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Beyond euphoria of WCO chairmanship: Stakeholders urge Nigeria to translate global Customs ascendency to reformation of Port industry

Funso OLOJO

The stakeholders at the maritime industry were firm and unanimous in their admonition that the Nigerian government should leverage the ascendency of Nigeria to global Customs top hierarchy to position the Port industry into a world player with improved port efficiency, world class infrastructure and automated port system.
It could be recalled that the Comptroller- General of Customs,  Adewale Adeniyi, in June, 2025 became the first Nigerian to be elected as the Chairman of the World Customs Organization(WCO).
His historic election elicited wild jubilation and encomiums as Nigerians expressed undisguised happiness over the feat.
However, maritime experts who spoke at the one- day seminar organized by the League of Maritime Editors(LOME) in Lagos on Tuesday, September 30th,2025, warned that Nigerians should not be carried away with the historic feat.
The lead speaker, Dr Eugene Nweke, the Head of Research at Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC), who spoke on the theme of the seminar “Nigeria ‘s Chairmanship of WCO Council: The Impact on Nation’s Economy” advised that the position is not a trophy to decorate the shelf but rather it was a call to duty and a rare opportunity for the country to leverage  the feat to stimulate its maritime industry.
 Represented by Francis Aneze-Chukwu, Dr Nweke,  said the country’s new  customs global status will pale into insignificance if Nigeria fails to leverage the position to improve Port efficiency, engender reforms and strengthen regulatory laws to protect legitimate trade
Addressing the gathering which cut across operators of the port industry,  Nweke declared that Nigeria’s July 1, 2025 assumption of the WCO Council chair—an institution representing over 180 customs administrations and 98 percent of world trade—places the nation under an unforgiving global spotlight.
“This position is not for celebration alone; it is power to influence customs standards and champion Africa’s trade future. Leadership without domestic discipline is hollow,” he said.
He warned that despite Customs generating ₦1.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, port congestion and inefficiencies continue to drain an estimated $4 billion annually.
Nweke outlined six key reforms under Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi—Time Release Studies, data-driven inspections, advance ruling applications, the Authorized Economic Operator programme, the B’Odogwu single-window migration, and rapid cargo scanners—as the springboard to leverage Nigeria’s WCO status, but cautioned that infrastructure decay, policy flip-flops and entrenched bureaucracy could erode the gains.
Turning his focus to the media, he charged maritime journalists to “educate, interrogate and shape narratives” rather than indulge in “undue praises that make us a collective ridicule,” urging them to become professors of the maritime space and watchdogs of reform.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima,  who was also represented by Mrs Margaret Ogbonna, Director Regulatory Services department, insisted that Nigeria’s international leadership must be matched by “strong, clear and enforceable laws” to regulate ports and protect shippers.
He called for the urgent passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill to give the NSC a statutory mandate to curb monopolies, enforce competition and end opaque concession renewals.
 “The world is watching Nigeria, and credibility abroad will only be matched by credibility at home,” he warned.
The  former General Manager of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogwu, reminded the gathering that the Customs Service remains the frontline enforcer of border laws and the first symbol of government authority at every port.
“For us who are professionals, the rest of you can look at the signboards and say NPA ports, but we insiders know it is first a customs area.
“That is where customs enforce all border fiscal regulations, demonstrate trade facilitation, and show that they can attract foreign investment,” he said.
While congratulating the Comptroller-General on his global appointment, Ebubeogwu warned that the WCO Council is a “salad of interests—country interests, regional interests, diplomacy and politics,” and urged stakeholders to rally behind Adeniyi to protect Nigeria’s and Africa’s stake in the organization.
 He called on the maritime press to “manage his image and talk up his reputation” so that Nigeria’s tenure at the WCO strengthens the nation’s profile rather than diminishes it.
Earlier in her welcome address, President of the League of Maritime Editors, Mrs. Remi Itie, described Adeniyi’s election as “a historic moment for Nigeria” and a clear signal of the country’s growing influence in global customs affairs.
She noted that as WCO chair, Adeniyi now provides strategic leadership to the global customs agenda on trade facilitation, revenue optimization, security, and digital transformation.
But she challenged participants to go beyond celebration and interrogate how this elevation will “boost the nation’s growth index and possibly change the narrative concerning Nigeria’s trade and image abroad.”
Calling on government to harness the country’s maritime potential to create jobs for Nigeria’s vast youth population, Itie urged coastal states to look beyond federal allocations and invest in maritime opportunities such as seafaring, fishing, agro-tourism and coastal security.
“We cannot run away from global trade,” she said. “Nigeria has the natural resources to create more jobs through the nation’s maritime potentials.”
The speakers and stakeholders agreed that Nigeria’s WCO chairmanship offers a rare chance to align with global best practices on customs governance and trade facilitation.
But they stressed that prestige alone will not cut cargo dwell times that still average 20–25 days—among the worst in West Africa—nor end the corruption and inefficiency that cost traders billions.
 “Let Customs deliver, let industry comply, and let the press profess,” Nweke charged.
The speakers were unanimous in their conviction and submission that  Nigeria’s new global customs power is a weapon.
They believed that without decisive reforms, strong laws and relentless enforcement, the global recognition will remain an unused sword while the nation’s ports will continue to wallow in inefficiency and corruption.
The event witnessed presentations  of awards to deserving industry players such as the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council NSC Barrister Pius Akutah, the Controller of Lagos A Federal Operations unit of Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller MS Shuaibu.
Others were the Tin Can Island Customs Area Controller,  Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Assistant Comptroller- General Babatunde Olomu and the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola.
Charles Edike, a retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs(ACG) presided over the event.
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Customs

