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Farinto calls for removal of Finance Minister —-says she lacks capacity to control Customs.

Eyewitness reporter
Kayode Farinto, the National Vice- President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has accused the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, of gross underperformance and lack of capacity to provide effective leadership to drive the economy.
Farinto, who is the Managing Director of Wealthy Honey Investment, lamented that the gap in the leadership of the Minister has led to the unrestrained impunity in the Nigeria Customs service which he accused of killing trade in Nigeria.
He, therefore, called for the replacement of the Minister with a technocrat who is well versed in fiscal economic policies and has the capacity to give effective leadership to the customs authority.
“We need to rejuvenate the Federal Ministry of Finance by appointing another technocrat to move our economy forward and we need an Honorable Minister of Finance that will be able to supervise and direct the new management team of Nigeria customs service to be reconstituted.
“The first panacea to revamp our economy is to appoint a vibrant and versatile economist as Honorable Minister of Finance because the present one lacks the ability to move our economy forward at post covid – 19 pandemic”  Farinto declared.
 He lamented that the timid nature and lack of capacity of the present Minister has created a demagogue in the customs who runs the Service with arrogant impunity without recourse to the supervising Minister.
Farinto, who was speaking in his office Friday, bemoaned the lack of professionalism in the Nigeria Customs service which he said has led to the gradual erosion of the legacy of late Abdullahi Dikko, whom he said enthroned the culture of professionalism during his tenure as the CGC.
The ANLCA chieftain claimed that the rating of the Nigeria Customs has nosed- dived under the current leadership which he accused of desecrating the trade facilitation role of the customs in its inordinate pursuit of revenue generation.

Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance

Farinto, while enumerating the numerous infractions under the current leadership of the service, blamed what he called the laid-back attitude of the supervising Minister whose words, he claimed, are not respected by the CGC.
He observed that as the supervising Minister and the chairman of the Customs’ Board, Mrs Zainab Ahmed does not exert the requisite authority on the Customs’management led by Col(rtd) Hameed Ali.
The customs broker lamented that this lack of control has led to the free, unchecked, and unrestrained reign of operational impunities in the customs.
“The economy of the country is sliding to abysmal level courtesy of NCS refusal to go professional. The issue of trade facilitation has been jettisoned while importers are continually being arm twisted to pay arbitrary demand notices on imported goods” Farinto noted.
“We are bleeding and this issue has gotten to a level that younger agents may resort to self-help should this extortion by Nigeria customs officers continue.
“The recent media seizures by the Nigeria customs service needs to be investigated. We now have what is called “Audio Seizures”, since they know the CGC is ignorant, you find some Comptollers calling press conferences for Audio Seizures, i.e seizures that never existed or repeating some seizure already shown to be public few years/ months back.
” This is not only uncustoms but a disservice to the nation which requires a  probe panel.
“The Federal Ministry of Finance is shirking in its responsibility.
“The Honorable Minister of Finance has shirked her responsibility and has completely failed Nigerians. We have put up letters on several occasions to demand clarifications on certain issues as regard import guidelines and on these occasions, the ministry has failed to respond and where she does, is unable to put NCS on her toes to abide by extant laws, directives,

Hameed Ali, CGC

or policies of the Federal Government.”

Farinto however advised the government to immediately reverse the current dangerous trend in the customs by appointing a thoroughbred customs officer to head the Service which he said is presently bedeviled with uncustoms practices.

“The Federal Government must assist the economy if Nigeria will not be doomed economically, by appointing from the crop of intelligent young Comptrollers that will move the economy forward and not amongst these ones that have not only eaten the forbidden fruits but infected by the current leadership in power”

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Customs

Relief as Customs grants January 31st, 2026 extension for fast track operators to migrate to AEO

Funso Olojo
The Nigeria Customs Service has now extended the earlier December 31st, 2025 deadline for the migration of importers from fast track scheme to Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) to January 31st, 2026.
The extension, according to the Customs Authority, is meant to absorb more fast track operators into the AEO programme, deepen trade facilitation, secure supply chain and strengthen compliance in line with global standards.
As a result of the extension, Customs high command advised all existing Fast Track beneficiaries who are yet to complete their migration are to initiate and conclude their AEO applications through the official platform: aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng.
“The extended timeline provides operators with ample opportunity to meet programme requirements and secure AEO certification without disruption to their business operations.
” For enquiries, technical support, or guidance, stakeholders may reach the dedicated helpdesk via aeo@customs.gov.ng.
“Only companies duly certified under the AEO Programme will continue to access the facilitation privileges previously available under the Fast Track Scheme.
The AEO Programme is a globally recognised compliance-based initiative that grants trusted operators enhanced benefits such as expedited cargo release, reduced documentation, lower inspection levels, pre-arrival processing, and greater predictability in cross-border trade.
” The extension reinforces the Service’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and inclusive transition process for all stakeholders.
“This decision to fully migrate from the fast-track scheme to AEO is consistent with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and is supported by Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
To further support stakeholders and sustain ongoing sensitisation efforts, the Service will convene another comprehensive Stakeholders Engagement Forum to provide practical guidance on the migration process, demonstrate application procedures, and address compliance-related concerns.
 The forum is scheduled for Thursday, 18 December 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos, from 0900hrs to 1600hrs.
“Participants will have the opportunity to interact with AEO implementation teams and obtain detailed information on programme requirements, benefits, and operational modalities.
“The NCS urges all fast-track beneficiaries to take advantage of the extension period, participate actively in the engagement forum, and complete their transition to the AEO Programme.
” This proactive involvement not only ensures compliance with applicable regulations but also enhances the supply chain’s effectiveness and sustainability, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits all parties.
“The Service remains committed to driving trade efficiency, enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness, protecting national revenue, and promoting a predictable, transparent, and secure cargo clearance ecosystem that supports legitimate business” the agency declared.
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Customs

