Nigeria Customs Service

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service and the American Business Council have agreed to expand structured engagement to improve trade facilitation and boost investor confidence.

This understanding followed a courtesy visit by a delegation of the American Business Council to the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, where they were received on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

While welcoming the visitors, Adeniyi said the Service has taken deliberate steps in recent years to entrench transparency, stakeholder consultation and consistent interaction with private sector operators.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between Customs and business communities that operate through Nigeria’s ports and borders.

“No modern Customs administration can thrive without meaningful dialogue with the people who drive business across our ports and borders,” he said.

The Comptroller-General explained that Customs reforms now focus on creating predictability for traders. He pointed to the rollout of the One-Stop-Shop initiative in major commands, which he said has simplified procedures and reduced delays linked to cargo examination and documentation.

Addressing concerns raised by member companies of the Council, Adeniyi assured the delegation that the Service would continue to tackle operational challenges within its statutory powers. He noted that trade facilitation involves several government agencies and said continuous engagement remains vital for resolving issues promptly.

Earlier in her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, said the visit was intended to strengthen the relationship between the Council and the Nigeria Customs Service.

She commended Customs for what she described as “clear improvements in port processes, communication channels and the ease of resolving trade-related enquiries.”

Olele said several American firms operating in Nigeria have observed clearer Customs procedures over the past year. According to her, “Predictability and transparency are essential for businesses. We are encouraged by the modernisation steps taken under the legal framework of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to address remaining concerns.”

She also thanked the Comptroller-General for personally hosting the delegation, describing his engagement as a strong signal of Customs’ commitment to collaboration. Olele added that closer cooperation between Customs and the private sector would help to further improve Nigeria’s investment environment.

At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to institute quarterly engagement sessions. The sessions will review progress, address emerging concerns and sustain open communication for American companies operating in Nigeria.

Representatives of ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac and the United States Embassy, among others, attended the meeting.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has chaired his first meeting as head of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, leading the 93rd Session of the Policy Commission in Antigua, Guatemala.

The gathering strengthened Nigeria’s profile within the global customs community.

The session took place from 2 to 4 December 2025 at the historic Hotel Soleil and brought together Heads of Customs Administrations and senior representatives from the WCO’s six regions.

During the opening ceremony, CGC Adeniyi welcomed the delegates to Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage city.

He paid tribute to customs officers who died in the line of duty and encouraged participants to engage meaningfully on issues that influence global customs operations.

He was joined by WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders and Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Public Finance, Honourable Patricia Joachin, who addressed attendees on behalf of the host country.

Delegates were later treated to a traditional cultural dinner at the historic Capuchinas Ruins.

CGC Adeniyi’s emergence as WCO Council Chair in June 2025 is widely seen as a significant achievement for Nigeria and the African region.

His election placed the country in a leadership position within an organisation that comprises 187 customs administrations.

Reflecting on the importance of the role, Adeniyi stated that the position carries “a major responsibility for Nigeria and for Africa,” noting that his focus is on delivering leadership that supports global trade, security, and fair customs practices.

His remarks align with comments he made earlier in an exclusive interview on The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, where he said his election affirmed Nigeria’s ongoing customs reforms.

According to him, the trust placed in his leadership is “an endorsement by the global customs community that we are on track,” as he highlighted key reforms undertaken by the Service over the past two years.

These include the modernisation of procedures, system upgrades, and improved cooperation with international partners.

Adeniyi listed the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, developed with WCO support, as one of the most significant changes.

He said the programme has reduced clearance times, boosted revenue performance, and strengthened trust between Customs and compliant traders.

He also mentioned the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and progress on advance rulings as further proof of Nigeria’s commitment to global standards.

Calling for stronger partnerships among customs authorities worldwide, Adeniyi emphasised the importance of inclusiveness within the WCO, saying, “Our uniqueness is our strength. We must allow that diversity to continue creating opportunities and progress for us.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has announced the appointment of new top officials and approved special promotions for deserving officers.

