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Adeniyi expresses gratitude to Tinubu over tenure extension, says gesture is call to service 

—  sets code of conduct for officers to rebrand Customs image.
Funso OLOJO 
The Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the extension of his tenure in office.
It could be recalled that President Tinubu recently granted an approval for the extension of the tenure of the CGC by another one year to enable him to complete his bold reforms he has initiated to reposition the service.
 Adeniyi, while unveiling a new code of conduct booklet for Customs officers in Abuja on Tuesday August 5th, 2025 to rebrand the service, declared that such  rare gesture from Mr President was a call to service and more hardwork.
” The extension of my tenure by Mr President is a renewed motivation and inspiration to do more in the service of the country.” an elated Adeniyi declared.
Meanwhile, in continuation of his efforts to reform and reposition the service, the CGC has launched a booklet containing a body of code of conduct for customs officers that will guide their interactions with the local and international audience in a bid to build the image of the service in a positive light.
Called the Reputation Management Guide, the booklet service as a moral compass for all customs Officers and  a key policy document aimed at reorienting officers on the values, behaviours, and standards required to uphold the service’s image.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, was led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in the presence of management members, senior officers, communication professionals, and public relations practitioners.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General described the launch as a strategic milestone in the Service’s transformation agenda, noting that the new guide is intended to equip officers with practical tools to build trust, deepen transparency, and align with global expectations for modern customs administration.
“We want to launch a new phase of Customs. We want to go beyond our traditional mandate. This guide is an opportunity for every Customs officer to be part of a project that rewrites the history of our Service,” he declared.
CGC Adeniyi, a seasoned public relations expert and advocate of institutional branding, explained that the document was developed not only to guide internal conduct but also to reflect the core values of integrity, professionalism, and service excellence that the NCS must embody in its daily interactions with citizens, businesses, and global partners.
Citing recent achievements as evidence of ongoing reform, the CGC stated that the Service had consistently exceeded its revenue targets, enhancing its capacity to tackle illicit trade, improve trade facilitation, and contribute to national security.
“In 2023, we recorded a 70 per cent revenue increase. In 2024, that figure rose to 92 per cent. Beyond these numbers, what gladdens me most is that the world is taking note of the impact our initiatives are making,” he said.
He further emphasised that Customs officers must now reposition themselves as law enforcers and credible ambassadors of a responsive and responsible government institution.
“The World Customs Organisation (WCO) expects Customs administrations to champion transparency, inclusivity, and ethical leadership. Our response to this is the deliberate rollout of internal initiatives like the Reputation Guide and our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes,” Adeniyi noted.
He also reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to inclusive governance and gender representation, referencing the Service’s efforts to empower women and mainstream equity in leadership positions.
CGC Adeniyi also noted that the Service had aligned its community interventions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, investing in education, healthcare, access to water, and the creative economy to leave a tangible legacy in host communities.
He described the unveiling of the Reputation Management Guide as a continuation of this national agenda, an initiative designed to shape institutional culture and improve citizens’ perception of the Service.
“This guide is not just a document but a call to action. It reminds every officer that our image is built not only by what we do but also by how we do it,” he added.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ike Neliaku, who was ably represented by the Vice President of the Institute, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, commended the Nigeria Customs for taking a bold step in institutionalising reputation management within the agency.
He noted that the unveiling of the handbook was not a symbolic gesture but a practical demonstration that Customs does not treat reputation as a mere buzzword, but as a vital asset that every organisation must nurture to thrive in today’s competitive environment.
Neliaku described the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, as an embodiment of sterling professional reputation, citing his track record of dedication, discipline, and reform-oriented leadership.
He said the decision to launch a formal guide for officer conduct under Adeniyi’s watch reflected the CG’s belief in the power of perception, credibility, and institutional integrity.
The NIPR President further disclosed that in a recent nationwide reputation perception survey conducted by the Institute, the Nigeria Customs Service scored significantly high marks in how it has been discharging its core mandates.
According to him, this positive outcome is an encouraging sign that the agency’s reforms are working internally and resonating with the public.
He expressed confidence that the handbook would better equip Customs officers to represent the Service with a strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
He also assured the NIPR of its continued partnership with the Nigeria Customs in the ongoing effort to reshape Nigeria’s national image through responsible institutional behaviour.
The launch of the Reputation Management Guide marks another important stride in the Customs modernisation journey, reinforcing its commitment to reform, capacity development, and stakeholder confidence.
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Customs

Customs complies with ministry’s directive, seeks alternative funding of its services after suspension of 4 percent FOB levy

Funso OLOJO
The Nigeria Customs Service has said it was engaging the Federal ministry of Finance, its supervisory ministry, to seek guidance on alternative measures following the suspension of the 4 percent Free-on- Board (FOB) to ensure continuity of its services to Stakeholders
It could be recalled that the Finance ministry gave a marching order to NCS to halt the implementation of the controversial 4 percent FOB levy on imports.
However,acknowledging the receipt of the suspension order from the Finance ministry, the Customs, through a public statement,  said it  appreciates the Ministry’s engagement on this matter and remains committed to supporting government fiscal policies.
“The NCS remains optimistic about ongoing discussions with the Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised while ensuring that the Service’s statutory obligations are met effectively.
” We look forward to constructive engagement that will ultimately serve the best interests of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, enhance revenue generation, and support the nation’s economic growth objectives through efficient customs administration.
“It is also necessary to draw attention to ongoing media reports suggesting that the Service introduced the 4% FOB only recently.
“For clarity, the Service wishes to emphasise that the National Assembly established the 4% FOB provision through Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which stipulates “not less than 4% of the free-on-board value of imports according to international best practices” as a statutory funding mechanism for the Service’s operations.
“The Service assures all stakeholders, including the trading public, licensed customs agents, and international partners, that our operations will continue without any disruption.
” We remain firmly committed to delivering efficient service, upholding international best practices and supporting Nigeria’s economic growth through effective revenue collection and enhanced trade facilitation” the statement concluded.
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Customs

