As Bashir Adewale Adeniyi clocks two-years as Nigeria’s number one customs officer from the period of his being appointed in acting capacity to formal confirmation, Elizabeth Toyon and Maria Yusuf report on one of the country’s highest non oil revenue source under his leadership
Appointed in June 2023, Adeniyi has brought to the position a wealth of experience, a reputation for professionalism, and a clear reformist agenda. He assumed office at a time the NCS was grappling with the need for holistic overhaul, enhanced revenue generation, and improved inter-agency cooperation amid growing security and economic challenges.
Adeniyi’s ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Customs Service are guided by three major areas: Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, which are the driving forces for the robust success and turnaround in the service.
In these two years, Adeniyi has made measurable progress in each of these domains, showing consistency with implementing the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 with a human face that promotes trade and strengthen economic sustainability.
Revenue Generation and Fiscal Efficiency
One of the most significant achievements of Adeniyi’s tenure is the sustained improvement in revenue generation. Under his watch, the NCS has consistently surpassed revenue targets, thanks to enhanced compliance mechanisms, better use of technology, and streamlined operational procedures.
Notably, the introduction of non-intrusive inspection systems, which include the deployment of scanning machines at key ports and borders, has dramatically reduced processing times and minimised revenue leakages. The NCS has also improved its risk management and valuation processes, reducing under-declaration and false invoicing practices that previously cost the nation billions.
Adeniyi’s tenure has also been marked by a commitment to fiscal transparency and accountability. By revamping the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) unit and bolstering anti-smuggling enforcement, the service has plugged several revenue loopholes, ensuring that importers and exporters play by the rules.
Under Adeniyi’s leadership , Nigeria Customs Service achieved a record-breaking revenue collection of N6.1 trillion in 2024, exceeding its target of N5.07 trillion. This represents a 90.4% increase compared to the N3.2 trillion collected in 2023.
The service generated ₦1,751,502,252,298.05 for the first quarter of 2025 with prospect for more collections as we approach end of second quarter in the year.
The service quarterly benchmark of ₦1.645 trillion, surpassed expectations by over ₦106 billion, achieving a 106.47% performance rate.
Modernisation and Digital Transformation
A core pillar of Adeniyi’s vision has been the digitisation of Customs operations. The ongoing migration to a paperless and fully automated customs clearance system is a milestone that future administrations will build upon. Key projects include the termination of the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) and the introduction of advanced data analytics .
It is worthy of note that the launched B’Odogwu, a new Unifed Customs Management System, starting with a pilot phase in Lagos at Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) command. While addressing newsmen at PTML Command on Wednesday, 23 October 2024, the Comptroller General of Customs Adeniyi stated that the innovative platform represents a significant milestone in Nigeria Customs’ modernisation journey, aligning with global best practices.
In his words, “B’Odogwu is our new customs management system, which embodies our vision for a paperless customs administration that facilitates seamless trade while maintaining robust security measures.”
Moreover, the CGC has aggressively pursued the implementation of the Customs Modernisation Project, often referred to as the e-Customs initiative , a long-term plan to deploy smart technologies, including artificial intelligence, drone surveillance, blockchain for cargo tracking, and biometric identity verification for customs officers and stakeholders.
These reforms are not just about efficiency; they are about plugging systemic inefficiencies and corruption vulnerabilities, improving Nigeria’s ranking in global trade logistics indices, and positioning the country as a competitive player in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Time Release Study
Adeniyi, launched the Time Release Study (TRS) at the Tin-Can Island Ports Command. The TRS is a strategic and internationally recognised tool designed to improve trade facilitation and efficiency at ports. Its implementation which was aimed to promote trade facilitation in line with global standards, has optimised the clearance process and assisted stakeholders in enhancing their operations. By streamlining procedures and reducing clearance times, the TRS has contributed to a more efficient and effective port environment.
The NCS has also taken proactive steps to effectively implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative. To achieve this, the service implemented trade facilitation policies and other measures to encourage local companies’ participation. Key initiatives included training officers on advance ruling, which commenced in July 2024, and promoting the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) program.
The AEO program, driven by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which recognises compliant businesses that meet specific security and compliance standards, enabling them to participate in the smooth movement of goods.
Anti-Smuggling Campaigns and Border Security
Adeniyi has reinvigorated the anti-smuggling operations of the NCS, especially in regions like the North-West, North-East, and South-West. His administration has recorded high-profile seizures of contraband, including arms, ammunition, illicit drugs, and foreign rice.
The establishment of specialised units like the Border Drill and the Strike Force has enhanced enforcement capabilities. These units, empowered with better intelligence and mobility assets, have dismantled several smuggling networks and contributed to national security efforts.
In response to the evolving nature of cross-border crimes, the Adeniyi-led NCS has improved inter-agency coordination with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) , Immigration Service, and other security agencies. Notably, partnerships with international customs organisations have also been deepened to combat transnational smuggling and fraud.
Human Capital Development and Staff Welfare
Adeniyi has not lost sight of the internal workings of the Customs Service. He has prioritised training and re-training of officers, both locally and internationally. Through partnerships with international bodies such as the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and other regional blocs, Nigerian customs officers have gained exposure to global best practices.
Stakeholder Engagement and Public Confidence
Another key area where Adeniyi has made strides is stakeholder engagement. By maintaining an open-door policy and encouraging dialogue with port operators, freight forwarders, importers, and clearing agents, the NCS under his leadership has improved public trust and reduced friction in customs operations.
Adeniyi has also been active in public communication ensuring that the service is transparent in its activities and regularly updating the media and public on key developments. His approachability and responsiveness have helped change the perception of the customs service from an opaque bureaucracy to a modern, service-oriented institution.
International Recognition and Regional Leadership
On the international stage, Adeniyi has positioned Nigeria as a customs leader in West Africa. His election as Vice Chairperson of the World Customs Organization for the West and Central Africa region is a testament to the respect he commands among peers. This role has allowed Nigeria to play a more central role in shaping regional customs policies, especially in the context of Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation and cross-border facilitation strategies.
Considering these achievements, it is obvious that Adeniyi has upgraded the NCS services and is still unraveling initiatives for outstanding services.
A winner of multiple awards,Adeniyi is relentless in making NCS meet International standard , generates revenue for national development while upgrading import and export services with the protecting local industries through vigorous anti smuggling activities
