facilitation at KLT Chapter
“To our terminal operators and government agencies, your role in port operations is indispensable and we are committed to fostering an harmonious working relationship with you all.
“This new executive is aware of the responsibilities before us, our mission is to clear, promote trade efficiency, compliances, and stakeholder collaboration at KLT terminal.
“With your support, we are confident of achieving remarkable progress” Olajide stated.
Addressing members at the Secretariat,  the ANLCA National President,  Emenike Nwokeoji also urged the members to work together in peace and support the new Executives, adding that no leader can function beyond the support given to him by members.
“I have no doubt that Ahmed Olajide Bello and his team would leave a mark at this chapter, and at the end of their tenure, you would even plead with them to stay longer.
“Please, count on our support, one of the support we would give you, is to get a Secretariat that is befitting of a 71- year old association that ANLCA is”
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Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.
According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.
This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.
The Programme, according to the NCS,  also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.
“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.
” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per  through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.
However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.
The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.
The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.
“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.
The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.
“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.
“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.
“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.
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Customs

Customs takes delivery, commissions 60- bed hospital donated by BUA Group in Bauchi

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, officially commissioned the Abdul Samad Rabiu / Nigeria Customs Service Hospital in Bauchi, a 60-bed healthcare facility constructed and donated by Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of ASR Africa and Founder/Executive Chairman of BUA Group.
The hospital, delivered through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, is expected to significantly expand healthcare access for Customs officers, their families and host communities across Zone ‘D’ and neighbouring states.
Describing the project as a strategic welfare investment, the CGC said the facility reflects the Service’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity through improved personnel wellbeing.
 “This commissioning is a clear statement that the NCS prioritises the health and welfare of its officers,” he stated.
“A modern Service requires not only technology and operational reforms, but also strong social infrastructure that supports those who serve.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, emphasised the intervention’s sustainability focus.
“ASR Africa is committed to impact-driven philanthropy,” he said. “Our partnership with the NCS demonstrates what can be achieved when private sector commitment aligns with institutional reform and clear developmental goals.”
Also delivering a message on behalf of the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, the Secretary to the State Government, Aminu Hammayo, described the commissioning as a boost to the state’s healthcare ecosystem.
“This facility will complement existing public health institutions and improve access to specialised services,” he said.
 “It reflects the value of collaboration between government and responsible corporate entities.”
The hospital’s commissioning marks the culmination of a phased transformation that began in 2008 with the establishment of a basic health post at the Zone ‘D’ Headquarters, Bauchi.
It was subsequently upgraded to a clinic, and later a medical centre, before a 2023 partnership between the NCS and ASR Africa converted it into a 30-bed hospital, completed in April 2025.
Following a needs assessment, the CGC approved the remodelling and expansion of the facility into a 60-bed secondary healthcare facility with selected tertiary services.
Now equipped with seven clinical departments: Nursing Services, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, alongside Administrative and Health Information Management units, as well as Dental, Radiology and Nutrition units.
The hospital is projected to manage up to 300 patients per month during its first operational year.
Long-term expansion plans include advanced diagnostics such as CT scans and MRI, as well as specialised surgical procedures, positioning the facility as a referral centre across the North-East and parts of North-Central Nigeria.
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Customs

Ahead of Customs’ paperless operations in June, Comptroller Onyeka declares Tin Can Customs trade enabler

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
Barely few days after the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced that the Customs will migrate to paperless operations in June, 2026, the Tin Can command of the Service has made an elaborate preparation to key into the digital platform.
Even though, the Customs High Command is yet to release the blue print for the take -off of the digital revolution in goods clearance, the Controller of Tin Can Customs, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has declared that his command is ready to hit the ground running.
To this end, Comptroller Onyeka has declared Tin Can Island Customs as a trade enabler where seamless operations will be the order of the day.
While speaking with the maritime media on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, Onyeka stated that as long as an importer or his agent makes an honest declaration and the consignment is not flagged, such goods will leave the customs control within the 48 hours clearance time being envisaged by the Customs under its paperless operations regime.
Comptroller Onyeka further disclosed that his command will aim at collecting collectable revenue instead of maximum revenue which often leaves no room for trader to handle logistics costs and other sundry charges.
“By focusing on collectable revenue, we ensure that the trader makes profit, return to the market and continues to contribute to the society.
“I want to be known as a trade enabler personified” Comptroller Onyeka enthused.
While making projection into the year 2026, the Customs chief said the command recorded a lot of positives in 2025 when it surpassed the revenue target for that year and when a record revenue collection of 26 billion was recorded in a single day, a feat that was unprecedented in the history of the command.
Onyeka said the command started the year 2026 on a good revenue trajectory with the collection of  N145. 9bn in January, representing a 25.3 percent increase when compared to the N116.4billon  collected in January 2025.
He acknowledged the support of the media for its “constructive reportage” which acted as a catalyst for the good performance of the command in 2025.
While soliciting for the continued support of journalists in 2026, Comptroller Onyeka said his officers have been well primed to confront the challenges ahead.
He dismissed the fears of possible network glitches which stakeholders expressed may hamper the success of the paperless operations, saying such eventuality will be surmounted just as the teething problems which plagued B’ Odogwu platform at take off were conquered.
“Despite the teething problems with B’Odogwu,  we have recorded tremendous success, so we are ready for the paperless operations.
“There could be network issues but I want to urge the trading public to build capacity.
“With that, you can complete container clearance entirely online, with no physical contact with customs officers.
“If your declaration is not flagged, the process will be seamless, there will be no reason to come and see anyone.
“We cannot guarantee a perfect system from day one, but those challenges will not stop us.
” The more traders declare correctly and honestly, the smoother this process becomes for everyone,” he declared while advising importers to palletise their consignments.
It could be recalled that while launching the Customs’ One- Stop- Shop(OSS) on Friday, February 13th, 2026, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the Service is advancing toward a fully paperless customs environment, with the first phase of digital clearance and documentation processes scheduled for rollout by the end of the second quarter of 2026.
“This platform is a deliberate shift from fragmented interventions to coordinated governance, from discretion to data, and from isolated actions to collective responsibility,” Adeniyi had declared.
 “Through this reform, we continue to build systems that support lawful trade, protect national interests and serve the economy with professionalism and integrity.” he concluded.
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