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Customs

National Assembly summons Minister of Finance, CGC over suspension of 4% FOB Levy.

– orders immediate resumption of collection.

–directs customs to stop collection of 1% CISS, 7 % levies.

— queries Wale Edun over delay in Customs’ budget approvals 
Funso OLOJO 
The joint committee on Customs and Tariff of the National Assembly has summoned the Minster of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi over the suspension of the 4 percent Free-on- Board(FOB) levy on imports.
It could be recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service introduced the collection of the levy in February, 2025 but hastily suspended its collection few days later due to the outrage it generated among the stakeholders.
However, the National Assembly committee have now asked the Customs and its supervising Minister to come and explain the reason for the suspension.
The committee also frowned at the Minister of Finance over the delay in the approvals of Customs projects and what they described as ” abysmal performance of capital components of the 2025 budget of the Customs.
The duo appeared before the committee on Monday, July 21st, 2025 at the committee room of the National Assembly.
The Chairman of the Joint committee on Customs and Tariff, Senator Isah Jubrin,  asked the Minister to explain the reason why the 4 percent Free-on-Board (FOB) levy was suspended by the Customs despite the committee’s earlier resolution on the matter.
Senator Jubril was also crossed at the continued collection of the 1 percent CISS and the 7 per cent cost of collection by the Customs which he said are not backed by the Act of Parliament.
” We passed the resolution that the NCS should stop the collection of 1 percent CISS and 7 percent cost of collection as these collections are not backed by Act of Parliament.” he declared.
The Senator however ordered the Customs to immediately suspend the collection of these two charges but resume the collection of the 4 percent Free-on-Board (FOB)levy to fund its modernisation and digitization programmes.
Leke Abejide, Chairman, House of Representatives committee on Customs and Excise, reiterated the position of Senator Jubrin, asking the Customs to stop whatever they are collecting as the 7 per cent cost of collection and leave it for government to have more resources.
He said henceforth, it is going to be “work and eat” arrangement for customs as it is what they get that they would spend.
” The Nigeria Customs Service is going to drop what they are taking from government money which is 7 per cent cost of collection and leave it for government to have more resources to use.
“While they go and collect the 4 percent Free-on-Board (FOB) Levy .
” It’s what they work for, they get” declared Hon. Abejide.
The Committee therefore adopted a resolution on the matter.
” The collection of 4 percent Free-on-Board (FOB) levy is immediate as has been resolved here today.
” We also want a monthly report of the implementation of the FOB levy collection” Senator Jubrin declared.
The committee also queried Minister Edun on why he had to delay the release of funds to Customs to fund its capital projects which they viewed its performance in 2024 budget as not satisfactory.
“Approvals are pending in his office(Minister)and some of the documents have been there since August, last year.
” Up till today, there has been no response from his office, we need to know why” Senator Jubrin accused the Minister.
However, Minister Edun explained that the Customs projects awaiting the approval of the Federal Executive Council(FEC) are not more than 10 and are worth about N500b which he said are not big enough to upset the capital projects execution of the Customs.
” The Customs projects that are awaiting FEC approval are approximately 10 worth N500 billion.
” I am not sure how that will actually move the needle” the Minister told the committee.
The Minister revealed that government would soon commence the implementation of National Single Window project which he said was one of the legacy projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance trade facilitation, port efficiency and revenue leakages.
” We shall soon implement one of the legacy projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that is the National Single Window (NSW).
” It will take care of trade facilitation, it will take care of Port community system and also take care of leakages in revenue and provide speed and efficiency to international trade transactions that will further complement others measures” revealed Mr Edun.
In another breath, CGC Adeniyi explained the status of rice importation to the committee.
” The status of rice is still that rice is not banned 100 percent.
” Importation of rice is only restricted.
It is not allowed to be brought in to the country through the land borders” the CGC explained.
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Customs

