Nigeria Customs Service

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service is set to auction off 15,325 litres of seized petrol to help alleviate transportation difficulties during the festive season.

The seized premium motor spirit, valued at N27.5 million, was confiscated during operations in Lagos and Ogun states.

According to Hussein Ejibunu, national coordinator of the service’s operation whirlwind, the comptroller-general of customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has directed that the products be auctioned at a rate of N10,000 per 25 litres, which translates to N400 per litre.

This move aims to ease the transportation hardship faced by the public during this festive period.

Ejibunu noted that the operation, which began on May 27, 2024, has yielded positive results, and the comptroller-general has urged operatives to continue their efforts to stamp out the activities of economic saboteurs.

As Ejibunu stated, “This operation has been on since 27 May 2024 and has yielded positive results, as the CGC has urged the operatives to continue sustaining the tempo until the activities of these economic saboteurs are stamped out of this country”.

The auctioning process has been facilitated by a court condemnation order and the completion of all legal processes by the office of the legal adviser.

Ejibunu added, “On this note, the CGC has directed Auctions of the seized product to members of the public at the rate of N10,000 per 25 litres.

“This will ease the transportation hardship during this festive period.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has confirmed the appointment of one Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) and seven Assistant Comptrollers General (ACGs), in addition to promoting 4,291 senior officers.

According to a statement signed and released on Friday by customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, the new management team members include DCG S Chiroma and ACGs ZM Gaji, OA Adebakin, GM Omale, MS Yusuf, DA Nnadi, HK Ejibunu, and D Hassan, who will fill vacancies created by retirements in various geopolitical zones.

The statement reads, “The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB), at its 61st regular meeting held on 18 December 2024, chaired by the Honorable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, confirmed the appointment of one Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) and seven Assistant Comptrollers General (ACGs). Additionally, 4,291 senior officers were promoted.

“The newly confirmed Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Management Team members include DCG S Chiroma (North-East) and ACGs ZM Gaji (North-East), OA Adebakin (South-West), GM Omale (North-Central), MS Yusuf (North-Central), DA Nnadi (South-East), HK Ejibunu (North-Central), and D Hassan (North-East). These appointments are to fill the vacancies created based on the retirement of some management team members from the affected geopolitical zones of the federation. The action further aligns with the Service’s commitment to national inclusivity, institutional balance, and adherence to the Federal Character Policy as outlined in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”

The Board also approved special promotions for 16 deserving officers and a posthumous promotion for the late Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Etop Andrew Essien, in recognition of his invaluable contributions and dedication.

Furthermore, the Board approved a strategic restructuring, transferring the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Unit to the Office of the Comptroller General to ensure stronger oversight and increased efficiency.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, congratulated the newly appointed, promoted, and retained officers, urging them to uphold the Service’s core mandates and pursue excellence.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently hosted a five-day workshop in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that focused on building capacity in African rules of origin.

The workshop, which began on November 28, 2024, brought together representatives from nearly 26 countries to enhance their understanding of rules of origin and facilitate intra-African trade. 

According to Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Caroline Niagwan, the WCO and JICA have formed an alliance to provide technical assistance and training initiatives to support Customs officers across Africa.

Niagwan emphasized that the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme aims to boost intra-African trade by enhancing the capacity of African countries to implement and apply rules of origin. 

Faith Mathenge, a Rules of Origin expert and facilitator for the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme, reiterated the importance of capacity building in rules of origin for facilitating trade.

Mathenge commended Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for prioritising capacity building, stating, “I must commend the CGC for prioritising capacity building, which is the bedrock that will enable his officers to implement procedures that facilitate trade and enhance compliance.” 

The workshop portrayed the significance of collaboration in fostering intra-African trade and strengthening the role of customs officers in implementing rules of origin effectively.

This initiative is part of the WCO’s broader efforts to enhance customs capacity building in Africa, including the WCO/JICA Joint Project, which has supported customs administrations in East, Southern, and West Africa since 2015.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved its 2024 revenue target after collecting N5.07 trillion with over a month left in the fiscal year. 

This is contained in a statement released by the service today via its spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada. 

According to the statement, this milestone reflects the service’s ongoing dedication to trade facilitation and economic growth.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, hailed this exceptional achievement as a testament to the strategic engagements and collaborative efforts that have been the cornerstone of the service’s approach this year. 

The NCS’s success story in 2024 demonstrates a clear alignment with the Federal Government’s economic growth agenda, which proved that strategic reforms, technological advancements, and stakeholder collaboration are pivotal in driving Nigeria’s economic progress.

