Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched its Management Information System (MIS) File Tracker at the Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Area Command, using the command as the pilot location for the new digital initiative.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, described the deployment as part of the Service’s commitment to deepening the use of technology to improve personnel administration and enhance the speed and efficiency of document processing.

Represented at the launch by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernisation, DCC Oluyomi Adebakin, the CGC said the initiative marks another milestone in the Service’s expanding modernisation agenda, which is focused on deploying digital solutions to improve operational efficiency, strengthen transparency and facilitate seamless trade.

Adebakin reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to leveraging technology to transform its operations and improve service delivery.

She noted that, as the architect of several landmark digital initiatives, including the Nigeria Trade Portal and the Customs Verification Management System, the deployment of the MIS File Tracker further demonstrates the Service’s resolve to embrace innovation in line with global best practices.

According to her, the introduction of the MIS File Tracker will further consolidate PTML Command’s reputation as a hub of innovation within the Service through features designed to simplify administrative processes and improve efficiency.

She explained that the MIS is an enterprise-wide platform for Customs administrative processes, serving as a Single Sign-On (SSO) application that enables a unified data set to be accessed and utilised across all departments.

Adebakin urged officers to maximise the platform for key administrative functions, including leave and pass applications, file tracking, duty roster management, internal staff orders, nominal roll management and other administrative processes.

She added that the platform also provides channels for users to submit feedback on areas requiring modifications, additional features and further improvements.

She said the deployment is expected to streamline internal workflows, reduce reliance on manual processes and support data-driven decision-making across the Service.

PTML Area Command, widely regarded as one of the most technologically advanced commands in the Nigeria Customs Service, has consistently served as the pilot location for several digital transformation projects, including the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Controller of PTML Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Nura Miko, expressed confidence in the command’s ability to successfully implement the new system and serve as a model for Customs innovation nationwide.

Miko said the command is fully committed to maximising all technology-driven trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the Customs management.

He thanked the Comptroller-General for his confidence in the command’s capacity to deliver and disclosed that efforts are underway to reduce the cargo clearance time for compliant Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cargoes from the current two hours to just one hour.

Describing the MIS File Tracker as another bold step in the Service’s digital transformation journey, Miko pledged that the PTML Area Command would justify the confidence reposed in it by ensuring the successful implementation of the system from the pilot phase through full deployment.

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed as false reports alleging that smugglers had taken over the Idiroko–Sango Ota trading route in Ogun State, describing the claims as a deliberate misrepresentation of a traffic incident.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs (SC) Chado, the Command clarified that the traffic gridlock on the route resulted from the breakdown of an articulated commercial trailer after it fell into a badly deteriorated section of Atan Road, temporarily obstructing the free flow of traffic.
According to the Command, the vehicles caught in the ensuing congestion were legitimate commercial trucks transporting red palm oil to various local markets and had no connection whatsoever with smuggling activities.
It explained that the large number of heavy-duty trucks trapped in the gridlock may have led some members of the public to wrongly conclude that smugglers had taken over the road.
“The reports that smugglers blocked the road are inaccurate. The disruption resulted from a road accident and poor road conditions. The vehicles involved were lawful commercial vehicles transporting red palm oil for legitimate trade,” Chado stated.
The Command urged journalists, social media users and the general public to verify information before disseminating reports capable of creating unnecessary panic or undermining public confidence in security agencies.
Observers within the border trade sector noted that the allegation does not reflect the prevailing security situation within the Ogun I Area Command, where anti-smuggling operations have been intensified under the leadership of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Comptroller O.O. Afeni.
Since assuming office, Comptroller Afeni has strengthened intelligence-driven surveillance, enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and host communities, and sustained pressure on economic saboteurs operating along the Ogun border corridors.
These measures, according to stakeholders, have resulted in significant seizures of prohibited goods and reinforced the Command’s resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s economy and territorial integrity.
Maritime and border trade stakeholders also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of undermining the efforts of security personnel or creating a false impression of lawlessness in border communities.
They stressed that while combating smuggling remains an ongoing responsibility, responsible and accurate reporting is equally critical to ensuring that operational achievements are not overshadowed by misinformation.
The Ogun I Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining its anti-smuggling campaign while facilitating legitimate cross-border trade in line with the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disbursed N7.61 billion to nine Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) for the payment of retirement benefits to 4,237 retired Customs officers, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of its former personnel.

Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a dialogue with retired officers held on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026, where he announced that the funds had already been released to the PFAs for immediate credit to the retirees’ individual Retirement Savings Accounts.

According to the beneficiary breakdown, Premium Pension has the highest number of beneficiaries with 2,268 retirees, followed by Access-ARM Pension Managers with 1,223.

Leadway Pensions will pay 403 retirees, TrustFund Pensions 156, FCMB Pensions 144, Veritas Glanvills Pensions 28, Norrenberger Pensions 11, while Fidelity Pension Managers will pay four retirees, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 4,237.

Addressing the retirees, Adeniyi stressed that the Customs Service remains committed to ensuring the welfare of both serving and retired officers, noting that the institution’s future is closely tied to how it treats those who devoted their careers to its service.

He said the Service must remain financially strong and capable of meeting its obligations, emphasizing that retirees deserve dignity and timely access to their benefits.

The CGC also called for sustained engagement between the Service and its retirees, explaining that the dialogue was convened to address concerns, foster mutual understanding, and dispel misinformation.

“I acknowledge your concerns and suggestions, and it is in view of this that we convened this dialogue to promote better understanding and reduce the effect of rumours and unofficial information on the relationship between the Service and its retired personnel,” Adeniyi said.

Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, DCG Tijjani Abe, and other members of the Customs Management Team, who assured the retirees that the issues raised would receive due consideration at both the Board and Management levels.

The retired officers commended the Comptroller-General and the Management for creating a platform for direct interaction, describing the engagement as timely and beneficial.

They appealed for the dialogue to become a regular feature to strengthen the bond between the Service and its retired workforce.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of ongoing Federal Government efforts to improve pension administration, following plans to review relevant statutory provisions, including Section 15(4) of the Pension Reform Act 2014, in line with Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), with the aim of enhancing the welfare of pensioners across the public service.