Apapa Customs intercepts 25.5kg Cocaine on board Brazilian Ship

— hands over detained ship, seized drug to NDLEA 
Funso OLOJO 
The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has uncovered Cocaine weighing 25.5kg onboard a Brazilian ship, MV San Anthonio
The illicit drugs, packaged in 24 parcels/slabs ,were hidden in five bags found aboard the ship during customs intelligence -led checks that has resulted in the detention of the ship
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba,Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port Command ,lauded the discovery while describing it as a fallout of the robust synergy between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) .
According to the Area Controller, Customs intelligence discovered that upon her departure from Brazil, which is the ship’s country of origin, she had called at ports in Honduras, Guatemala and other places suspected to be hubs for illicit drug trade.
Oshoba reiterated the NCS resolve in ensuring only legitimate trade thrives in the port of Apapa in Lagos, following a zero compromise directive by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
While handing over the seized drugs to the NDLEA for further action, he also announced the detention of the vessel  that came into Nigeria with the cocaine.
“What has happened today, is the outcome of profiling and intelligence -led operations by the NCS and NDLEA.
“Our resolve to prevent unlawful trade is refreshed daily following the directives of the CGC.
” This seizure and detention of the ship should send strong message of warning that should resonate in the camp of perpetrators of unlawful trade within our port system.
* Customs is strengthening its synergy with all sister government agencies and no criminal or group of lawless persons can beat us here.
” As we approach the Yuletide season, we will not sacrifice national security and economy on the altar of trade facilitation.
“All consignments exiting this port into our markets or warehouses must be duly examined with the contents ascertained to be what was declared” the CAC said.
At a brief handover ceremony,in the port,the NDLEA was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander, Apapa Strategic Command, who formally took over the seizure from customs
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Customs

My appointment as WCO chair reflects confidence of global community in NCS reforms — Adeniyi 

Funso OLOJO 
The Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Dr  Adewale Adeniyi, said his recent election signals a broader recognition of the growing reform-driven credibility of African Customs administrations, with Nigeria’s recent modernization efforts serving as a strong example of the continent’s readiness to influence global customs policies.
Speaking exclusively on WCO Global interview session, Adeniyi said the confidence expressed in him by member nations reflects not only personal honour, but also the significant progress made by Nigeria in aligning its systems, procedures, and priorities with international best practices.
Answering questions on the WCO flagship interactive forum tagged “The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, Adeniyi who is also, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said:   “It’s a kind of endorsement by the global customs community that we are on track.
” We have been undertaking reforms and modernization programmes in the last two years, and this validates the direction we are taking.” he said.
He noted that Africa’s customs landscape is rapidly changing, with several administrations leveraging WCO guidance to strengthen trade facilitation, improve revenue outcomes, and enhance border security.
Nigeria’s experience, he said, demonstrates how structured reforms, supported by international frameworks, can reposition a national customs service.
Speaking further on the Nigeria experience, Adeniyi pointed to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme as one of the most transformative initiatives Nigeria has implemented with support from the WCO.
According to him, the scheme has reduced clearance times at ports, improved revenue performance and fostered trusted partnerships with compliant traders—outcomes that reflect the effectiveness of global standards when domesticated with commitment.
He described the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and recent work on advance rulings as additional markers of how global customs programmes can change narratives, especially in developing economies.
Adeniyi also underscored the importance of the WCO as a stabilising force for customs administrations around the world, saying its ability to unify diverse countries around shared priorities—economic prosperity, national security, and environmental sustainability—makes it a unique institution.
He affirmed that his appointment as WCO is a honour for him and a recognition for the Nigeria Customs Service.
 He disclosed that the Nigerian Customs administration has been undertaking some reforms and mordernisation programmes in the last two years.
“So it will also mean that this appointment is a kind of validation of the reforms that we are doing.
“It a kind of endorsement by the global Customs community that we are on track and we are aligning our priorities with that of World Customs Organisation”, he said.
On the appointment, he said, “I feel so excited. Of course, I know that it’s a very big responsibility on my part and on the part of Nigeria for us to shoulder this and provide quality leadership for the world Customs community
As the first Nigerian to hold the position in nearly two decades, Adeniyi said he is aware of the responsibility his chairmanship places on his country and the African region.
He pledged to use the platform to elevate the continent’s contributions while fostering an inclusive governance approach within the global customs system.
He encouraged member administrations to continue embracing diversity, describing it as the core strength that will enable the WCO to advance global trade and security objectives.
 “Our uniqueness is our strength,” he said. “We must let this diversity continue to create opportunity and progress for us.” he noted.
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Customs

How Comptroller Adenuga is raising revenue profile of Seme command, facilitating regional trade.