The Service’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment has garnered significant recognition, with a remarkable leap of 33 places in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings. 

Adeniyi stated that the NCS’s achievements are a result of sustained reforms, which are aligned with global best practices.

These reforms have improved the efficiency of customs processes, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and optimised revenue CVcollection methods.

The NCS has also made big strides in trade facilitation, with Nigeria’s first shipment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which made the country’s practical commitment to continental trade integration.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has stated the importance of tackling corruption and other related offenses head-on, as he read a riot act to the newly inaugurated Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) members at the Nigeria Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

Represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Aliyu Alajogun, the CGC stressed that the unit’s operations must be free from corruption and uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. 

“We are tasked with ensuring that our operations are free from corruption and that we uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct in all our dealings to ensure a far-reaching impact on our economic stability and international reputation,” Alajogun stated.

He urged the newly inaugurated members to adhere to the standards of their new roles, adding, “You are the frontline defenders against corruption and environmental degradation.

Each of you has been selected for your expertise, integrity, and dedication to public service. Together, you will lead initiatives that foster accountability and restore public trust.” 

Olusegun Adigun, Acting Director of the System Study and Review Department at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), praised the CGC for his commitment to enhancing transparency and integrity.

“I must commend the Comptroller-General of Customs for today’s inauguration,” he said.

“It is hoped that this event will empower the unit to deliver on its mandate, which includes periodic staff training on anti-corruption and the examination of system processes.” 

The newly inaugurated ACTU Chairman, Comptroller Emmanuel Osogba, pledged to implement policies enhancing transparency across Customs operations.

“Our focus will be on establishing clear guidelines for transparency, enhancing mechanisms for reporting misconduct, and engaging with different departments and units within the Service to foster trust and participation,” Osogba said. 

The ACTU members took the Oath of Allegiance, administered by Barrister Nkem Ezenwa, Director of the Anti-Corruption Unit. Their tenure will span three years.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant stride in enhancing its air surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B aircraft.

This move is part of Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s efforts to revitalize the NCS airwing operations. 

The Cessna Grand Caravan, registered as 5N-BAA, is a rugged and versatile aircraft, ideal for border security operations in Nigeria, thanks to its ability to operate on remote airstrips.

It is also fitted with the modern Garmin G1000 Avionics cockpit system, enabling operations under day, night, and low-visibility conditions. Powered by the reliable PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine, the aircraft has a six-hour aerial endurance and can carry 10 officers. 

CGC Adeniyi hailed the acquisition as a “game-changer” for the NCS Airwing, enhancing air surveillance and border patrol capabilities. “This aircraft will be a game-changer for the Nigeria Customs Services’ Airwing. Its ability to carry 10 officers, coupled with its six-hour aerial endurance, will significantly enhance our capacity for air surveillance and border patrol,” he stated.

The aircraft will play a crucial role in detecting smuggling routes, deploying armed personnel, and providing swift support for ground operations. 

According to CGC Adeniyi, the acquisition aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. “With this aircraft, we will strengthen our air border patrol capabilities, which will not only help us intercept illegal activities but also provide quick extraction support when necessary,” he explained. 

Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, Aircraft Operations Coordinator and Managing Director of Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, praised the acquisition as a milestone for the NCS aviation unit.

“With this aircraft, the Nigeria Customs Service is poised to revitalize its air border patrol activities, securing our borders more effectively and improving revenue generation for both the Service and the nation,” he stated.

The acquisition of the Cessna Grand Caravan is expected to provide significant tactical advantages to the Nigeria Customs Service, tightening border security and sending a clear signal to economic saboteurs that the Service is better equipped than ever to combat smuggling activities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has emerged as one of the top contenders at the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024, showcasing exceptional performance in the competition.

Organised by ECOWAS, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the event brought together cybersecurity professionals from across West Africa. 

Competition Overview According to DCG, ICT/Modernisation Kikelomo Adeola, the hackathon consists of two phases.

The first phase involved an online Capture the Flag (CTF) competition via the Sec-Dojo platform, held from August 6 to August 31, 2024.

The upcoming second phase, scheduled for October 14-16, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria, will feature an in-person CTF competition designed to foster cross-border collaboration and assess advanced cybersecurity skills. 

Led by CSC Abubakar Mustapha Jauro, the NCS team competed against 340 teams from ECOWAS member states, securing an impressive 1,100 points.

