Nigeria Customs Services

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service has wrapped up its first Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Summit after a three-day program in Abuja.

The event ended on 19 November 2025. It drew Customs heads, policy specialists and private sector stakeholders from across Africa. Discussions focused on deepening the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The closing ceremony took place at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, hosted the final session. He also oversaw key deliberations during the summit.

Addressing participants, Adeniyi said the gathering had given Africa “a credible platform to move from fragmented efforts to collective solutions.” He added that the resolutions would guide Customs administrations as they strengthen border procedures, improve compliance systems and reduce non-tariff barriers that slow cross-border trade.

He further explained that the C-PACT initiative, which Nigeria proposed and promoted, would now serve as “a working mechanism for African Customs administrations to engage regularly, share operational experiences and harmonise processes in support of AfCFTA.”

Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, had called on African nations to remove structural trade barriers. He urged leaders to embrace a continent-wide framework that promotes competitiveness, industrial expansion and stable cross-border commerce.

In the same vein, the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organisation, Ian Saunders, reminded participants that Customs agencies remain key to the success of AfCFTA because they “connect borders, enforce standards and determine the practical realities of trade.”

At the opening of the summit, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President, Kanayo Awani, warned that without modern and interoperable Customs systems, Africa would struggle to unlock the full economic benefits of AfCFTA.

During the final session, delegations expressed satisfaction with the level of engagement recorded. They highlighted progress made on issues such as rules of origin, transit systems, risk management, digital documentation, gender inclusion and coordinated border operations.

Participants also resolved that the C-PACT platform should continue as a technical body. It would track progress and help align national Customs systems with evolving continental standards.

Private-sector representatives, including freight operators, manufacturers, logistics companies, port authorities and exporters, also made presentations. They drew attention to persistent delays, uneven procedures and documentation challenges that discourage intra-African trade.

In his remarks, the National President of the Association of Licensed Customs Agents, Emenike Kingsley, noted that the summit offered a rare opportunity for Customs administrators and economic operators to jointly assess operational constraints.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its campaign against the illicit movement of petroleum products. Its latest operation led to the interception of more than 108,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on the River Benue, close to the border with Cameroon.

Officials described the seizure as one of the most significant breakthroughs recorded in Adamawa State in recent months.

The early-morning raid took place on Thursday, 6 November 2025, under the supervision of the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Kolapo Oladeji.

According to him, the breakthrough followed days of intelligence gathering that focused on Ribadu Loading Bay, a route long associated with smuggling activities.

ACG Oladeji explained that a tactical team maintained a hidden position near the location until the suspected smugglers began loading the product onto a vessel.

“As the smugglers began transferring the products onto the vessel, the Customs team advanced and issued commands for them to halt,” the National Coordinator said.

He noted that officers had to act cautiously because of the difficult terrain.

He added, “Given the terrain and visibility challenges, operatives prioritised securing the contraband and preventing the boat from escaping across the international waterway.

”A wider search of the area, supported by the North-Eastern Marine Command, led to another discovery. A second wooden boat was found packed with drums and jerrycans filled with petrol.”

The two vessels were subsequently taken to the Jimeta waterside in Yola. Their contents were transferred into trucks and moved to a secured Customs location for proper documentation.

A full examination later confirmed the scale of the seizure: 485 drums of 220 litres each and 83 jerrycans of 25 litres each, which amounted to 108,775 litres of PMS.

“Given the volatile nature of the product, prompt conduct of a public auction in accordance with established guidelines was recommended to NCS, Headquarters,” he highlighted.

The National Coordinator stressed that the operation shows the Service’s strengthened determination to disrupt cross-border fuel smuggling, safeguard the economy, and enforce rules that control fuel movement in border communities.

He added that the illegal ferrying of PMS through Nigeria’s northern and eastern waterways continues to pose serious threats to national energy security because smugglers transport the product in huge volumes into neighbouring countries for profit.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In an effort to bolster the fight against money laundering and improve border control measures, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with relevant security and regulatory agencies, has conducted a sensitisation programme for international airline operators at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The exercise, which took place on 5 July 2025, focused on educating airline staff about Nigeria’s currency declaration policies and their role in supporting compliance efforts.

