Customs
Customs automates acquisition, renewal of licenses, permits to enhance efficiency, revenue boost.
Funso OLOJO, Editor
In order to consolidate the automation of its operations, the Nigeria Customs Service, has concluded preparations to automate the process of Licenses, Permits acquisition and renewal.
To achieve this landmark initiative, the Service has trained its bond officers of various area commands who will drive the process.
While unveiling the automation process to stakeholders in Lagos on Monday, February 23rd, 2026, the Comptroller – General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi said the initiative was driven by the desire of the Customs management to make licenses and permits acquisition and renewal less cumbersome, promote ease of doing business and boost revenue generation.
CGC Adeniyi, who was represented by Comptroller NJ Anozie, further expanded the benefits of the automation process.
“Automation will save importers, clearing and forwarding agents the stress of acquiring or renewing their Licenses and Permits as they would be sitting in the comfort of their offices/homes to initiate and complete the process.
“Officers and men of License and Permit Unit, the bond seat unit of various Commands will also be saved some stress, as all their responsibilities would just be ‘clicks’ on the systems in front of their desks, as opposed to carrying loads of files from one table to another and from one office to the other.
“Automation will cut the cost of doing business and minimize movement risks for our stakeholders.
“They would no longer be jumping on buses or flights to and fro Customs Headquarters-Abuja, paying hotel bills plus feeding for days, to obtain or renew their licenses and permits.
“Automation will minimize, if not eradicate fraudulent practices in the system, as every single document that is uploaded in the course of this process will be automatically rejected by default, if it is fake and accepted if it is genuine.
“L&P can now view assessments through the B’Odogwu to be sure that any company applying for fresh or renewal of licences or permits is not having unpaid assessments hanging on it”
The Customs boss said he was poised to sanitize the system and urged the Licences and Permits unit of the Service to be passionate in driving this initiative.
He further disclosed that the automation process will save the importers and their agents time and money which they normally expended in manual process.
Adeniyi urged the stakeholders to take advantage of this new initiative, assuring them that they would adequately be guided on how to key into the system by the bond officers who have already been trained.
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Customs
Tinubu commissions N73b new Customs facility in Ogun, as Lagos FOU ‘A’ relocates to Iperu, Ogun state.
Gloria Odion Maritime Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the multi- billion naira newly built Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ office complex of the Nigeria Customs Service in Iperu, Ogun State.
The event marked a momentous step in the Service’s expansion and reform efforts.
Speaking at the ceremony on Saturday April 4th, 2026, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi,said the project reflects the Service’s commitment to strengthening its core responsibilities of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement, while also improving the welfare and working conditions of its officers.
He explained that the new facility became necessary due to increasing operational demands and limited space at the existing office in Ikeja, Lagos.
According to him,the complex is fully equipped and ready for use.
“The Federal Operations Unit will relocate here as soon as possible. The facility has been fully furnished, with all necessary equipment installed to ensure smooth operations.
“It also includes a modern armoury, and a warehouse located directly opposite the complex to support operations,including those at the nearby aviation village,” he said.
The Comptroller-General commended the Governor of Ogun State,Dapo Abiodun, for his support in the relocation project.
He also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd), for initiating the project and laying the foundation for its completion.
On funding, Adeniyi noted that the project was initially estimated at ₦73 billion, but may be reviewed due to current economic realities.
He further disclosed that the Service has already commenced operations at the nearby cargo airport,which was also commissioned the same day, with Customs officers actively involved in cargo handling and terminal activities.
“We are already operating at the airport. Our officers were on ground to handle the first cargo offloading witnessed by Mr President.
“The necessary facilities have been provided, and operations have begun,” he added.
The project site is expected to host about 142 buildings, including a training college, multipurpose halls, and a sports complex, highlighting the Service’s long-term plan for modernisation and institutional development.
Customs
CGC Adeniyi celebrates female officers with symbolic roses in appreciation of their contributions to Customs service
Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi,on Friday, March 27th, 2026,marked the 2026 International Women’s Day with a surprise appreciation event in honour of female officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),acknowledging their contributions to the growth and development of the Service.
The event,held at the Customs House in Maitama,attracted a large turnout of officers across ranks,alongside members of the Customs Officer’s Wives Association.
As part of the celebration, attendees were presented with roses in recognition of their resilience,dedication, and service to the nation.
Addressing the gathering,the Comptroller-General stated that the initiative was intentionally designed to move away from routine ceremonies and spotlight the invaluable contributions of women, which are often overlooked.
“I know you did not come here expecting this,and that is exactly the point.
” Recognition should not only come when it is convenient or scheduled.
“Today, we chose to do something different” ,he said.
He acknowledged the paramilitary nature of the Service, nothing that while tradition and hierarchy remain important,the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the role of women within the institution.
”This is a paramilitary organisation guided by tradition and protocol,but today we are united in celebrating the women of the Nigeria Customs Service”, he added.
CGC Adeniyi described female officers as critical to the Service’s operations, commending their professionalism and commitment across various formations nationwide.
”You are central to our success.I appreciate your resilience and dedication in your respective roles across the country”, he said.
He further noted that the initiative is aimed at recognising outstanding women within the Service and reinforce a culture that values hard work and dedication regardless of gender.
In her remarks, the National President of the Customs Officer’s Wives Association and wife of the Comptroller General, Kikelomo Adeniyi,described the event as a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the strength and contributions of women within the Customs community.
“This is a special occasion to recognise the resilience, dedication, and hard work of women who support the Service both directly and indirectly”, she said.
She commended the Comptroller General for his consistent support for women, nothing that his leadership has fostered greater inclusion and opportunities for growth within the Service.
“Our women are not just supporters, they are active contributors to the progress of the Service.
“Through various initiatives, we continue to empower women and families,in line with the broader reform agenda of the Nigeria Customs Service,” she added.
She also highlighted the association’s role in promoting welfare and empowerment programmes, emphasising that investing in women is key to building stronger institutions and communities.
Customs
AfCFTA adopts Nigeria as pilot country for STR, engages Customs on modalities for simplified trade
Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on March 23rd, 2026 held a strategic meeting with a delegation from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The engagement focused on advancing the implementation of the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) to support small-scale cross-border trade.
The Comptroller-General of Customs was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan.
She reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to making trade easier and more transparent,particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), through simplified customs procedures.
She noted that the Service aims to promote inclusive trade while ensuring compliance with both national and regional regulations.
Speaking during the meeting, the leader of the AfCFTA delegation, Pedro Estevao, highlighted Nigeria’s role as the pilot country for the Simplified Trade Regime in West Africa.
He added that Nigeria’s large market position places it in a strong position to drive regional trade and economic growth.
During the session, the NCS presented its draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementing the STR.
The draft outlines simplified processes for informal cross-border trade, passenger baggage, and low-value e-commerce transactions.
These processes are supported by digital declaration systems and risk-based controls.
A consultant to the AfCFTA Secretariat, Nabil Zibani, also presented the proposed continental STR framework.
He stressed the need for simple and accessible systems that will enable MSMEs to comply with customs procedures and participate more actively in regional trade.
Discussions identified key areas of alignment between the NCS draft SOP and the AfCFTA framework.
These include simplified documentation, use of digital platforms for declarations, adoption of thresholds for low-value goods, and promotion of inclusive trade, especially for women and small businesses.
Both parties agreed to continue technical engagements to refine implementation strategies, address possible challenges, and ensure proper alignment between national and continental frameworks.
The meeting marks an important step in positioning Nigeria as a pilot country for the Simplified Trade Regime under AfCFTA, while reinforcing the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to facilitating trade, strengthening regional integration, and supporting inclusive economic growth.
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