The decisions were ratified during the board’s 64th Regular Meeting, held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, and chaired by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.

The board confirmed the appointment of five new Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCGs) and eight Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs).

The new DCGs are Baba Imam (North-East), Isah Umar (North-West), Tijjani Abe (North-West), Timi Bomodi (South-South), and Oluyomi Adebakin (South-West).

The newly appointed ACGs are C.G. Ogbonna (South-East), I. Abba-Aji (North-East), G.M. Haruna (South-South), E.J. Edelduok (South-South), G. Gaura (North-West), I. Isyaku (North-West), M.S. Shuaibu (North-Central), and M.D. Malah (North-East).

According to the board, the appointments are intended to fill vacancies created by retirements and to strengthen strategic leadership across the service.

In a separate category, ten officers were granted special promotions for demonstrating “exceptional professionalism, leadership and outstanding service performance.”

Among those promoted are A.C. Fanyam and G.M. Shidali to Comptroller of Customs.

The board stated that these moves are part of ongoing efforts to boost morale, ensure leadership succession, and keep the service effective in tackling emerging trade and security challenges.

By Sabiu Abdulahi

The Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, has praised British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) for its long-standing collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and its consistent adherence to trade regulations.

A statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Abdulmalik Akintola, said Comptroller Aliyu gave the commendation during a familiarisation visit to BATN’s facility on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

He was warmly received by the company’s Director of Operations, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq.During the visit, the Customs chief lauded BATN’s operational excellence and its vital role in Nigeria’s tobacco manufacturing industry.

He acknowledged the company’s positive impact on the economy, stressing that its contributions extend to revenue generation, employment creation, and industrial growth.

“The company’s industrial activities have continued to promote economic growth and enhance industrial development within Oyo State and across the nation,” Aliyu stated.

He further called for continuous collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and BATN to sustain their shared objectives in promoting legitimate trade and industrial advancement.In his remarks, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq, Director of Operations at BATN, thanked Comptroller Aliyu and his team for the visit.

He applauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its dedication to supporting lawful trade and fostering a business-friendly environment.

Mr. Ishtiaq assured that BATN would maintain its commitment to regulatory compliance and strengthen its partnership with the Customs Service.

By Sabiu Abdulahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has cautioned the public against a fake appointment letter currently circulating on social media, describing it as a scam.

In a statement titled “SCAM ALERT!!!”, the Service clarified that it is “not issuing appointment letters at this stage of its recruitment exercise.” It further emphasized that the letters in circulation are “FAKE and should be disregarded.”

The NCS explained that the recruitment process is still ongoing and has not reached the stage of issuing appointment letters.

It stated that “the ongoing recruitment process is still at the examination stage; the Superintendent Cadre recently completed their CBT across the six geopolitical zones, while the Inspector and Customs Assistant Cadres also just concluded their online CBT.”

According to the Service, the fake letters are “another attempt by fraudsters to mislead unsuspecting applicants.”

The NCS urged applicants and the general public to remain calm, avoid sharing unverified information, and rely only on official updates from its verified communication channels.

It advised the public to follow the Nigeria Customs Service on its authentic social media platforms and website.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed as false a viral social media post claiming to reveal the number of shortlisted candidates per state for the final stage of its 2025 recruitment exercise.

In a public disclaimer, the Service clarified that the publication did not originate from any of its official communication channels and urged the public, especially applicants, to disregard the information entirely.

According to the NCS, the ongoing recruitment process began with an official advertisement on December 27, 2024, attracting a total of 573,523 applications across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres. After an initial documentary screening, 286,697 candidates were shortlisted for the first phase of the Computer-Based Test (CBT).

The Service further explained that while all cadres took part in the CBT, only successful applicants under the Superintendent Cadre were invited for the second phase, which will be conducted across the six geopolitical zones in line with candidates’ states of origin.