Participants were reminded of the need to inform passengers—both arriving and departing—about existing regulations concerning cash movement across borders.

Authorities reiterated that individuals carrying more than $10,000 or its equivalent must declare the funds to customs officials.

They warned that failing to do so could lead to the confiscation of the money, followed by investigation and possible prosecution under the nation’s anti-money laundering laws.

The session also outlined the requirement for airlines to submit electronic manifests (e-Manifests) ahead of landing. These manifests must include comprehensive passenger details such as full names, flight numbers, and countries of origin and destination.

Officials said this data enables customs personnel and intelligence units to conduct targeted risk assessments and enhance overall border monitoring.

Leading the session was Salihu Mas’ud, Assistant Comptroller of Customs and head of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Unit.

He noted the progress already made by the Service in improving compliance mechanisms and expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation from airline operators.

“What we have achieved so far is to be able to sensitise them. We’ve gone round to check all the points. We have dedicated search rooms for secondary searches. There are dedicated posts for currency declarations, and they are in place. Announcements are also being made on the Public Address System. We have also gotten the commitment of the airline operators to ensure that these announcements are also being made on board their flights,” he said.

He further added, “We expect higher compliance, and it will strengthen our enforcement mechanism. It also ensures that defaulters and violators of currency declarations are detected promptly and forwarded for necessary investigation and prosecution.”

The Nigeria Customs Service described the initiative as a crucial step toward preventing illicit financial flows, including terrorism financing and the smuggling of undeclared funds.

It also noteed that continuous collaboration among airlines, airport managers, and enforcement agencies will be vital to sustaining the gains recorded so far.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it generated a record-breaking ₦1.3 trillion in revenue during the first quarter of 2025.

This figure marks more than double the ₦600 billion collected within the same period in 2023.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, attributed the significant increase to a range of reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

These comments were disclosed in a soon-to-be-released State House documentary commemorating the President’s second year in office.

According to Adeniyi, the improved revenue performance stemmed from the application of advanced technology, more efficient port operations, tighter control of revenue losses, and an increased emphasis on accountability within Customs operations.

“We collected ₦1.3 trillion in Q1 2025 alone. This is not due to higher import volumes. Imports have dropped due to foreign exchange constraints. What has changed is efficiency, transparency, and enforcement,” Adeniyi said.

He revealed that the Service is nearing the launch of the E-Customs Modernisation Project.

Valued at $3.2 billion, this initiative aims to fully digitise Nigeria’s cargo processing, monitoring, and payment systems across ports and border points.

“We’re laying the foundation to move from a manual, paper-based system to a fully digital service. The E-Customs Project is central to our future. Once fully deployed, we project it will add $250 billion in cumulative revenue over 20 years,” he explained.

The Comptroller-General also spoke about the recent introduction of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, which allows verified importers to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced congestion at ports.

“It’s about trust and efficiency. If you’re compliant, you get green-lane treatment. This is how modern customs systems work globally,” he stated.

In addressing smuggling and loss of revenue, Adeniyi confirmed that the Service had intensified enforcement and recovered over ₦64 billion from previously undervalued or wrongly assessed imports in the past nine months.

He added that major smuggling networks operating through Seme, Idiroko, Katsina, and Sokoto borders have been dismantled.

He noted the effectiveness of joint patrol operations conducted with the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Police.

“We’re no longer just chasing smugglers in the bush. We’re using data, surveillance drones, and port intelligence to act in real-time. Once systemic leakages are now being plugged,” Adeniyi said.

To improve trade facilitation and reduce logistics costs, the NCS is accelerating the implementation of the National Single Window — a unified digital platform that will enable importers and exporters to complete transactions with all government agencies from one portal.

“Right now, you deal with up to 15 agencies manually. With the Single Window, you’ll do it all online, in one place. This will slash clearance time and costs,” the Customs chief explained.

He noted that for compliant importers, clearance durations at Apapa and Tin Can Ports have already dropped from 21 days to between 7 and 10 days.

