Customs

Adeniyi expresses gratitude to Tinubu over tenure extension, says gesture is call to service

— sets code of conduct for officers to rebrand Customs image.

Funso OLOJO

The Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the extension of his tenure in office.

It could be recalled that President Tinubu recently granted an approval for the extension of the tenure of the CGC by another one year to enable him to complete his bold reforms he has initiated to reposition the service.

Adeniyi, while unveiling a new code of conduct booklet for Customs officers in Abuja on Tuesday August 5th, 2025 to rebrand the service, declared that such rare gesture from Mr President was a call to service and more hardwork.

” The extension of my tenure by Mr President is a renewed motivation and inspiration to do more in the service of the country.” an elated Adeniyi declared.

Meanwhile, in continuation of his efforts to reform and reposition the service, the CGC has launched a booklet containing a body of code of conduct for customs officers that will guide their interactions with the local and international audience in a bid to build the image of the service in a positive light.

Called the Reputation Management Guide, the booklet service as a moral compass for all customs Officers and a key policy document aimed at reorienting officers on the values, behaviours, and standards required to uphold the service’s image.

The unveiling ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, was led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in the presence of management members, senior officers, communication professionals, and public relations practitioners.

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General described the launch as a strategic milestone in the Service’s transformation agenda, noting that the new guide is intended to equip officers with practical tools to build trust, deepen transparency, and align with global expectations for modern customs administration.

“We want to launch a new phase of Customs. We want to go beyond our traditional mandate. This guide is an opportunity for every Customs officer to be part of a project that rewrites the history of our Service,” he declared.

CGC Adeniyi, a seasoned public relations expert and advocate of institutional branding, explained that the document was developed not only to guide internal conduct but also to reflect the core values of integrity, professionalism, and service excellence that the NCS must embody in its daily interactions with citizens, businesses, and global partners.

Citing recent achievements as evidence of ongoing reform, the CGC stated that the Service had consistently exceeded its revenue targets, enhancing its capacity to tackle illicit trade, improve trade facilitation, and contribute to national security.

“In 2023, we recorded a 70 per cent revenue increase. In 2024, that figure rose to 92 per cent. Beyond these numbers, what gladdens me most is that the world is taking note of the impact our initiatives are making,” he said.

He further emphasised that Customs officers must now reposition themselves as law enforcers and credible ambassadors of a responsive and responsible government institution.

“The World Customs Organisation (WCO) expects Customs administrations to champion transparency, inclusivity, and ethical leadership. Our response to this is the deliberate rollout of internal initiatives like the Reputation Guide and our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes,” Adeniyi noted.

He also reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to inclusive governance and gender representation, referencing the Service’s efforts to empower women and mainstream equity in leadership positions.

CGC Adeniyi also noted that the Service had aligned its community interventions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, investing in education, healthcare, access to water, and the creative economy to leave a tangible legacy in host communities.

He described the unveiling of the Reputation Management Guide as a continuation of this national agenda, an initiative designed to shape institutional culture and improve citizens’ perception of the Service.

“This guide is not just a document but a call to action. It reminds every officer that our image is built not only by what we do but also by how we do it,” he added.

In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ike Neliaku, who was ably represented by the Vice President of the Institute, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, commended the Nigeria Customs for taking a bold step in institutionalising reputation management within the agency.

He noted that the unveiling of the handbook was not a symbolic gesture but a practical demonstration that Customs does not treat reputation as a mere buzzword, but as a vital asset that every organisation must nurture to thrive in today’s competitive environment.

Neliaku described the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, as an embodiment of sterling professional reputation, citing his track record of dedication, discipline, and reform-oriented leadership.

He said the decision to launch a formal guide for officer conduct under Adeniyi’s watch reflected the CG’s belief in the power of perception, credibility, and institutional integrity.

The NIPR President further disclosed that in a recent nationwide reputation perception survey conducted by the Institute, the Nigeria Customs Service scored significantly high marks in how it has been discharging its core mandates.

According to him, this positive outcome is an encouraging sign that the agency’s reforms are working internally and resonating with the public.

He expressed confidence that the handbook would better equip Customs officers to represent the Service with a strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

He also assured the NIPR of its continued partnership with the Nigeria Customs in the ongoing effort to reshape Nigeria’s national image through responsible institutional behaviour.

The launch of the Reputation Management Guide marks another important stride in the Customs modernisation journey, reinforcing its commitment to reform, capacity development, and stakeholder confidence.

Customs

Apapa Customs records major breakthrough in anti- smuggling operations.

– intercepts 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals, other contraband goods worth N6.38billion

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a huge success in its relentless war against traders of illicit products when its officers intercepted 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals and other contraband goods.

Unveiling the contraband goods at the APM Terminals,Apapa port on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the intercepted consignments are worth over N6.38 billion.

Adeniyi, while speaking with Journalists, revealed that the interception and seizures were made possible through intelligence-driven operations supported by cargo scanning technology and targeted physical examination.

He explained that officers detected irregular cargo profiles during routine scanning procedures, prompting detailed physical inspections that uncovered several prohibited and falsely declared consignments.

According to him, among the seizures was a 40-foot container loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, including Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, Chloroquine injections and Diclofenac tablets.

Customs officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers filled with unregistered pharmaceutical products, including Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate.

In another discovery, a 20-foot container carrying 800 cartons of codeine was found carefully concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware.

Other pharmaceutical seizures included cartons of Artesunate injections, while a separate container was discovered to contain restricted security equipment such as bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies and tactical torches imported without the required End User Certificates.

