Nigeria Customs Services

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed optimism that the recently launched Pilot Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme in Nigeria will contribute to the broader objectives of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in promoting border security and fostering sustainable economic development globally. 

Speaking during a panel discussion at the 6th WCO Global Authorised Economic Operators Conference in Shenzhen, China, CGC Adeniyi said, “We started implementing a pilot AEO program a month ago, and we have been inspired by the policy and vision of the new Nigerian government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance economic competitiveness and diversification.” 

The CGC noted the importance of AEO in reducing the time and cost of doing business. He was quoted as saying, “The indices that they used in compiling the ease of doing business is trading across borders, and AEO allows us to engage with our stakeholders and reduce the time and cost of doing business.” 

CGC Adeniyi also acknowledged the challenges faced by the Service in optimizing stakeholders’ engagement and sought support from the WCO and other stakeholders to address these challenges. 

The conference, which held from May 8 to 10, 2024, brought together Customs officials, trade experts, and stakeholders from around the world to share best practices and explore ways to enhance trade facilitation and security through the AEO program. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the families affected by the tragic stampede that occurred during the sale of rice in Lagos on February 23, 2024. 

A delegation led by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone “A,” Hammi Swomen, visited the family of the late Comfort Ajayi on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Anthony, Lagos.

The delegation expressed the service’s condolences and commitment to continued support. ACG Swomen stated,

“In line with the CGC’s directive, it is an ongoing interaction and support for the families…we will continue to keep in touch with them and see the best ways going forward that we can support them in this difficult time.” 

The husband of the late Comfort Ajayi, Murphy Ajayi, appreciated the delegation’s visit, saying, “They have been trying in their effort to get in touch with us and check on us. I say a big thank you, though it has not been easy, but life continues.” 

The team also visited the families of late Eugene Anyanwu and late Mercy Christopher on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

The wives of the late victims, Sarah Anyanwu and Christopher Onah, commended the gesture by the Nigeria Customs Service and prayed for the service’s success. 

This is not the first visit by the customs service, as they had earlier visited the family of the late Susan Odulaja in Jibowu, Lagos, on Friday, April 26, 2024. 

The Nigeria Customs Service’s continued support demonstrates their responsiveness, care, and responsibility as a Nigerian government agency.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has visited the family of Susan Odulaja, a victim of the tragic stampede that occurred during the sale of 25kg bags of rice in Lagos on February 23, 2024. 

A delegation led by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone “A,” Hammi Swomen, visited the family in Jibowu, Lagos State, on Friday, April 26, 2024, to offer condolences and support. 

“We remember the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of four precious lives during the disposal of 25kg bags of rice at a reduced price of N10,000. We are here to support this family and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being,” said ACG Swomen. 

This visit marks the second time the NCS has reached out to the family, demonstrating the service’s commitment to showing compassion and empathy to those affected by the tragedy. 

The NCS has pledged to work with the family and support them continuously, saying, “When you are grieving and have people around you, it reduces the trauma. Right now, we are going to report to the CGC, and the service is considering, in concrete terms, what to do going forward.” 

The widower, Michael Odulaja, appreciated the service representatives for their visit and support, saying, “I thank God and the Nigeria Customs Service for their support. Any support that they give us, I will ensure that I use it wisely and invest it in the children.” 

The NCS had earlier issued a press statement promising to follow up with the families of the stampede victims, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality in decision-making processes, combating gender discrimination and gender-based violence.

This dedication was reiterated at a capacity-building workshop on gender inclusivity co-organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the NCS in Abuja on Monday, April 22, 2024. 

According to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, “Our aim is to create a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to grow and contribute to the service’s success, regardless of gender.”

He noted that the NCS is committed to addressing gender discrimination, harassment, and biases within its ranks and will work tirelessly to ensure that its policies and practices reflect this commitment. 

The workshop brought together customs officials, gender experts, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting gender inclusivity and addressing gender-based violence in the workplace.

The event demonstrated the NCS’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment where all employees can thrive and reach their full potential. 

Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Caroline Niagwan, represented the CGC at the event and indicated the need for clear policies and procedures to address gender discrimination, harassment, and biases within the NCS. 

