Nigeria Customs Services

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a ceremony held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi handed over the Vice-Chair of the World Customs Organization (WCO) West and Central African Region to Mali’s Inspector-General of Customs, Amadou Konate. 

CGC Adeniyi stated the significance of the sub-region, saying, “The sub-region serves as a platform for Customs Administrations to share experiences and develop lasting solutions to their common problems.” 

He also pledged mutual mentorship and support, identifying areas where the Nigeria Customs Service could assist the Malian Customs Administration.

Adeniyi explained the WCO framework, stating, “The WCO is an umbrella body uniting over 184 Customs Administrations worldwide. Each of the six global regions has an elected Vice-Chair who assists the Secretary-General in the administrative structure.” 

Inspector-General Konate expressed gratitude for the hospitality and expressed interest in building strong collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.

He noted the differences in administrative structures but welcomed the opportunity to learn from Nigeria’s experience. 

The handover marks a significant milestone in regional cooperation and knowledge sharing among customs administrations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Navy have joined forces to suppress waterway smuggling in Lagos.

Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye of the NCS Western Marine Command visited the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Real Admiral Mustapha Hassan, on Tuesday, seeking support in tackling smuggling within the waterways. 

“We are here for consolidation. The FOC has promised us so many things, and they are even ready to release their boats,” Bamisaiye said, adding to the existing synergy between the two agencies. 

On tackling smuggling, Bamisaiye stated, “We are unrelenting in suppressing smuggling… We will match force with them. We are ready, and even with the promise from the FOC, we know that we are good to go.” 

Real Admiral Mustapha Hassan acknowledged the role of Customs in Nigeria’s blue economy, saying, “When the Western Marine Command tops its job, the sky is the limit.”

He proposed a joint patrol to combat smuggling, saying, “We will collaborate and make sure we bring smuggling to an end in Lagos.”

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its commitment to intensifying surveillance and enforcement measures to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country. 

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a meeting with a delegation from the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), led by National Coordinator, DIG Babatunde Kokumo (rtd), at the Service’s Headquarters in Abuja. 

Adeniyi described Kokumo’s appointment as “placing a round peg in a round hole” and expressed readiness to strengthen their collaboration to promote public safety and security. 

“I want to believe that you’ve brought a wealth of experience to this assignment, and I have no doubt that you will have a successful tour of duty. Let me also say that Nigeria Customs Service is delighted to collaborate with the centre to create your mandate,” Adeniyi said. 

The CGC states the Service’s modest contributions to ensuring proficient scrutiny of merchandise coming into the country, citing recent seizures of arms and military wares at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, and other ports. 

Kokumo appreciated the collaboration between NCS and NCCSALW, saying, “Let me thank you for the opportunity accorded us to meet you, and I wish to let you know that we have been monitoring your activities.” 

He commended Adeniyi for his recent achievements in seizing arms and ammunition, which he said would help control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its commitment to harnessing technological advancements to fortify the country’s borders and facilitate trade.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this declaration on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, when he received a delegation from the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) led by Major General Emmanuel Ndagi. 

Adeniyi expressed the NCS’ readiness to partner with the DRDB to sustain its commitment to technological development, stating, “I see a lot of possibilities that will continue to evolve between the Nigeria Customs Service and DRDB in the area of technology because we live in the age of technology now.”

He reiterated the need for constant technological development, saying, “Any organisation that ignores research and developments might be digging its own grave.” 

The NCS has already set up structures devoted to special intelligence and geospatial intelligence to combat border crimes.

Speaking, Adeniyi noted the importance of research and development, citing the Command and Staff College, where students engage in periodic research and operations. 

Major General Ndagi, Director-General of DRDB, sought partnership with the NCS to address border security concerns, stating, “Addressing these challenges with compassion and jointly developing technologies that address border security concerns will help us to fortify our border areas.”

He also expressed optimism about the potential collaboration, saying, “I want to seek the cooperation of the Comptroller-General of Customs to join hands with DRDB in partnership.”

 By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has received a commendation from the World Customs Organisation (WCO) for its exceptional performance under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. 

This is contained in a statement signed by Abdullahi Maiwada, Chief Superintendent of Customs, National Public Relations Officer, for Comptroller General of Customs, on July 12, 2024. 

In a letter of commendation, WCO Director Larry Liza hailed the NCS’s remarkable 74% growth in revenue over the past year, marking a significant milestone in customs administration. 

“We extend our warmest congratulations to Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi and the Nigeria Customs Service for achieving a 74% growth in revenue in the last year. This outstanding feat has not gone unnoticed and stands as a testament to your dedication and effective leadership,” stated Larry Liza. 

The WCO highlighted the NCS’s exemplary achievements across various fronts, including revenue collection, trade facilitation, societal protection, and stakeholder collaboration, despite challenging security conditions. 

Under Comptroller-General Adeniyi’s guidance, the Nigeria Customs Service has demonstrated commendable resilience and innovation, particularly in streamlining operations and enforcing critical directives for the benefit of the nation. 

The WCO applauded the NCS’s proactive measures against smuggling and other illicit activities, which have reinforced border security and contributed to Nigeria’s economic stability. 

The recognition underscores the global impact of Nigeria’s Customs reforms and reinforces its commitment to learning from and supporting successful strategies in customs administration under CG Adewale Adeniyi’s leadership.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of the late Deputy Comptroller Etop Essien on July 10, 2024, in Abuja.

