By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted January 27th, 2025
The Comptroller-General (C-G) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), CGC Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving service delivery in the agency, focusing on higher revenue generation and enhanced trade facilitation to benefit Nigeria’s economy.
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Speaking during the World Customs Day celebration in Abuja, Adeniyi highlighted the service’s progress in operational efficiency through modernized processes and procedures. At the event, several officers and personnel of the NCS were recognized with awards for their exemplary service and contributions to the agency’s success.
Adeniyi emphasized that the modernization efforts aim to streamline customs operations, bolster revenue collection, and facilitate trade more efficiently, aligning with global best practices. He reiterated the importance of innovation and dedication within the agency to meet Nigeria’s economic goals.
“Our commitment to efficiency is evidenced by several key achievements over the years. Notably, the successful implementation of the Advanced Ruling System, providing binding decisions on classification and valuation before shipment arrival, thereby reducing clearance delays and disputes, is one of the resent reference to our efforts to deliver efficiency.
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“Moreover, the remarkable success of our Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which has achieved an average release time of 43 hours for certified companies, representing a 66.9% reduction in cargo clearance time is another recent instance.
“Over the years, the Service has modernised its processes to make the trading experience soothing for Nigerians. Late last year, we announced the indigenous development and deployment of our customs clearance platform, ‘B’Odogwu’, which has already processed transactions worth billions in revenue within its pilot phase”.
While speaking on intensifying security efforts, and other activities, the anti-smuggling czar noted that “In terms of security, globally there is increasingly a complex interplay between illicit trade, technological advancement, and transnational criminal networks. In addressing these challenges, the Service like other customs administrations, focuses on several critical risk domains identified by the World Customs Organization which includes; Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-terrorism Financing, noting that NCS maintains vigilance against bulk cash smuggling, trade-based money laundering, and illicit trafficking of high-value commodities.
“Cultural Heritage Protection, our enforcement efforts safeguard against the illicit trafficking of cultural objects and artifacts, particularly given increasing global concerns about trafficking from conflict zones.
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“Drug Trafficking, we have intensified our response to evolving narcotics threats, particularly addressing the shift from traditional narcotics to pharmaceutical and synthetic drug abuse. In 2024, this resulted in 105 seizures of narcotics and illicit drugs.
“Environmental Protection, our enforcement actions against wildlife trafficking, illegal timber trade, and hazardous waste smuggling saw significant success, with 76 seizures of animal/wildlife products valued at ₦5.93 billion”.
The Customs boss, looking ahead to 2025 and the future, outlined ambitious goals that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy direction and global customs best practices.
Some of the key initiatives, he said, include: Nationwide Trade Modernization: Deploying trade modernization projects across the country to streamline customs processes, AEO Program Expansion: Expanding the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to enhance trade facilitation and security and Nigeria Customs Service University: Establishing a university for trade and technology to develop the skills and expertise of customs officers.
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The CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed gratitude for the support of President Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Finance, and international partners, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the Service’s goals.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to excellence, pledging to drive efficiency, ensure security, and foster prosperity for a stronger Nigeria.
“The NCS remains dedicated and steadfast to delivering on its mandate, playing a vital role in national development and adapting to the evolving demands of global trade and security”, he said.