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

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.

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.

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.

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.