The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, fair, and merit-driven recruitment process, in accordance with the Federal Character principle. It also advised applicants to rely solely on official updates via the NCS Recruitment Update Portal at https://updates.customs.gov.ng for verified information.

By Anas Abbas 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has scheduled Thursday, October 9, 2025, for the main online recruitment examination for shortlisted candidates in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.

This was disclosed in a public notice released by the Service on Tuesday through its verified online platforms.

According to the announcement, applicants have been divided into three batches: A, B, and C. They are expected to log in to the official recruitment portal, using their National Identification Number (NIN) to confirm their batch, date, and examination time.

“The Main Online Recruitment Examination for all shortlisted Inspectorate and Customs Assistant Cadre applicants has been scheduled for Thursday, 9th October 2025,” the notice stated.

The Customs Service emphasised that strict adherence to the assigned batch and time was compulsory, warning that failure to comply could lead to disqualification.

Candidates were further cautioned against using calculators, mobile phones, or any other electronic devices during the test.

“Applicants are strongly advised against multiple logins or switching browser windows while taking the examination, as this may affect their participation,” the Service added.

The NCS also clarified that the upcoming examination was strictly for candidates in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres, noting that those under the Superintendent cadre would be scheduled for a later phase of the recruitment process.

“Only Inspectorate and Customs Assistant Cadre applicants are to take part in this stage of the examination. Applicants of the Superintendent Cadre are not to participate at this stage,” the statement concluded.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has received international recognition for its outstanding communication practices, earning the Golden World Award (GWA) for Impactful PR in Customs Management at the 2025 International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Gala held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Mövenpick Hotel in Accra, Ghana.

The award, presented by IPRA President Nataša Pavlović Bujas during the Golden World Awards Gala Night, honoured the NCS for its achievements in impactful public relations within customs management.

The winning project, produced by Image Merchants Promotion Limited, highlights the communication strategies of the Comptroller-General of Customs and has become a model for public relations research and practice in Nigeria.

Philip Sheppard, Secretary-General of IPRA, explained that the publication provides practical communication strategies for institutions and showcases real-life leadership lessons derived from the reforms implemented by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Service, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, expressed gratitude to IPRA for the recognition, noting that it reflects the Service’s dedication to transparency and credible communication.

“This award is a validation of the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and stakeholder engagement,” Maiwada said.

“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, we have repositioned communication as a strategic tool for reform and trust-building.”

The recognition marks another milestone for the NCS, which had earlier won the 2024 GWA for Crisis Communication at the IPRA Gala in Belgrade, Serbia.

The 2025 award further underscores the agency’s consistency in innovation and effective reputation management.

The award ceremony was part of a three-day Public Relations Knowledge Sharing Conference held from October 1 to 3, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

The event, themed “Global Realities and Innovative Communication,” attracted prominent communication experts, including Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); Nataša Pavlović Bujas, President of IPRA; Arik Karani, President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA); and Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, President of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana.

At the closing session, Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, called on public relations professionals to maintain integrity and excellence in their work.

“As communicators, you hold the power to shape narratives and influence public trust,” President Mahama said. “Our continent needs professionals who communicate with integrity, clarity, and purpose to support national development.”

Ghana’s Vice President, Jane Nana, also commended the award recipients for their contributions to advancing global communication practice.

The event concluded with Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah being inaugurated as the new President of the International Public Relations Association, succeeding Nataša Pavlović Bujas.

Her appointment as the first African to lead the 70-year-old global body represents a major milestone and a source of pride for communication professionals across the continent.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday, September 22, 2025, officially flagged off its 2025 Public Relations Officers Workshop in Kano, charging officers to demonstrate professionalism, resilience, and innovation in sustaining the Service’s image and public trust.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, was represented by Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, at the opening ceremony held at the Centre of Excellence, Twin Theatres, Bayero University, Kano.

Delivering the CGC’s keynote address, Ag. DCG Bomodi highlighted the Service’s critical role at the “confluence of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security,” noting that every decision made by Customs affects citizens, the business community, and international partners.

