Customs Promises Transformative Changes Under New CG

Newly appointed Acting Comptroller-general will transform Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada.

He said the Customs service is set to undergo significant transformations as Adewale Adeniyi assumes the position of head of the service today.

Maiwada announced that the new CG will lead innovative projects aimed at unlocking the service’s full potential. With a focus on collaboration, engagement with international organisations, the pursuit of cutting-edge technologies, and building upon past achievements, the NCS is poised to redefine customs practices for the better.

Maiwada, a chief superintendent of Customs, stated that Adeniyi’s appointment as Acting CG will enable the utilisation of the NCS Laboratory to address challenges such as counterfeit goods, smuggling, and non-compliant imports.

“This initiative will enhance revenue generation and ensure public health and safety. The advanced analytical capabilities of the laboratory are expected to deliver precise identification, verification, and classification of goods, enabling efficient enforcement measures and informed decision-making. This transformative step aligns with the vision of the President Tinubu led administration and aims to achieve seamless customs operations, trade competitiveness, and national economic growth,” he stated.

Adeniyi was appointed as Customs CG while attending the Policy Commission and Council meetings of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in Brussels, Belgium. Leveraging this global platform, the Acting CG engaged in topical discussions within the global Customs community. He advocated for the exploration of AI-driven solutions, such as ChatGPT, and advanced geo-spatial intelligence approaches like GEOINT. These technologies hold immense potential for enhancing communication, decision-making processes, and enforcement operations within Customs.

The NCS has already established a GEOINT unit, utilising geospatial data, mapping techniques, and satellite imagery to gain valuable insights for customs operations. Collaborative engagements are already underway to enhance the efficiency of NCS enforcement operations through the operationalization of GEOINT. These advancements reflect the NCS’s proactive approach to embracing cutting-edge technologies.

Adeniyi held strategic discussions with partners including the WCO, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan Customs Administration. These discussions aim to garner support for the establishment of a customs Laboratory, a significant milestone in enhancing customs operations and trade facilitation across Nigeria.

The acting CG also engaged in fruitful discussions with relevant experts and donors, focusing on areas such as conducting a Time Release Study (TRS), implementing the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, and leadership and management development. The discussions underline his commitment to comprehensive improvements and his inclination to adopt innovative solutions across various customs domains, ultimately enhancing customs operations.

During the council meeting, Ian Saunders from the United States was elected as the new Secretary General of the WCO. This important position sets the direction for customs practices worldwide and highlights the significant role played by the NCS in shaping the future of customs operations on a global scale.

Maiwada said under the leadership of the Acting CG, the Nigeria Customs Service embarks on an exciting journey towards enhanced customs efficiency. Through international collaborations, engagement with the WCO, exploration of AI-driven solutions, and strategic discussions, the NCS pioneers innovative projects that will shape the future of customs practices in Nigeria.

“With a strong emphasis on technology and international partnerships, the NCS is well-positioned to make substantial advancements in customs operations, benefiting trade facilitation, security, and operational effectiveness,” he said.