With this reaffirmed commitment, the NCS demonstrates its dedication to promoting gender equality and combating gender-based violence, creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment for all employees.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, received a delegation from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) led by Director General Hafsat Bakari at the Service’s Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 16 April 2024. 

The meeting focused on strengthening the partnership between the two agencies to enhance border security, intensify efforts against smugglers and money launderers, and combat terrorism financing activities.

CGC Adeniyi congratulated DG Bakari on her appointment and expressed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to supporting NFIU through a joint team to address pressing issues. 

“I want to wish you a successful tenure. I see, through your passion, your commitment to Project Nigeria, and I also see the collaborative spirit that you brought on board. These are all things that I share also because I believe that we can draw strength from each other, assist ourselves, and get things done,” CGC Adeniyi said. 

DG Bakari applauded the NCS’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerian borders and combating smuggling activities.

She stated the importance of information sharing and highlighted the need for efficient systems, processes, and technologies to identify the smuggling of currency and high-value items. 

“We recognise the vital role of the NCS in protecting Nigeria’s borders, preventing the smuggling of illicit goods, but also in ensuring that those who import goods into our country pay the appropriate fees and levies that are due to the federal government,” DG Bakari said. 

The meeting also aimed to establish a cordial relationship between the two agencies and promote intelligence sharing to ensure the safety and prosperity of Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, paid a courtesy visit to the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Corporate Headquarters on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, reinforcing the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to public awareness. 

Welcomed warmly by the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndache, the CGC was praised for his accomplishments.

Ndache was quoted as saying, “The comments about you are that of joy and your achievements are highly commendable… The reason for welcoming you to our corporate headquarters personally is to thank you for your continuous and immense support to VON.” 

In response, the CGC expressed gratitude and affirmed his dedication to transparency and open governance, aligning with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We are in a new administration investing in renewed hope for economic recovery, political stability, and the security of the nation,” he stated. 

Recognising VON’s pivotal role in disseminating government policies, the CGC pledged the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering support to VON in enhancing public awareness.

“We have a strategic economic team making stringent and diverse economic policies that will foster economic growth for the nation. VON is very strategic in communicating these policies to the citizens,” he said.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Federal Government has launched the National Single Window Steering Committee to bolster trade facilitation and streamline the nation’s import and export processes.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, with President Bola Tinubu presiding. 

The Committee comprises representatives from pivotal federal ministries and agencies.

These include the Ministry of Finance, Marine and Blue Economy, Transportation, Trade and Investment, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Central Bank of Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organization of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). 

Highlighting the significance of the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) involvement, President Tinubu stated, “Nigeria cannot afford to lose an estimated $4 billion annually due to bureaucratic delays, red tape, and corruption at the nation’s ports.

“By embracing the single window system, Nigeria hopes to join countries like Singapore, Korea, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia that have already experienced significant improvements in trade efficiency.” 

The National Single Window project aims to introduce a real-time digital trade compliance system, revolutionizing trade processes.

This initiative is anticipated to enable paperless trade, providing an estimated annual economic benefit of around $2.7 billion.

It is projected to bolster national revenue and enhance port efficiency. With the NCS’s pivotal role in trade facilitation and border security, its involvement in the initiative is deemed crucial.

The service is aligned with the initiative’s goals, aiming to expedite cargo movement and bolster inter-African trade. 

The launch of the National Single Window Steering Committee is viewed as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to progress, prosperity, and the welfare of Nigerians.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has shattered previous revenue records by collecting an astonishing N489,614,095,022.15 in the first quarter of 2024.

This figure marks a staggering increase of over 100% compared to the N212.5 billion collected during the same period in 2023. 

The announcement came through a press release from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abubakar Usman, on Saturday, April 6, 2024. 

Commander Babajide Jaiyeoba, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, hailed this achievement as a significant stride towards reaching their ambitious target for the year.

With a target set at nearly N2 trillion for 2024, Jaiyeoba emphasized the pivotal role of compliance in achieving this objective. 

