Customs

How I emerged as WCO Council Chairperson–CGC Adeniyi

-dedicated electoral victory to customs personnel

Funso OLOJO

The Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has dedicated his electoral victory as the Council Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO)in Brussels, Belgium to the men and officers of the service whom he lauded for their commitment and sacrifice to make the Customs a better place.

It would be recalled that on June 28th, 2025, the 185- member nations of the WCO unanimously elected Adeniyi to chair the prestigious council which is the highest decision- making organ of the global customs organization.

Adeniyi, the first Nigerian to rise to such global eminence in global customs community, was unanimously elected at the end of the 145/146 WCO Council meeting held in Brussels,Belgium.

However, talking for the first time on his rare electorial victory, Adeniyi revealed his journey to becoming the number one Customs officer in the world.

In what looks like a roller coaster journey, the CGC revealed how he was adopted as a sole candidate from the West and Central African region.

“And when the journey started, it started

at the level of the West and Central African region, which has only 23 members.

“And at our regional meeting, I was unanimously proposed and eventually nominated as the sole candidate for the region.

“Then following on the heel of that was that other regions also conveyed their decision to appoint me as the sole candidate.

“I think four sub-regions did that
before we got into process for the council meeting.

“And the council election was to hold on the last day. And words came to me that during the four-day meeting, the days before the election itself, the EU, the European sub-region had also confirmed me.

“So leaving only one region by Saturday morning.

“And by Saturday morning, the candidates from Asia Pacific, we also understood, have stepped down, leaving the road clear for me” Adewale disclosed his smooth ascension to the pinnacle of his Customs career.

He then gave the implications of his election as it affects the Nigeria Customs Service.

“So what does this tell us? This means that the global customs community is noticing what is going on in Nigeria.

“It means that it has endorsed the reforms that we have been undertaking, the modernization that we have undertaken.

“Most importantly, the use, the operational use that we have made of the various WCO tools and instruments.

“Tools like Advanced Ruling, tools like Authorized Economic Operator, tools like the Time- Release Study (TRS) to measure the time and cost of doing business.

“So it’s a validation( his election )that we are right on course in our modernization journey.

“And we are full of appreciation for the international community.

” And I must also be full of appreciation to the business community in Nigeria, to officers and men of the Nigeria Customs
who have welcomed the reforms with open hands and have ensured implementation of those reforms.

“Are we there yet? I would say yes, we are right on course, but we are not there yet.

“It is a process and it will mean that the global best practices that apply in advanced countries, in advanced customs administrations will remain a model for us that we must aspire to all the time.

“We must make more use of integrating automation into our processes. We must allow risk management to drive our operations.

“We must make better use of intelligence.

We must deploy non-intrusive technology instruments, scanning machines, and all of that into our operations.

“And as we do that, we will
rely on the cooperation of all our stakeholders.

“One major issue that we are facing now is the challenges that we have faced in the integration and migration of our system from the former legacy system, NICICll into the B’Odogwu system.

“Like I always say, any such integration, any such migration is a fundamental shift. It represents a major leap from one system to another.

“And therefore, we have experienced a number of teething problems. And one of the things that I’m doing in Lagos will be to engage with all the relevant stakeholders to listen to their
complaints.

“I understand there are so many of them, to listen to their complaints and to see
how much we can allow innovation and technology to lead the way in ensuring smooth operations.

“So, we will be willing to listen to them, and our team will be here to take on board their suggestions, such that the initial teething problems and difficulties that we are facing will be a thing of the past.

“I dedicate this election victory to all officers and men of Nigeria Customs Service, who are all day and night behind me to ensure that we have one piece of reform that is dedicated to making customs a better place than we make it.

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.

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.

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.