He added that the Service has introduced fast-track procedures for agricultural exports and is partnering with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to streamline export processes in line with the government’s non-oil export strategy.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, officially opened a newly refurbished Local Authority Primary School and Primary Healthcare Centre in the Sagbokoji community of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Lagos State.

The projects were executed under the Nigeria Customs Service’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, tagged ‘Customs Cares.’During the ceremony, CGC Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s dedication to uplifting its host communities.

He explained that the intervention aims to address both infrastructural and educational challenges.

“We are undertaking projects that will have direct impact on our schools and our students. We have brought school bags, exercise books, textbooks, and sandals for all the pupils of this school. We are also improving Infrastructure, where we see the deficit, and what we have chosen to do is to renovate the entire school. And I’m happy that through Apapa and the Stakeholders, we have been able to deliver on this project,” he said.

He also stated the Service’s focus on health as an essential part of sustainable community development.

“We know that the needs of this community is more than what we have done, but we have taken the first step towards entering into an enduring partnership with this community,” he added.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command, explained that the project reflects the agency’s broader mission of improving lives in its areas of operation, not just enforcing trade laws and revenue collection.

“The benevolence from Customs shows that we have compassion for the communities where we cohabit, and this was what informed this very project. In the last four weeks, it’s been both day and night, workers have been here, with the active support of our distinguished stakeholders, to ensure that this project actually see the light of day”, Olomu stated.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Engr. Valentine Buraimoh, expressed gratitude to the Customs Service, describing the initiative as a landmark event.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has received the “Public Service Person of the Year 2024” award at the 17th Leadership Conference and Awards, held in Abuja.

The recognition celebrates his impact since assuming office as head of the NCS.The Leadership Group, which hosted the event, said Adeniyi emerged as the winner following a thorough evaluation that considered the performance of more than ten high-ranking public officials.

In a statement released by the organisers, the award was conferred on him for his “transformative leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ushering in a new era of transparency, operational efficiency, and improved revenue generation that has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic stability.”

Adeniyi attended the ceremony with his wife, Kikelomo Adeniyi, and some senior Customs officers. In his remarks, he thanked the organisers for the recognition and promised to intensify efforts toward trade facilitation, revenue improvement, and anti-smuggling initiatives.

Acknowledging the contributions of his colleagues, he said: “This award is not just about me; it reflects the collective commitment to transparency, efficiency, and national development.”

He restated his focus on modernization, enhancing trade processes, and raising revenue, while underlining the importance of accountable leadership and border control in ensuring national security.

Adeniyi received the award alongside notable figures such as Aliko Dangote, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Abba Yusuf (Kano).

Also honoured were some senators and key players in the private sector.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has hosted a sensitisation forum aimed at improving trade practices and ensuring better compliance at the Kano Free Trade Zone (KFTZ).

The one-day programme, which took place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, brought together key stakeholders operating within the zone.

This was disclosed in a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe.

While addressing participants, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, stated the benefits of cooperation and adherence to trade guidelines.

He encouraged those in attendance to share their concerns, expressing hope that the forum would lead to improved collaboration and a reduction in operational obstacles.

During the event, Superintendent of Customs Muideen Alabi presented a paper titled “Roles of Nigeria Customs Service in Free Trade Zones.”

He discussed provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, outlined standard operating procedures, and explained the processes for exporting goods from free trade zones to customs territories.

He also drew attention to frequent documentation errors that tend to slow down trade activities.

Deputy Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), Richard Bassey, addressed lingering misconceptions surrounding the regulatory responsibilities of NEPZA.

“There’s been confusion about who does what in the zone. Today, we’ve cleared the air,” he said.

The event ended with an interactive session where stakeholders exchanged views directly with customs officials.

In his closing remarks, Comptroller Abubakar called for continuous dialogue and reassured participants of the Command’s commitment to supporting smooth trade operations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a total of $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in undeclared foreign currency at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The interception occurred during a routine baggage inspection of Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, a passenger who arrived from Saudi Arabia on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401.