Jaiyeoba underscored the importance of adhering to established protocols, including the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, government import/export prohibition lists, Common External Tariff, and Federal Government-approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

He stated that diligent compliance not only ensures smoother operations but also unlocks a myriad of benefits for all stakeholders. 

Expressing gratitude to the Officers and port stakeholders for their cooperation, Jaiyeoba called for sustained compliance from both government and private sector entities.

He urged all stakeholders within the Apapa Port to continue supporting the Customs Service in fostering an efficient and rules-based system for import/export cargo clearance. 

“I will continue my weekly engagement of stakeholders at various levels to sustain the tempo of our achievements and consolidate on the gains from regular enlightenment of every member of the port community,” said Jaiyeoba, highlighting the importance of ongoing communication and collaboration. 

In his address, Jaiyeoba reiterated the role of the Apapa Command in realizing the NCS’s annual target of N5.7 trillion for 2024, stressing the collective responsibility of all involved parties. 

Furthermore, Jaiyeoba outlined the benefits of compliance, including the recently launched Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program.

He noted that honest declaration not only enhances reputational integrity but also expedites cargo processing, reduces costs, and mitigates the risk of penalties or seizure. 

As the Command gears up for the second quarter of 2024, Jaiyeoba expressed confidence in surpassing previous achievements.

“As we step into the second quarter to end the first half of 2024, I am convinced we will do better in revenue collection, facilitate more trade through our port, and prevent smuggling under any guise,” he affirmed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, called for unity and harmony among Nigerians during the holy month of Ramadan. 

He stated this in an iftar gathering he hosted on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. 

The event, attended by dignitaries including Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman of the Trade Modernization Project, took place at the Nigeria Customs Management Estate in Abuja. 

In his address, CGC Adeniyi urged Nigerians to embrace the teachings of Ramadan, stating, “Only through eschewing bitterness, accommodating one another, and living with one another in peace and harmony can people achieve a prosperous country.”

He expressed the significance of Ramadan’s teachings. 

Reflecting on the recent celebrations of Easter and the ongoing observance of Ramadan, CGC Adeniyi stated the common values shared by Nigerians, stating, “What unites us is far more than what divides us.”

He called for collective action to address food insecurity in the country, noting that many Nigerians struggle to find adequate meals, especially during Ramadan. 

CGC Adeniyi reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to supporting Nigerians in need, pledging to implement measures to ensure food security.

He called on all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Ramadan in their daily lives, urging them to “eschew bitterness and accommodate one another in peace and harmony.” 

Wale Edun, representing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, commended CGC Adeniyi for organizing the Iftar.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to unveil a state-of-the-art customs analytical laboratory, Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, says. 

The initiative, slated to roll out between the second and third quarters of 2024, aims to fortify the NCS’s ability to detect and deter smuggling, counterfeit goods, and other unlawful practices. 

Addressing the media at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, CGC Adeniyi stated the laboratory’s significance in upholding customs regulations.

Describing it as a specialized facility equipped with cutting-edge analytical instruments, he highlighted its pivotal role in ensuring compliance through accurate testing and analysis of imported and exported goods. 

“The Customs Analytical Laboratory will play a crucial role in safeguarding public health, safety, and economic interests,” said CGC Adeniyi.

By harnessing advanced technology and expertise, the NCS anticipates a substantial enhancement in its capacity to combat illicit trade activities, thus fostering trade facilitation and bolstering confidence in the customs system’s integrity. 

In addition to strengthening import controls, CGC Adeniyi shed light on initiatives aimed at fostering export growth and aligning with national agendas.

Discussions with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) have been initiated to sustain the positive momentum in export transactions, with a dedicated technical committee established for this purpose. 

“The NCS remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting export trade, diversifying the economy, and positioning Nigeria for success in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” affirmed CGC Adeniyi.

As part of broader reforms, measures are underway to streamline customs processes and enhance public accessibility to verification tools for customs documents, including duty payments on vehicles. 

Noting ongoing efforts to enhance port operations, CGC Adeniyi disclosed plans for the introduction of a Single Window system under the stewardship of the Minister of Finance.

The imminent inauguration of the steering committee responsible for its implementation signals a proactive stride towards modernizing trade facilitation mechanisms in Nigeria.