Customs

Tanko decries outsourcing of Customs promotion examinations

Ibrahim Tanko

–– urges management to leverage expertise of in-house trainers at customs training schools

Funso OLOJO

A renowned freight forwarder and a social crusader, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, has frowned at the common practice by the management of the Nigeria Customs Service to outsource its officers’ promotion examinations to outsiders.

Tanko, who condemned the practice and warned of its security implications, advised the agency to instead allow its two training schools in Lagos and Kano to handle such critical assignment.

Reviewing the just concluded customs promotion examinations held in Abuja recently, Tanko, who is the National Coordinator of the NAGAFF 100 percent Compliance team, said deploying the in-house customs examiners at these training schools will preserve the sanctity and professional integrity of the service.

Recalling with pain the excruciating experiences of some of the officers who took part in the recently conducted promotion examinations regarding logistics challenges, the social crusader believed such challenges could have been avoided if the exercise had been conducted in-house.

While certifying the competency and integrity of customs trainers in the training schools and how they are eminently qualified to handle such task, Tanko accused the external examiners who handle such exercise of taking undue advantage of the situation to enrich themselves at the expense of the hapless participating customs officers.

“It sounds absurd, especially to freight forwarders, that the recently concluded promotion examinations of officers in the Nigerian Customs Service are out-sourced to external contractors to manage, using computer-based tests(CBT).

“This practice has been an age-long practice by former CGs.

“However, just as the Customs fought courageously for the approval for the establishment of Nigeria Customs Service University, we honestly expect that you review, update and put to good use the Nigeria Customs Service training schools.

“The incumbent CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, must take charge and put measures in place to stamp out any form of corruption and also put an end to the outsourcing of the Customs officers’ promotion examinations.

“This is because some of the contractors are surely cashing in or trading on jobs that can be handled in-house!

“Recall how the former late CG Dikko took over the management of RAR, the risk assessment report, from Cotecna, transformed it into PAAR, Pre-arrival Assessment report and now we all are gaining from that singular innovation.

“It is mind-boggling and astonishing considering the security implications of outsourcing the conduct of such examinations.

“We that are in the field, on a daily basis, do come across intelligent and brilliant men and officers, why the outsourcing?

“Moreover, the Nigeria customs training schools are there. Are they not meant to train and retrain officers and men of the service?

“The commandants are officers of high caliber and high intellect. Why wouldn’t the customs use their training colleges and personnel to conduct the promotion examinations?

“The training colleges are well positioned to conduct such examinations, if not, they should be well equipped, even much more than the CBT centres.

” This is because the teachers and managers of the School are officers themselves, who are also trained, experienced, and vast in modern customs procedures and processes.

“This is against the excruciating circumstances where officers paid their way to Abuja, with little or no provisions for accommodation and feeding for many days, as long as the contractor keeps them.

“What we are saying herein is that the Nigeria customs training schools can be used instead.

“We therefore call on the Comptroller General to urgently review the process of these promotion examinations and rejig the entire process to reflect and restore the glory, prestige and name of the Nigeria Customs Service” Tanko pleaded.

While welcoming the approval of the Federal government for the establishment of the Customs University, Tanko urged the CGC Adeniyi to deploy the same zeal, commitment and passion that won the service government approval to pursue the review of the conduct of customs officers’ promotion examinations with a view to allowing customs in-house trainers to conduct the customs promotion examinations.

Related Topics:Customs promotion exams featured

Up Next

Customs dismisses claim of outsourcing its promotion examinations.

Don't Miss

Bomodi, Salefu, two other former Comptrollers promoted, elevated to management cadre as CGC Adeniyi reconstitutes new management team

Click to comment

Steven

August 25, 2024 at 6:09 pm

Oga ,don’t go there ,if the NCS promotion exams are handled by in house of those two training customs colleges ,the will compromise it.The will surely leak the promotion exams questions to their beloved or relatives and collect money from them.its better handled by external organisation whom we don’t even have access to or know,firget about the money mgt pays them for their services .

Reply

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.

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.

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.