Funso OLOJO 
The assumption of duties by Comptroller Wale Adenuga as the Area controller of Seme  command of the Nigeria Customs service has begun to have positive impact on the revenue profile of the border station.
Comptroller Adenuga, who was behind the phenomenal revenue runs of the Apapa Customs when he was the Deputy Comptroller, Revenue, was promoted to full Comptroller and was tapped on the back by the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to go and raise the revenue standard of the border station.
Barely two months into his assumption of duties,  Seme border has started to feel the positive impact of the revenue wizardry of Adenuga.
In an exclusive interview with our Reporter in his modest office at Seme border, Adenuga said he met the monthly revenue taking of the border at N500 million when he assumed office in September 9th, 2025.
But deploying ingenious methods of trade facilitation, staff welfare and inter- agency collaboration, the revenue profile of the border has climbed to about  N3 billion as at the last week of November, 2025.
Sharing the secret of his instant success at the border station while conducting our Reporter on a guided tour of the facilities at the command, Comptroller Adenuga said he deployed the tools of trade facilitation, staff welfare through creation of conducive working environment, stakeholders engagement and strong inter- agency collaboration for effective service delivery.
Trade Facilitation: 
The first thing Comptroller Adenuga did was to energise the dormant bonded terminal at the border called God is Wise bonded terminal to handle transire goods from Nigeria to Cotonou, Benin Republic and vice- versa.
This has led to the boom in regional trade across the borders as transactions of legitimate businesses take between six to eight hours in a seamless process.
“The Only God is Wise bonded terminal at Seme border is licensed by the Nigeria customs service.
” It has been approved before I assumed office here but was not functional.
” When I came, I looked at the volume of trade and in order to facilitate regional trade, I  decided to make the terminal functional.
” With the help of the Headquarters, we deployed full ICT infrastructures to the terminal, we posted required officers there such as releasing officers, gate officers and exit officers.
” The bonded terminal has full complement of customs operations.
” People can send their transire goods from Lagos Cotonou, e route the bonded terminal.
” Similarly, you can do a transire from Cotonou to Nigeria e route the bonded terminal.
” Just put Only God is Wise bonded terminal and the goods will come into the terminal where the container would be unstuffed and loaded into a truck for its  journey to its final destination after all the necessary customs documentation and payment are made”
Adenuga said this procedure has boosted regional trade and enhanced the revenue profile of the border station.
“A lot of people see goods at the border as  smuggled goods.
” That is not true. There are legitimate goods at the border.
” So with this  bonded terminal, it shows that legitimate business can be done at the border and they pay duties into the federal government coffers.
“You know, if you go to the port, you’ll see container number so-so-so. But from here, it’s truck number. So this is  to serve as accountability and to avert fraud.
“So every Kobo collected goes into the federation account.
Staff Welfare: 
Comptroller Adenuga said on his assumption of duties, one of his priorities was to enhance staff welfare for optimum productivity.
Consequent upon this, he said his management renovated the staff quarters which has been in shambles over the years.
He said the place is well- lit at night with other recreational amenities such as functional officers mess which make the working environment conducive.
“The Officers are high in spirit and are putting in their maximum efforts into the job.
” We work till around 7 to 8  pm to ensure there is no backlog of untreated entries.
” This could be achieved because the officers are happy and their morale is boosted by the humane environment in which they are working” Onanuga declared.
In addition, the Comptroller said he has renovated the examination bay at the border which is well- lit at night.
” We achieved all these to boost the morale of our men and officers to put in their best.
” And this has paid off with their high productivity rate” the Comptroller declared.
Stakeholders collaboration:
Comptroller Adenuga said he conducts regular stakeholders meetings, especially with the Obas, Chiefs, Baales of the border communities to engender good rapport and cordial relationship with the border communities which he believed is necessary for uninterrupted customs operations in the area.