According to the NCS, officers discovered the foreign currency hidden inside packs of palm-date fruits, commonly known as Dabino, during a physical examination of the passenger’s luggage.

The agency stated that the operation aligns with its ongoing efforts to enforce financial regulations and curb illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.

Following due process, both the suspect and the confiscated funds were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and legal proceedings.

A court subsequently convicted the defendant and ruled that the undeclared money be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

The NCS has reiterated that all travelers must adhere to Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the obligation to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved limit when entering or leaving the country.

The agency emphasized that failure to comply with these laws is a violation of Nigerian financial regulations and carries serious legal consequences.

Under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS remains committed to combating smuggling, illegal financial transactions, and other cross-border crimes.

This latest seizure, the agency noted, underscores its determination to protect Nigeria’s economic interests and enforce financial compliance.

The NCS assured the public of its continued collaboration with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, ensure adherence to financial laws, and safeguard the nation’s economy.

It urged travelers and financial sector stakeholders to remain vigilant and strictly follow legal financial practices.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has praised the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its proactive efforts in securing the nation’s borders and facilitating trade.

Ribadu made this commendation when the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja on Thursday.

During the meeting, Adeniyi showed the NCS’s adoption of advanced technology, such as Geospatial technology, to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement at Nigeria’s land and maritime borders.

Speaking these efforts, the NSA stated, “The Customs Service has demonstrated a commendable commitment to modernization and efficiency in securing our borders. Integrating advanced technology into border management is a step in the right direction and aligns perfectly with our broader national security objectives.”

In his response, Adeniyi expressed gratitude for the NSA’s recognition of the service’s efforts. He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to using technology to curb smuggling, trafficking, and other transborder crimes.

“We are committed to deploying cutting-edge solutions to combat smuggling, trafficking, and other transborder crimes,” Adeniyi said.

“Our goal is to ensure that our borders are secure, while also facilitating seamless and legitimate cross-border transactions.”

He also explained that the NCS’s technology-driven strategies are designed to align with international best practices while addressing Nigeria’s unique border security challenges.

“Technology remains the key to effective border management in today’s rapidly evolving security landscape,” Adeniyi noted.

“We will continue to invest in advanced technology and build strategic partnerships to enhance our border security and trade facilitation efforts.”

The NSA assured Adeniyi of continued support for the NCS’s modernization drive and emphasized the importance of collaboration in intelligence sharing and operational coordination.

The meeting stated the need for inter-agency cooperation in addressing security threats and maintaining national stability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Ogun II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commended its officers for their dedication and professionalism after recording a total revenue of ₦32.46 billion in the 2024 fiscal year.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the command headquarters in Abeokuta on Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Olusola Alade, attributed the milestone to the hard work and efficiency of the command’s personnel.

“This remarkable growth is a testament to our officers’ commitment to duty and our unwavering dedication to strengthening the national economy,” he stated.

Alade also praised the Customs Intelligence Unit, Monitoring Unit, and Customs Police Unit for their contributions to compliance and enforcement, which played a significant role in boosting revenue.

In addition, he expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his leadership and policy direction, which he said had enhanced excise duty collection and industrial monitoring.

Acknowledging the role of businesses in compliance, Alade applauded traders and manufacturers who have adhered to customs regulations and encouraged more businesses to follow suit to support economic growth.

Providing further insights into the command’s achievements, he disclosed that revenue for January 2025 alone stood at ₦4.34 billion, representing a 104% increase compared to the ₦2.14 billion collected in the same period last year.

He also highlighted that improved monitoring of Free Trade Zones, particularly the Ogun Guangdong, Ceplast, and Flourmill Free Trade Zone, had significantly contributed to the revenue increase.

Additionally, the command identified four unlicensed factories—Evita Moore, Lekan Industries, Scarlet Eagle Ltd, and IBK Ventures—which were operating without proper authorisation.

These factories have now been placed under excise control and are undergoing registration.

Affirming the command’s commitment to enhancing revenue generation, facilitating trade, and enforcing national security, Alade assured that Ogun II Customs would continue striving for operational excellence to support Nigeria’s economic development.