FG orders Customs to suspend collection of 4 percent FOB levy 

Funso OLOJO 
For the second time, the collection of controversial 4 percent Free-on- Board(FOB) Levy on imported goods have been suspended.
This time, it was the Federal government through the Ministry of Finance, the supervising Ministry of the Nigeria Customs Service that ordered the suspension.
In a memo dated September 15th, 2025 and signed  on behalf of the Minister of Finance by one R.O Omachi, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties and addressed to the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the government stated that extensive consultations with industry stakeholders and trade experts have revealed that the 4% FOB charge poses significant challenges to the Nigerian trade facilitation environment and economic stability.
The letter reads, “Pursuant to the powers vested upon the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy under Part Ill, Section 12 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 as the Chairman of the Board of Nigeri a Customs Services, I write to direct the immediate suspension of the implementation of the collection of 4% Free on Board (FOB) recently levied
by the Nigeria Customs Service on all imported goods.“Following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders. trade experts, and relevant government officiais, it has become clear that the implementation of the 4% FOB charge poses significant challenges to the Nigerian trade facil tation, environment and economic stability.

“Many importers and businesses have raised concerns about the increased financial burden this levy imposes, with potential adverse effects on inflation, trade competitiveness, and the overall business Climate in Nigeria.

“This suspension will provide an opportunity for comprehensive stakeholder engagement and & thorough review of the levy’s framework and its broader economic implications .

“The Ministry of Finance looks forward to working closely with the Service and all relevant parties to devise a more equitable and efficient revenue structure that susports both revenue generation and economic growth and stability.

“Ensure strict compliance. ‘,the memo concluded.

The first time the controversial Levy was suspended was in February 2025 when it was shortly introduced but the public outcry which greeted the introduction make the Customs management hastily suspended its implementation.
However, the Customs re- introduced the levy on August 4th, 2025.
Meanwhile, the National Spokesman of the Customs, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada denied knowledge of the memo.
‘”I am not aware of such memo.
I am hearing it for the first time ” he declared when asked to react to the document.
The 4 percent FOB Levy is meant to fund Customs’ technological modernization programs, replacing the previous 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) fee.
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Customs

Comptroller Anani vows to enforce zero tolerance for smuggling as he takes the mantle of leadership at PTML

Funso OLOJO 
The new Customs Area Controller for Ports Terminal Multi services Limited (PTML)Command, Comptroller Joe Anan, has vowed to sustain the momentum of the command, enforce zero tolerance for smuggling and facilitate genuine trade in order to keep the lofty records of the command growing.
He made the pledge while taking the mantle of leadership of the command from the recently promoted ,Assistant Comptroller General,Tenny Mankini Daniyan.
The new Area controller  described the command and stakeholders as very well organised and promised to build on the various pioneering feats ACG Daniyan achieved
Comptroller Anani listed the successful roll out and subsequent revenue collection and trade facilitation achievements associated with the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu, as great milestones that must be improved on.
He also called on all customs officers, officials of sister government agencies and private sector stakeholders to join hands with him in the journey to keep the great records of PTML high
Comptroller Anani urged all the stakeholders to stay on the path of compliance as they stand to benefit more from being on the right side of the law at all times.
 He also promised to strictly enforce the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling
The CAC who promised to be accessible to all, also sought that everyone should feel free to interact with him either directly through visits or virtually.
Comptroller Anani said “While thanking God and the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve here, let me state that our journey to succeed must remain a collective task. I am not here to do it alone.
“I hereby call on all customs officers, sister government agencies, private sector stakeholders and the press to support me in our goal to sustain PTML as a model port of excellence, known for security, efficiency and diligent trade facilitation.
“I pledge to build and improve on the gains achieved by my predecessors in the area of faster cargo clearance which aligns with Time Release Study (TRS) programme.
“I am aware that this command holds an outstanding record of two hour cargo release time for compliant RoRo consignment.
” The key word here is compliance. With improved compliance and efficient system, we can do less than two hours.
“Compliance, as the key to trade facilitation, is critical for smooth port operations.
“It ensures adherence to regulations, reduces delays, mitigates risks, and fosters trust among trading partners.
” Compliance minimises bottlenecks and enhances efficiency in global trade and PTML cannot be an exception.
” I want to urge all our stakeholders to imbibe the tenets of compliance because it results in a win-win situation for everyone, saving time and money.
” Whereas non compliance leads to interventions, issuance of demand notices, waste of time and possible seizure , detention and arrest.
” Let’s continue to make this area a great example that it has always been.
“The CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling will be duly enforced on my watch and I am convinced from my background checks that our stakeholders are on the right track.
“Let me use this opportunity to inform you that my office is without a door. I shall be accessible to all physically and virtually in the quest to improve on our duties.
” Feel free to interact with me and avail me all relevant information needed for my success on this assignment” he concluded
Various stakeholders at the command while welcoming the new CAC also commended the ACG Daniyan for his outstanding performance in seeing to the success of B’Odogwu from its pilot phase to full deployments across various commands
They described the ACG’s leadership as outstanding with trail blazing effects on increased trade, revenue ,anti smuggling and robust interaction with stakeholders.
The President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) Otunba Frank Ogunojemite described Daniyan as a man whose records speak volumes positively while urging him to carry his working zeal ahead into NCS management team.
Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, PTML Chapter, Chief Charles Nwarrienne described Daniyan as an excellent officer deserving to be issued a “certificate of project completion” for diligently achieving the success of B’Odogwu from beginning to a state of consolidation.
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