Oyo/Osun Customs Command collects 27.2billon revenue in Q1 2026

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has posted an impressive 95% increase in revenue collection in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Led by Acting Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, the command generated ₦27.2 billion between January and March 2026, up from ₦13.97 billion in Q1 2025.
A breakdown of the generated revenue revealed that the command raked in a total sum of N5,977,766,941.65 in January 2026 which was about N2 billion lower (23% down) than the total sum of N7,804,408,776.88 collected in the same period of 2025.
However, despite a dip in January, revenue rebounded strongly in February and March.
 In February , the command’s revenue collection jumped up astronomically to a total sum of N8,767,974,864.40 against the very low total revenue of N2,289,193,870 realized in the corresponding period of 2025.
This year’s February revenue is over 383% higher than the revenue collected the same period last year.
February’s performance was the standout, with collections nearly quadrupling year-on-year.
In March 2026, Acting Comptroller Adewole’s administrative ingenuity and thoroughness further shored up the revenue generation of the command in the month under review to a total sum of N12,454,516,158.62.
 In the corresponding period  of last year, the command’s generated revenue was a patry sum of N3,877,668,667.
This year’s March revenue achievement represents 321% rise over last year’s.
 Acting Comptroller Adewole’s administrative reforms and enforcement measures are credited with driving the surge.
Overall, the command’s Q1 results underscore a significant improvement in efficiency and compliance, positioning Oyo/Osun as one of the strongest performing Customs Commands in the country.
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Customs

Kaila, Seme Customs CAC, seeks collaboration with stakeholders to achieve seemless trade along border corridor 

Funso OLOJO, Editor
The new Area Controller of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has  reached out to traditional rulers and  sister agencies at the border communities to ensure the achievement of his mandate of detection, determent of smuggling, revenue generation and trade facilitation along the border corridor.
To achieve these objectives, Comptroller Kaila went on tour of the communities within the border corridor where he met and sought for the support and cooperation of major critical stakeholders, including the traditional rulers and sister agencies.
According to him, his objective was to eradicate trade hindrances affecting free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan business corridor.
Speaking at the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I who was a well recognized traditional ruler across the border communities.
“”The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service.
“Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling.
“And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we can not have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said
 The King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, who described Kaila as the son of the soil, added that “We have listened to your request.
” Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, signifies his commitment to fostering the service relationship with residents living within the border  communities
“I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required.
” In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he mentioned
While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.
“I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need.
“Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your presence here, things will change for the better, ” he said
In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, Kaila also visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry.
The  Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy  Medugu,expressed the  readiness of the formation to always support the command in achieving its mandate.
“Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility.
” Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said
The Area Controller then ended his familirisation tour with seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office, showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
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Customs

SIFAX Group sponsors Customs feature film “Novara”

– a story- telling movie on the sacrifices, resilience of customs officers in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders 
Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
In a landmark evening that brought together the worlds of commerce, security, and storytelling, SIFAX Group was prominently recognised as a major sponsor at the star-studded premiere of ‘Novara’,  the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) debut feature film, held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Viva Cinemas, Jara Mall, Ikeja, Lagos.
The high-profile event, which drew senior customs officials, industry leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and entertainment figures, marked an unprecedented moment in Nigeria’s institutional storytelling, with the NCS leveraging the power of cinema to illuminate the bravery and sacrifices of its officers in the relentless fight against smuggling.
Representing SIFAX Group at the event was Mrs Ololade Dawodu, Head of Clearing and Forwarding at SIFAX Shipping, who delivered an address that drew a direct line between the film’s narrative and the realities of maritime operations at Nigeria’s ports.
She noted that the story resonates strongly with real-life operations at Tin Can Island Port, one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial gateways and a critical hub within SIFAX Group’s operational landscape.
“For those of us in the industry, the sight of cargo ships and port operations is familiar but this film takes us beyond the surface, revealing the high-stakes reality that underpins global logistics.” she said.
Dawodu emphasised that the story goes beyond entertainment, serving as a tribute to the courage and resilience of officers who protect the nation’s economic lifelines.
She pointed to the film’s portrayal of loss and sacrifice as a sobering reminder of the human cost tied to security enforcement.
“At SIFAX Group, we believe that a secure maritime sector is the backbone of a thriving economy. Without security, trade cannot flourish.” she stated.
SIFAX Group’s partnership with the initiative did not go unnoticed.
The film’s producer, Agozie Ugwu, and the Superintendent of Customs 1, Mr Okpanachi Adejoh, both publicly commended SIFAX Group’s contributions to the project’s success, describing the Group’s sponsorship as instrumental in bringing the story to the screen at the scale it deserved.
The premiere concluded on a reflective note, with guests commending both the storytelling and the collaboration between the creative industry and key institutions.
 For SIFAX Group, the evening reinforced a clear message: sustainable growth in trade and logistics depends not only on infrastructure and expertise, but also on unwavering commitment to security.
About ‘Novara’
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Agozie Ugwu and featuring veteran Nollywood actors Francis Duru and Ray Adeka, Novara tells the story of a dedicated customs officer navigating the dangers of undercover operations, while also shedding light on the personal sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel.
 Through its narrative, the film highlights the often-unseen risks involved in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
The film follows Superintendent Panshak Asiya, an undercover Customs officer who risks everything, including the safety of his family, to dismantle one of the country’s most dangerous smuggling syndicates.
Beyond its gripping action sequences, the film explores themes of love, faith, sacrifice, and the unseen human cost of law enforcement.
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