Nigeria Customs Services

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, in a bid to enhance living conditions for officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, announced a strategic partnership with the Cooperative Mortgage Bank to construct 5,009 housing units nationwide. 

This was disclosed on December 18th at the Pacesetter Garden Estate, Ajoda Ibadan, Oyo State. 

Joined by notable figures such as the National President of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, and other senior officers, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the scheme’s positive impact on the morale and efficiency of Customs personnel. 

While acknowledging the temporary relief provided through staff quarters, CGC Adeniyi expressed concerns about retirement and subsequent vacation from these facilities.

The collaboration with Cooperative Mortgage Bank aims to establish a sustainable housing solution, constructing diverse residences, including two-bedroom terrace bungalows and three-bedroom terrace duplexes in strategic locations like Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Asaba, Masaka, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. 

CGC Adeniyi expressed gratitude to partners such as Cooperative Mortgage Bank, Modern Shelter, and Brains & Hammers for their crucial role in this flagship housing program. 

Tajudeen Aiyeola, President of the Cooperative Association of Nigeria, advocated for government intervention in providing low-cost housing nationwide.

He stressed the cooperative sector’s significance in implementing social and economic programs for the welfare of Nigerians. 

Aiyeola commended the Nigeria Customs Service for prioritizing the middle and lower classes, urging other agencies to follow suit.

He emphasized the need for collective efforts from the government, parastatals, agencies, and the private sector to focus on member welfare and reduce turnaround time in Nigeria. 

Representing Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Special Assistant commended the initiative for its potential contribution to the state’s economic development.

He urged support for the project, recognizing its capacity to boost the economy and provide value to Nigerian agencies. 

The event concluded with the distribution of housing documents to recipients, group photographs, and a tour showcasing various types of residences, highlighting the commitment to eradicating poverty and fostering economic development in Nigeria.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct in response to a viral video depicting a customs officer soliciting a ₦5,000 bribe from a passenger at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. 

This was revealed in a statement signed by Abdullahi Maiwadah, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service today. 

The statement partly reads: “The Nigeria Customs Service is diligently investigating an incident at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, where an officer was observed soliciting ₦5000 bribe from a passenger. This behavior has rightfully raised public concern, and we are committed to ensuring full accountability.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident transpired at New Terminal, within the departure hall of Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, and was captured on video by the involved passenger. The recording reveals an inappropriate request for ₦5000 in exchange for expeditious processing of customs procedures.

“We wish to confirm that the Officer implicated is indeed a member of the Nigeria Customs Service, properly assigned to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Area Command.

“The NCS strongly condemns this unprofessional conduct and is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. A comprehensive investigation is underway to scrutinize the incident thoroughly, and appropriate actions will be taken.

“Such behavior is entirely inconsistent with the core values of our service, and we are resolute in maintaining a transparent and accountable customs operation.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, championed the importance of continuous learning for the newly graduated officers from Senior Course 9 and Junior Course 17. 

He stated this in a motivational address at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Abuja. 

Representing Deputy Comptroller General Sa’idu Galadima of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), CGC Adeniyi stressed the significance of professionalism, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence.

He encouraged the graduates to leverage opportunities in their respective commands, take calculated risks, and be catalysts for positive change. 

ACG Kingsley Egwuh, Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, commended the graduates for their dedication, highlighting their 100% success rate.

Stating various training aspects, including academic standards, proficiency, and weapon handling, ACG Egwuh urged the graduates to infuse purpose into their careers while upholding the service motto, “Justice and Honesty.” 

The Commandant also unveiled ongoing projects, including the replacement of dilapidated furniture in the college hall and the installation of solar panels to enhance facilities. 

Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Comptroller Oluyomi Adebakin, outlined the curriculum’s focus on developing human capacity and improving customs operations.

Adebakin affirmed the commitment to enhancing officers’ skills with a strong moral foundation. 

Special Guest of Honour Senator Isah Echocho, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise, addressed global economic challenges and urged graduates to positively impact society.

He expressed optimism that their adeptness in technological advancements would contribute to Nigeria’s economic advancement. 

In a celebratory gesture, the college hosted a regimental dinner night honouring the graduates of Senior Course 9 and Junior Course 17.

The Nigeria Customs Service Management has given the green light for the promotion of 357 officers. 

This is contained in a statement released by Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the anti-smuggling service.

The decision to elevate these officers from the rank of Customs Assistant I (CAI) to Inspector of Customs (IC) was officially approved during the 7th Management meeting of 2023, held on December 1, 2023.

The meeting, chaired by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, MFR, underlined the commitment to fostering a motivated and excellence-driven workforce. 

The comprehensive promotion list encompasses both General Duty (GD) and Support Staff (SS) personnel who demonstrated exceptional performance in the 2023 promotion exercise.

The breakdown of the promoted officers is detailed as follows: AIC to IC (246) GD, AIC to IC (37) SS, CAI to AIC (39) GD, CAI to AIC (27) SS, CAII to CAI (7) SS, and CAIII to CAII (1) GD. 

This strategic move stands as a testament to the visionary leadership of the Comptroller-General, affirming the importance of motivation, recognising excellence, and rewarding diligence within the service.

Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, serving as the National Public Relations Officer, extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly promoted officers.

In his statement, he conveyed the Comptroller General’s call for these men to redouble their efforts in fulfilling the service’s core mandates of Revenue Generation, Suppression of Smuggling, and Trade Facilitation. 

The Nigeria Customs Service looks forward to the continued dedication and enhanced contributions of its recently promoted officers, as they play a pivotal role in advancing the organisation’s mission and objectives.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) of the Nigeria Customs Service, has clinched the esteemed ‘Spokesperson of the Year’ Award bestowed by Spokesperson’s Digest, a division of Image Merchant Public Relations. 

The award ceremony, graced by notable personalities, in Abuja served as a commendation of Maiwada’s exceptional contributions to public relations and steadfast dedication to the Nigeria Customs Service. 

In an exclusive post-award interview with NCBN correspondents, Maiwada credited his success to both personal commitment and the collaborative efforts of his team.

He said, “This accolade not only acknowledges my dedication but also inspires me to elevate my contributions further. My motivation comes from a deep passion for my work and the unwavering support of my dedicated team.”

Maiwada, recognised for his dynamic leadership, underscored the collective endeavours of his team as the driving force behind the prestigious acknowledgment.

His words read, “Today’s recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of my team, serving as a motivating force to strive for excellence.”

Expressing gratitude for the guidance and backing from the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team, Maiwada emphasised the importance of extracting the utmost value from his work.

In addition to recognising Maiwada’s professional prowess, praise was accorded to the National PRO’s commitment to mentorship.

He urged organisers to consistently acknowledge the dedication and enthusiasm of media practitioners and agencies, stressing the need to uphold a culture of recognising significant contributions in their respective domains. 

Concluding his remarks, Maiwada extended heartfelt appreciation to Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Headquarters Adeogun Alajogun, the representative of the CGC at the event.

He acknowledged Alajogun’s pivotal role as his direct supervisor in the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Adewale Adeniyi (MFR) as the new Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, effective October 19, 2023.

Adeniyi’s appointment is in line with the Public Service Rules.

President Tinubu has entrusted him with the responsibility to lead the Customs Service, emphasising his wealth of experience.