New Customs CG Promises Technology-driven Innovation To Surpass Expectations

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the 31st comptroller general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a promise to leverage technology, intelligence-led operations, and effective risk management strategies focused on raising more revenue for the government.

He also promised to pursue excellence and surpass expectations (revenue target) by ensuring the complete overhaul of the activities and processes of the service.

In today’s interconnected and technologically advanced world, customs face emerging threats that require utmost attention. E-commerce, global supply chains, and transnational criminal networks pose challenges to the role of the service as custodians of trade facilitation and enforcement.

In his inaugural remarks yesterday, the acting CG said under his watch, the NCS will implement advanced risk management systems, integrate cutting-edge technologies, and ensure simplification of trade procedures to achieve its objectives. “These advancements will not only boost our revenue generation capabilities but also promote a conducive business environment that attracts investments and spurs economic growth,” Adeniyi remarked shortly after taking over from his predecessor Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), while pointing to the recently signed Customs Act as an enabler.

To drive home his plan, Adeniyi said his administration is firmly committed to fairness. “Our decisions and actions will be guided by principles of transparency and discipline,” he said, stating that the service will strive to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour. 

“Indiscipline will not be tolerated as we prioritize fairness and equity.”

CG Adeniyi said his focus is on cultivating a highly skilled workforce that is equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

He said his administration is committed to prioritizing the welfare and well-being of Customs personnel. He said by providing better remunerations, improved accommodation, life insurance, and quality healthcare, “we aim to create an environment that supports and motivates our workforce.”

The CG said his administration will work diligently to implement career advancement opportunities approved by the Customs board, ensuring that competence remains the sole criterion for assigning responsibilities and measuring effectiveness.

Earlier, the former CG who highlighted some reform initiatives and achievement of the service under his seven years and six months reign, encouraged Adeniyi to be diligent in service and always strive hard to maintain the integrity of the service.

Under Col. Ali’s leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service embarked on a journey of transformation, focused on reforms, restructuring, and revenue generation. The service witnessed critical adjustments to meet the evolving needs and strategic objectives of the service, a success story that was acknowledged by Adeniyi.

The acting CG said a beneficiary and ambassadors of the reforms under Ali, himself and many of his colleagues played pivotal roles in training, retraining, and mentoring the future generation of Customs officers.