He stressed that communication in such a sensitive environment must be more than ceremonial.

According to him, public relations officers serve as policy interpreters, dispute mediators, crisis managers, and custodians of the Service’s corporate image.

“Our actions may speak, but it is the voice of public relations that interprets, contextualises, and gives meaning to these actions. That is why this workshop is not just a routine exercise, but a strategic investment in the future of the Service,” he said.

Speaking on the workshop’s theme, “Beyond Masters of Ceremony: The Strategic Role of Public Relations Officers for Institutional Growth and Stakeholder Trust,” the CGC described it as timely and transformative, as it redefines the role of PROs from mere event announcers to key players in policy and stakeholder engagement.

He called on participants to embrace new technologies and crisis response tools, explaining that the rise of artificial intelligence and the risks of misinformation demand higher communication standards.

According to him, “The work of a PRO is not without its challenges. You will face crises that test your judgment, criticism that questions your integrity, and moments where silence may seem safer than speaking. But it is in these moments that your professionalism is most needed.”

Bomodi further assured that the leadership of the Service regards public relations as a vital component of its reform agenda, adding that its partnership with Bayero University represents “a bridge between scholarship and practice.”

He also welcomed BUK students present at the session, noting that their interaction with officers would enrich their academic exposure.

Declaring the workshop open, he urged participants to recommit to integrity and innovation, remarking: “The legacy you leave will not be measured by the number of events you anchored, but by the trust you built, the narratives you shaped, and the credibility you sustained for the Service.”

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, represented by his Director-General of Media, Sanusi Bature, commended the Customs Service for its role in national security, trade facilitation, and revenue generation. He described integrity and fairness as the backbone of effective public relations, stressing that the Service’s National PRO had set a standard for building public confidence.

He added that artificial intelligence, digital analytics, and social media engagement have become new frontiers for PR professionals.

However, he cautioned that “no technology can replace human values of honesty, empathy, and responsibility in communication.”

The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Professor Haruna Musa, also welcomed participants and reaffirmed the institution’s readiness to support the Service through training and research.

He described the workshop as a platform that “blends theory with practice in preparing officers for the demands of modern communication.”

In his presentation, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ike Neliaku, emphasised that strategic communication is central to nation-building, urging officers to evolve from “managing perception to actively shaping the credibility and trust upon which governance thrives.”

Also speaking, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, former Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, underlined the importance of social media as a tool for transparency and accountability.

He advised officers to deploy digital platforms effectively while guarding against disinformation.

Other experts at the event expressed optimism that the four-day workshop would enhance officers’ communication capacity, strengthen their stakeholder engagement, and further solidify the Service’s reputation as a forward-looking institution.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, received the newly appointed Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Benjamin Hundeyin, at its headquarters in Abuja.

The engagement highlighted the Customs Service’s resolve to deepen inter-agency cooperation in strategic communications, public enlightenment, and institutional trust-building.

The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, welcomed the Force PRO and praised his humility and dedication.

He pledged the Service’s support while offering insights drawn from his own professional experience on how to effectively manage public relations in a security institution.

“Public relations is a learning curve. You will face stakeholders with different expectations, but teamwork remains the driving force for success. Build a committed team, harness the energy of young officers, and learn from your predecessors. These are the keys to leaving a lasting legacy as a spokesperson,” AC Maiwada advised.

He also emphasized that the role demands professionalism and resilience, especially during moments of crisis.

“Ours is a transient responsibility, but what truly matters is the legacy we leave behind,” he added.

In his remarks, CSP Hundeyin expressed appreciation for the reception, describing his visit as a symbolic act of partnership.

He noted that security communication cannot thrive in isolation and called for stronger collaboration with the NCS to advance shared national objectives.

The visit ended with a guided tour of the Public Relations Sub-unit and the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN), where the Force PRO was shown the Service’s growing communication facilities.