Again, Customs, NDLEA Collabo intercepts 2,374 packages of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port

– Comptroller Oshoba warns illicit traders against daring resolve of Customs Officers at Yuletide season 
Funso OLOJO 
For the second times in a week,  the impregnable wall of surveillance mounted by the combination of the Apapa Customs and the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against the exit of  illicit drugs from Apapa Port has interdicted a 20- foot container marked FCIU 6369526 laden with 2,374 packages of cannabis concealed in 55 bags with a  total weight of 1,187kg.
This interception, the product of a credible intelligence, came barely 5 days both agencies uncovered 25.5kg cocaine in a Brazilian flagged vessel.
The latest seizure was suspected to be
Canadian Loud, an expensive strain of cannabis concealed inside an imported vehicles.
 Both agencies, in the course of joint examination, discovered the seizure which has been taken into the custody of the NDLEA.
A breakdown of the drugs indicates that they were packed in 500 grams per sachet
Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, commended the robust synergy between the NCS and NDLEA while reiterating the service zero tolerance for smuggling.
 ” Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements.
 “No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and economy for any form of trade.
“While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle eyed officers are activated to be alert at all times.
 ” Let me warn, once again for the umpteenth time, any trader- importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond ,will face the full wrath of the law.
“Investigations are ongoing on this seizure and we shall bring the perpetrators to book” Comptroller Oshoba said.
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Customs

Comptroller Aliyu vows to sustain onslaught on smugglers as he assumes duties at FOU A

Funso OLOJO 
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, the new controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU ) A of the Nigeria Customs Service, has expressed his determination to sustain the ongoing stranglehold on smugglers and other illicit traders within the Zone
Comptroller Aliu make this pledge on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 when he assumed duties as the helmsman of the Zone A anti- smuggling unit.
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the opportunity to serve in the unit.
The new controller also commended outgoing Controller of the Unit, Muhammed Shuaibu, who has been elevated to an Assistant Comptroller General for his outstanding service, achievement and pledged to consolidate on them for greater success.
“I assure you that we will consolidate on these achievements for even greater successes.
“The FOU Zone A plays a critical role in enforcing compliance,  suppressing smuggling and safeguarding the economic integrity of our dear nation.
” I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come from this position especially within a zone as strategic, dynamic and challenging as Lagos and its environment.
“However, I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant officers and men of this command , we will continue to fulfill this mandate diligently.”
Aliyu, who until his new disposition, was the Customs Area Controller of Oyo/ Osun Command, outlined other key areas of focus that will guide the unit under his watch to include professional conduct and discipline among officers, stakeholders engagement as well as capacity building and welfare of officers.
He said, “High standards of ethics, discipline and integrity as well as accountability will remain non-negotiable.
” Every officer must ensure that their actions reflect the core values of the service.
“We will deepen collaboration with sister agencies ,community leaders and the trading public to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade.
“The motivation and welfare of officers will be prioritized to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness.”
Aliyu assured stakeholders and the trading public that justice, equity and fairness will guide the unit’s actions at all times.
He added that the unit’s operations under his watch would be underpinned by three cardinal objectives including management change, compliance management, and reputation management.
He called on all officers and stakeholders to join hands with him in this new role, promising to operate an open door policy.
Earlier, in his valedictory speech,  outgoing Controller, ACG Shuaibu, highlighted the unit’s major successes during his seven-month tenure, which began on April 23, 2025.
He stated that the unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions, comprising 761 seized items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N10.151 billion.
Some of the notable seizures listed included: 23,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailers).
 98 ‘tokunbo’vehicles, 2,350 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, and 1,820 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Others are 15 assorted rifles and 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two industrial drones, 25 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and 4 cylinders of Russian-made explosives (each weighing 50kg), seizure of $30,000 and 110 CFA, totaling N31 million, which has been secured as final forfeiture to the Federal Government.
Additionally, he said the unit within the review period arrested 38 suspects and handed over eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5 billion to NAFDAC, among other items.
Beyond enforcement, ACG Shuaibu stated that the unit recovered a total sum of N419,202,458.85 through demand notices issued on questionable declarations and undervalues, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.
He attributed the successes to the unwavering support of stakeholders and dedicated officers, urging them to extend the same level of cooperation to Comptroller Aliu.
“I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. Our shared objective remains to sustain prudent stewardship and strengthen the fight against smuggling.
” To my successor, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your appointment. I wish you great success and have no doubt that your leadership will usher in new perspectives and further advancement in these pivotal roles, ” he said.
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