Essien passed away on June 25, 2024, while making a presentation before the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee. 

The CGC expressed deep sorrow and offered prayers for the repose of the deceased.

He said, “We pray that God will strengthen the family during this difficult time and give you the wisdom to understand that only He gives and takes, and we cannot question His will.” 

Adeniyi praised Essien’s dedication to his duties, noting, “He was highly committed to his duties and knew exactly what he was doing. We pray that God will comfort you and stay with you through this time of grief.” 

The CGC acknowledged the fragility of life and the impact of dedicated public servants like Essien, whose memory will continue to inspire his colleagues.

The Nigeria Customs Service will expedite the processing of benefits due to the late officer, Adeniyi assured the family. 

The widow, Mrs. Essien, expressed gratitude for the visit and kind words, sharing that her husband held the CGC and the Nigeria Customs Service in high esteem until his final moments.

She promised to update the service on the burial arrangements to ensure a fitting honour for Deputy Comptroller Essien.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a bid to enhance inter-agency collaboration, paid a courtesy visit to the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC), Abdullahi Maiwada.

The visit was said to have been paid at the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters in Abuja on July 9, 2024. 

ACP Adejobi noted the importance of collaboration between the two security agencies, stating, “Our roles as security agencies are crucial to national security and economic stability. By working together, we can better discharge our responsibilities and serve the public more effectively.” 

CSC Maiwada expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “This visit is a significant step towards strengthening our relationship with the Nigeria Police Force. Our combined efforts will undoubtedly enhance our operational efficiency and public service delivery.” 

The meeting focused on identifying areas of mutual interest where both agencies can cooperate to improve their functions and foster a positive image for both institutions.

The visit concluded with a mutual pledge to work towards enhancing national security and economic prosperity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen their partnership in the fight against fuel smuggling.

According to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the collaboration aims to tackle the smuggling of petroleum products outside Nigeria, which constitutes a significant burden on the national economy. 

Adeniyi noted that the price difference between Nigeria and neighboring countries creates a huge incentive for smuggling, but the NCS, through ‘Operation Whirlwind,’ is working to minimize the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS).

He highlighted the successes of the operation, including fantastic seizures and the arrest of perpetrators. 

The Coordinator of ‘Operation Whirlwind,’ Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, reported that the operation has recorded significant victories across the nation, including the interception of 79,000 liters of fuel in Kebbi State. 

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, acknowledged the smuggling of PMS as a major national challenge and sought the Customs’ assistance in minimising the smuggling of PMS outside Nigeria.

He commended the efforts of ‘Operation Whirlwind’ and offered NNPC’s support to combat the crime. Both agencies have agreed to share intelligence and resources to enhance their capacity and motivation to tackle fuel smuggling.

The collaboration aims to create a situation room for data sharing and to ensure the prosecution of arrested perpetrators.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has called on customs officers to honor their oath of service and fulfill their national security mandate.

Speaking during an operational visit to Apapa on Thursday, June 4, 2024, Adeniyi emphasized the critical role of customs officers in safeguarding the nation’s borders. 

“The declarations made by these people who go through our desks are inside our system. What it means is that we have an onerous responsibility to address the national security emergency that we face in Nigeria,” he said. 

The CGC recalled recent seizures of arms and military accoutrements at Lagos Airport and Onne Port, stressing the need for officers to prevent illegal items from entering the country.

He urged officers to maintain the highest level of integrity, as their actions can be traced and attributed to them. 

“We work with a system that has track and trace. What each and all of you do with our system can be tracked. It can be traced. We can attribute them to you in the next seven years or beyond. What you do not do can also be attributed to you, so either way, we can be located and called upon to account for our actions and inactions,” he warned. 

Adeniyi stated that anyone traced or caught on the wrong side of the law would not be spared. He urged officers to live up to their responsibility, emphasizing that revenue, trade facilitation, and national security are crucial mandates that must not be failed. 

“I, therefore, urge you to live to your responsibility; this nation is ours, revenue is important, trade facilitation is important, we are getting it right on those ends, and we must not fail on our mandate of national security. So the responsibility lies with all of us to live up to the oath of service, the oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stressed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant seizure of arms and ammunition at the Port Harcourt Area II Command in Onne, Rivers State.

According to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the seizure was made on June 21, 2024, following credible intelligence. 

The intercepted container from Turkey contained 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition, concealed among other items.

The total duty-paid value of the seized items is ₦4,171,710,000.00. Three suspects have been detained in connection with the seizure, and an investigation is ongoing. 

The CGC stated, “This interception underscores our commitment to national security and public safety. We remain vigilant and committed to our duty.”

The seizure is a result of the NCS’s robust Risk Management System and collaboration with local and international intelligence communities. 

The container will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution.

Licenses and permits for warehouses and terminals involved have been suspended, and officers found complicit will face severe sanctions. 

The Comptroller General commended the Customs Area Comptroller Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede, and his team for their professionalism and acknowledged the support from local and international partners and other government agencies.

He warned, “This seizure serves as a strong warning to others contemplating similar misadventures. We will run you out of business; the NCS continues to demonstrate its dedication to protecting Nigeria’s borders and ensuring the security of its citizens.”