The Service also uncovered multiple containers loaded with expired food items, including muffin cookies, 36,000 cans of expired energy drinks, and large quantities of expired tomato paste brands.

In addition, officers seized a 40-foot container containing 1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup concealed among luxury food flasks.

Another container was found carrying 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine hidden with electric kettles, alongside additional cartons of Co-codamol tablets.

Customs further intercepted 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing 347.57 kilograms, which were concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Adeniyi described the seizures as a major breakthrough in the Service’s ongoing crackdown on illicit trade and smuggling through Nigeria’s seaports.

He warned that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses serious risks to public health, while the smuggling of codeine-based products contributes to the growing problem of substance abuse.

The Comptroller-General emphasized that under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized goods are liable to outright forfeiture, adding that investigations are ongoing and all persons connected to the shipments will face prosecution.

He also stressed that the Service is expanding the use of Non-Intrusive Inspection (cargo scanning) to improve cargo clearance efficiency while strengthening enforcement against high-risk consignments.

According to him, Apapa Port processes thousands of containers daily, making it one of the most strategic trade gateways in West Africa.

“Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation,” Adeniyi stated.

He assured compliant traders that Customs enforcement is not aimed at legitimate business but at protecting Nigeria’s economy and citizens from dangerous and illegal imports.

Customs

Dera Nnadi bows out of Customs in a blaze of glory

Geraldine Samuel, Reporter

Dera Nnadi, a Deputy Comptroller- General of Customs(rtd), has dropped anchor of service in the Nigeria Customs and graceful bowed out of the agency in a blaze of glory.

In a commemorative retirement ceremony conducted by his appreciative colleagues at the Customs’ Headquarters, Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Nnadi was pulled out of the Service he has diligently served amidst glowing tributes.

Incidentally, his pull- out ceremony coincided with his 60th birthday.

Leading the management staff, men and officers of the service in paying moving tributes to the retiring Nnadi was the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who described DCG(rtd) Nnadi as an exemplary officer whose professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty significantly strengthened the values and operational effectiveness of the NCS.

According to the CGC, the retirement ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate a successful career but also to appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of officers who devote their lives to safeguarding the nation’s economic and border security interests.

He noted that Nnadi’s career reflects the core ideals of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in leadership, revenue generation and trade facilitation.

“Today is a moment of celebration and reflection. It is also an opportunity for us to thank Almighty God for the grace that has sustained our colleague throughout his years of service,” the CGC said.

The CGC also highlighted the personal and professional bond he shares with the retiree, noting that their relationship extends beyond official duties to family ties.

He expressed confidence that DCG Nnadi still possesses the energy and experience to continue contributing meaningfully to national development through academic and other professional engagements.

Members of the Service’s management team also paid glowing tributes to the retired DCG, commending his leadership qualities, integrity and mentorship.

Officers who served under him described him as a dependable leader who provided guidance and encouragement to younger personnel while strengthening the Service’s institutional capacity.

Responding to the honour, DCG Dera Nnadi (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, the management team, officers and Men of the Service for their support and cooperation throughout his career.

He described his years in the NCS as a fulfilling journey of growth, learning and service to the nation.

The ceremony featured the presentation of awards, gift items and commemorative photographs in honour of the distinguished officer.

Customs

Customs takes charge of implementation of National Single Window project

– rallies stakeholders for successful take-off

Funso OLOJO, Editor

As the preparations for the official launch of National Single Window(NSW) project on March 27th, 2026 gather momentum, the Nigeria Customs service may have been designated as the lead agency to drive the modernisation project.

This much was confirmed by the Director of the Project, Tola Fakolade who acknowledged the pivotal leadership of the NCS in the implementation process.

At one of the stakeholders sensitisation programmes in Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Fakolade declared “Our number one stakeholder is the NCS,”

“We have maintained a strong and constructive working relationship.

Customs’ participation and institutional experience are critical to the success of this project.” the project coordinator confirmed.

Confirming the lead role of the NCS, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, described the NSW as a major milestone in the Service’s ongoing modernisation drive.

She revealed that the NCS has been actively engaged in preparatory work for months to ensure that the framework being developed reflects operational realities and supports seamless implementation.

“This is a national project, but Customs is at the centre of its execution,” DCG Adebakin said.

“The success of the Single Window depends on collective understanding and cooperation. We must all appreciate its value because we cannot effectively promote what we do not fully understand.”

She reassured officers and stakeholders that the initiative is designed to strengthen institutional capacity rather than replace human resources, explaining that technology will enhance efficiency, transparency, and speed in cargo clearance and trade documentation processes.

Reaffirming the critical role of the service in the implementation of the NSW project, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Abuja stakeholders engagement with airlines and shipping companies held on March 4th, 2026, emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring the successful rollout of the initiative.

He noted that the support of critical stakeholders has played a significant role in the achievements recorded in the Service’s modernisation journey so far.

Adeniyi disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the Service to take a bold step forward towards a successful launch of the National Single Window, a move aimed at positioning Nigeria as a major player in global trade.

He added that airline and shipping line operators remain vital partners in ensuring a seamless transition to the new system.

He further assured stakeholders that adequate support structures are being put in place to ease the migration process.

“A help desk with well-trained personnel will be available to address any operational challenges that may arise during the rollout”, the Comptroller-General stated.

The NCS described the National Single Window as a strategic reform that aligns with Customs’ mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and inter-agency coordination.

With the NCS spearheading coordination and stakeholder engagement, the NSW project is expected to transform Nigeria’s trade environment, enhance revenue generation, and strengthen the country’s position in the global trading community.