Some weeks ago while browsing on my phone for news updates, a headline caught my attention: ‘CG Lobbies Senate Committee for Job Slots Reserved for Border Communities.’ It got me thinking about the art of lobbying in the realm of public relations and how effective it can be in advocating for particular interests. It also reminded one of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS’) impressive transformation.
Once mired in public distrust, the NCS is now renowned globally for its efficiency, transparency and integrity. This made me ponder the secret of their success. I remember from my university days that lobbying is an essential part of the democratic process which allow groups to communicate their concerns to decision-makers and hope for positive feedback. Public relations’ roles can work with lobbying efforts, building relationships, conveying important messages and shaping public perception.
At a two-day management retreat hosted by the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on the new Customs Act 2023, the then Chairman, Committee of Customs and Excise at the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Abejide, revealed how legitimate lobbying helped to facilitate the passage of the bill. He commended Adeniyi and other members of the previous management for their dedication but regretted how President Muhammadu Buhari declined his assent to the new Act thrice.
Abejide noted that with perseverance and collaboration with stakeholders, they were able to weather the storm and delivered a new Customs Act, the first of its kind in 63 years. “This Act we are all celebrating today did not come that easy as the Bill was declined assent three times. It got to a point it became practically the only project I was doing as I was having meetings in the Ministry of Justice while also talking with the Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.
“The provisions of Section 14 (1) of the new Act are very instructive on professionalism, by providing appointment of a career officer from the Service to be head of management of the Service. I want to congratulate the newly appointed Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), for being the first beneficiary of this career reform exercise.”
Speaking, Adeniyi said the NCSA, 2023 was overdue after decades of the defunct Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 LFN 2004 (CEMA). “CEMA was enacted 63 years ago and remained without any significant amendment notwithstanding the expansion in government, growth in population and challenges in the economy. The efforts were necessary because the provisions of CEMA had become obsolete and could no longer meet the contemporary fiscal policies of the Government and the mandate of the Service.”
This situation, CG Adeniyi explained, propelled the National Assembly, through a private member, to initiate the repeal and enactment of a new Nigeria Customs Service Bill eventually passed by the parliament and assented to by President Buhari before he left office. PRNigeria reports that the Service had engaged relevant stakeholders as lobbyists to support the bill which would address some of the defects in the CEMA and introduced innovative solutions in the implementation of the Act.
The NCS effectively used lobbying to garner support for its reforms, acquire crucial resources, and drive change. The agency recognised that it couldn’t achieve its goals single-handedly, so, the support of key partners was sought. This was leveraged upon to get the new legislation over the line. Lobbying, a significant tool in issues management, involves influencing legislative and regulatory decisions within the government. It shapes public policies and laws, a discipline closely intertwined with public relations.
The concept of lobbying started from American politics during the 1800s. The earliest form involved individuals meeting with politicians outside legislative chambers to persuade them and sway their votes. For example, a business owner who tries get a wider road built via a mediator is a good analogy of lobbying. The owner, who might not be present during the presentation of a case to the authorities, could hire lobbyists as they have a deep understanding of politics and know how to navigate the government bureaucracy. They use their knowledge and connections to deliver results.
Aside from this, a trade association might contact a lobbyist to advocate for legislation that would be beneficial to its members. A labour union might also hire a lobbyist to fight for workers’ rights and benefits or a community group to advocate for improved infrastructure or services in their community. However, lobbying is not always seen in a positive light in Nigeria. Some believe it is a form of corruption and gives undue influence to special interests. Despite the controversy, lobbying is a common practice and plays an important role in shaping public policy.
The NC, responsible for the regulation of imports and exports, plays a vital role in the Nigerian economy, generating billions of Naira in revenue each year. However, the NCS has been criticised for its inefficiency in these mandates and abuse of power by the personnel. Under the watch of Adeniyi, the NCS has embarked on several reforms and initiatives aimed at improving its efficiency and effectiveness.
In the past, the CG was appointed outside the workforce, a mater that raised eyebrows. Notably, the tenure of the immediate past helmsman, Hameed Ali, a retired military officer appointed by former President Buhari created significant unease due to his refusal to wear the Customs regalia. Another important deviation from the norm was the appointment of Shehu Ahmadu Musa in 1978, transitioning from the Ministry of Health, a move that echoed outside the career trajectory of the NCS.
In response to these deviations, a transformative strategy was implemented through the Customs Act. The Act stipulated a fundamental change in the appointment criteria for the CG position. The new regulation directed that the President would appoint the CG from within the career-serving officers of the NCS, ensuring the candidate holds a rank not lower than that of an Assistant Comptroller General (ACG). Adeniyi emerged as a central figure in this narrative.
After his appointment, his professional colleagues in PR, the media and other stakeholders engaged in a protracted lobbying strategy, through subtle advocacy, to position Adeniyi within the framework of the Act. Good leadership and active engagements with other key players and monumental accomplishments within a few months provided the testament that paid off in the confirmation of his appointment as the 14th indigenous CG of Customs and the 31st since its establishment in 1891.
The elevation of Adeniyi marked the first career-serving officer benefiting directly from the altered Act. This historical change heralded not just the appointment of a new leader but signified the onset of a transformation in the appointment procedures, advocating for internal career progression and expertise within the NCS.
Meanwhile, despite the allocation of N14.2 billion in the 2023 budget for the construction of a specialised Nigerian Customs Academy/Training School, the funds have yet to be disbursed. Amidst this budgetary impasse, the NCS undertook significant efforts to reinforce its training and development initiatives. The graduation of 50 officers from the Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada marked a crucial step.
The lobbying for the project bore fruit when Senator Umar Shehu Buba and 16 colleagues sponsored a motion urging the Federal Government to utilise the N14.2 billion for the school in Bauchi State. The intervention proves the academy would provide quality training aligned with international standards and forestall unprofessional conduct among personnel. The strategies implemented and Senate’s adoption of the motion is another win for lobbying for a good course.
- Kabir Abdulsalam is a senior staff writer with Spokesperson’s Digest