The team demonstrated expertise in cryptography, steganography, reverse engineering, web exploitation, and binary analysis, utilising tools like Kali Linux, BurpSuite, and Metasploit. 

“The NCS teams’ performance reflects their strategic thinking and resilience in tackling complex cybersecurity challenges,” stated Kikelomo Adeola.

Jauro added, “The ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon has not only sharpened the skills of NCS officers but also noted the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening our cybersecurity framework.” 

With continued investment and support, the NCS is poised to play a crucial role in protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace.

As the second phase approaches, anticipation builds for the final leg of the competition, where the best teams will be identified and recognised for their cybersecurity prowess.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently participated in the 74th World Customs Organisation (WCO) Harmonised System Committee (HSC) Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, from September 16 to 27, 2024.

Led by Assistant Comptroller Abubakar Hardo, Chief Superintendent of Customs Ekay Asuquo, and CSC Lauretta Utubor, Team Lead for Advance Rulings, the NCS delegation played a crucial role in shaping global trade policies. 

The Harmonised System Committee manages the Harmonised System Nomenclature, standardising goods classification and facilitating global trade.

As a Contracting Party, Nigeria’s involvement is vital due to its large African market index and high import volumes.

The committee focuses on tariff classification, ensuring correct categorization under the Harmonised System Nomenclature. CSC Lauretta Utubor, a WCO 88th fellowship program beneficiary, presented at the Leadership Management Development workshop.

She noted essential tools for successful Advance Rulings implementation in Nigeria, including self-awareness, strategic communication, and change management.

Utubor highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to adopting global best practices and promoting trade facilitation and customs modernization. 

This high-level engagement enhances Nigeria’s decision-making capacity in issuing legally binding advice to economic operators.

The insights gained from the 74th HSC meeting are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s customs processes, reinforcing its leadership in African trade facilitation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, announced the seizure of various contraband items worth N3,636,594,600 within June 2024.

Comptroller Kola Oladeji, in charge of the unit, made the announcement at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja on Thursday. 

The seized items include 1,500 pieces of bulletproof jackets, 989 kg of Indian Hemp (Cannabis Sativa), 5,229 cartons of expired drugs, and other contraband items.

Comptroller Oladeji stated that the importation of military wares by individuals is prohibited and requires an End-User Certificate (EUC) for controlled items and products. 

Other seized items include 343,750 liters of premium motor spirit, 7,150 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 32 units of used motor vehicles, 120 bags of sugar, and 3,560 cartons of poultry products.

Four suspects were arrested for various offenses, including violating import/export guidelines and smuggling. 

Comptroller Oladeji warned about the dangers of expired drugs and urged patriotic citizens to provide valuable information to aid in the arrest of illegal importers.

He also encouraged importers and licensed agents to make sincere declarations and adhere to existing guidelines. 

The unit recovered N62,017,875.82 in revenue for June 2024 through meticulous documentary checks and the issuance of Demand Notices.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, celebrated a significant milestone on Friday, April 19, 2024, as it graduated 50 officers from Junior Course 18. 

The ceremony, held at the Ahmadu Makarfi Hall of the college, was attended by top officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, family members, and friends of the graduating officers. 

Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources and Development Greg Itotoh, commended the directing staff and instructors for their exceptional input throughout the training session.

He praised the graduating officers for their hard work and dedication, urging them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training to enhance the service’s operations. 

“The Service is committed to building a strong and effective team, and this graduation is a testament to that commitment,” DCG Itotoh noted.

He encouraged the graduating officers to be innovative and proactive in their approach to customs operations, embracing technology to enhance effective service delivery. 

The Commandant of the College, ACG Kingsley Egwuh, also praised the directing staff for their dedication and hard work in shaping the officers’ minds.

He congratulated the graduating students, urging them to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead and make a positive impact on the Nigeria Customs Service. 

The graduating officers, who have completed their training in various aspects of customs operations, leadership, and weapon handling, are expected to be deployed to various formations of the service, where they will apply their knowledge and skills to enhance effective service delivery. 

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates and awards to deserving officers, recognising their outstanding performance during the training.

Earlier, the College had also held a regimental dinner for the graduating officers of Junior Course 18 on April 17, 2024, where Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi urged them to embrace professionalism and integrity in their service. 

CGC Adeniyi congratulated the graduating students after scaling through a series of rigorous trainings in the college, which was meant to equip them to master the technical know-how of the Customs work.

He added, “As you all return to your respective Commands, put everything you’ve learned to the test. That is the only gratitude you can show to those who have taken time to develop the curriculum which you were taught here.”