He also said that he has a good working relationship with his Beninuou counterpart for seamless cross – border operations.
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Comptroller Adenuga also takes synergy between his command and other sister agencies at the border such as NDLEA, Immigration, Police and NAFDAC,very seriously.
” We do hold regular meetings where we have frank discussions with one another on the need to ensure seamless cross – border trade and work towards achieving same purpose of realizing government vision of enthroning friendly business environment at the border.
” We talk as brothers, we talk as friends, we talk with one voice” the Customs chief declared.
Adenuga said such collaboration has led to drastic reduction of check points along Seme border to Agbara, in Ogun state.
According to him , when he assumed duties in September, he met between 20 to 30 customs checkpoints along the corridor but said the numbers have reduced drastically.
” We have been able to collapse some of these checkpoints to reduce their numbers.
“We have two approved Customs checkpoints between Seme and Agbara and they are at Agbara and Gbaji.
“However,  we have about three to four roving checkpoints which are interventionist in nature.
” They are not stationary but roving as interventionists” the Comptroller said.
” All the security agencies know there is need to reduce checkpoints on the road because the development is shameful to us as a nation”
Comptroller Adenuga has recorded these achievements within the two months he assumed duties at the border station.
His impact has however reverberated across the border so much so that a Non- Governmental Organization(NGO)of ECOWAS called The Corridor, has commended him for his action.
“To God be the glory, we have an NGO, we call it The Corridor.
“The Corridor is an NGO of ECOWAS that monitors all the ECOWAS borders.
“And they came here to look at what is happening in Seme right now and they gave us a kudo because one, we facilitate a lot of trade. You know, this is cross-border trade.
“So there have been a lot of improvements in the cross-border trade between Nigeria and other West African countries” Comptroller Adenuga declared.
Challenges:
Adenuga disclosed that his main challenge at the border station is lack of scanning machine.
According to him, the one donated by the ECOWAS is spoilt.
He said he would have loved to have a functional scanner that will further enhance trade facilitation.
But he took solace in the fact that the CGC Adeniyi has taken up the matter with the President of the ECOWAS.
“Yeah, we have challenges. For example, the scanners. Yeah, the issue of scanners.
“I would have loved to do scanning because this will reduce time of examination.
” Yeah, we are still on 100 percent examination because there is no scanner on ground but with scanner, I can scan 10 consignments within 10 minutes.
” The only scanner which the ECOWAS donated to us is spoilt but the CGC has taken it up with the ECOWAS president.
” So with the CGC taking it upon himself, and I think very soon, with the
volume of trade going on here, I think it will be repaired and put in place” Adenuga enthused.
Projections:
Adenuga said in the next few years, he wanted to see Seme- Krake border command rival the conventional Ports of Apapa and Tin Can commands in revenue generation and also to be the biggest border station in West Africa.
He said by the time he is leaving as the Area Controller of the border station, he envisage the border command to be  grossing between 5 and 6 billion Naira monthly.
“Yeah, I want a situation that in the nearest future, Seme border will be the number one in West Africa where legitimate businesses can be done seamlessly.
“Let’s grow the trade between the
West African countries.
“Let’s grow the trade. When we grow the trade across the borders, among the West African countries, the level of inflation will drop. That’s correct.
“Two, unemployment among all these West African countries will reduce.
” You know the level of crime is high in the region but the more our inflation drops, companies are producing, people can trade among themselves,  you’ll discover that crime rates will reduce.
” And then, you know, when all these
things are done, our revenue will increase.
“I’m projecting that by the grace of almighty God, by the time I’m leaving Seme, the revenue of Seme Command should be dangling between 5 billion and 6 billion monthly.
” Then Seme border will be competing with the conventional Ports in Lagos” Adenuga enthused.
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