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  • Tinubu congratulates Customs boss Adeniyi on his 60th birthday

    Tinubu congratulates Customs boss Adeniyi on his 60th birthday

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his 60th birthday.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President rejoiced with Adeniyi on the milestone, marked by years of dedicated service to the nation, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.

    As the Customs boss turns 60, the President prayed that God Almighty would grant him renewed strength, good health, and wisdom to keep serving the nation.

    As the Customs boss, Adeniyi has instituted landmark reforms that have repositioned the NCS for efficient service delivery.

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    He has also improved community relations, increased revenue, and enhanced trade with other countries.

    President Tinubu noted Adeniyi’s efforts in transforming the NCS into a globally competitive institution, culminating in his election as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in June 2025.

    The President commended the Comptroller-General for positively projecting Nigeria and Africa by providing inclusive, practical, and charismatic leadership at the WCO.

  • Adeniyi gets one-year tenure extension as Customs’ CG

    Adeniyi gets one-year tenure extension as Customs’ CG

    • NCS boss to consolidate reforms, strengthen AfCFTA implementation

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a one-year extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

    His tenure was originally due to expire at the end of this month.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said the extension would enable. Adeniyi to consolidate ongoing reforms and complete strategic initiatives under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Among the critical projects highlighted are: the continued modernisation of the Nigeria Customs Service, the full rollout of the National Single Window Project, and the effective implementation of Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol.

    “The extension, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will enable Mr. Adeniyi to consolidate ongoing reforms and complete critical initiatives of this administration,” the statement said.

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     President Tinubu, the statement added, acknowledged Adeniyi’s “steadfast leadership and commitment to service” and expressed confidence that the additional year will further strengthen the Nigeria Customs Service in its core mandate areas—trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security.

    Adeniyi was appointed in 2023 and has since led a number of transformational initiatives aimed at repositioning the Service for efficiency, transparency, and greater alignment with global trade standards.

     The Nigeria Customs Service plays a vital role in the country’s economic framework, serving as a gatekeeper for revenue collection and national security at the borders.

     With the AfCFTA now entering critical stages of execution, the administration’s decision signals a continued emphasis on trade integration, digital systems enhancement, and cross-border efficiency.

  • Group lauds Adeniyi’s appointment as chairperson of WCO

    Group lauds Adeniyi’s appointment as chairperson of WCO

    The Centre for Ethical Conduct, Orientation and Empowerment (CECOE) has described the recent appointment of Comptroller – General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, as chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, as a “monumental milestone” for Nigeria.

    Coordinator of CECOE, Dr. David Owah noted that this historic development not only boosts national pride but significantly uplifts Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.

    Addressing a press briefing yesterday, he stated that Adeniyi’s emergence as WCO Council Chairperson—an unprecedented achievement since the Council’s establishment in 1953—reflected Nigeria’s increasing credibility in shaping global customs administration.

    “This is not just a personal victory; it is a profound national triumph,” he declared, noting that the appointment confirms the country’s competence and leadership capacity in international trade governance.

    He linked Adeniyi’s elevation directly to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating it was a testament to the President’s commitment to merit-based leadership and institutional reforms.

    “This is a solid endorsement of President Tinubu’s governance philosophy that insists on measurable results and ethical leadership,” he said.

    According to Owah, CG Adeniyi’s tenure at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has already seen far-reaching reforms.

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    He listed major accomplishments including record-breaking revenue generation, enhanced anti-smuggling efforts, the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies, and stronger international collaborations.

    “These reforms have improved business efficiency and boosted national revenue,” he noted.

    He stressed that continuity in leadership was essential to sustain and institutionalise these gains.

    He argued that CG Adeniyi’s current global role offered Nigeria an opportunity to shape international customs policies, and that maintaining his leadership at home is of strategic national importance.

  • Makinde makes fresh appointments as Adeniyi replaces Oyekunle as DCOS

    Makinde makes fresh appointments as Adeniyi replaces Oyekunle as DCOS

    Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Adeyinka Kazim Adeniyi (Bibire) as his new Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS).

    This follows the resignation of erstwhile DCOS, Fola Oyekunle, who recently emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s candidate for the Ibadan North federal constituency by-election slated for August 16, 2025.

    According to a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, Makinde also approved the dissolution of the board of the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and the appointment of Taiwo Lekan Salami as the new chairman.

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    In the same vein, Governor Makinde approved the appointment of Kabiru Salami, a retired police officer, as Executive Assistant to the Governor (Security Coordination) and Waheed Adeniyi, as the new chairman of Oyo State Waste Management Authority.

    The governor, while congratulating the new appointees, urged them to see their appointment as a call to service. The appointments are with immediate effect.

  • Reps congratulate Customs CG Adeniyi on election as WCO chairperson

    Reps congratulate Customs CG Adeniyi on election as WCO chairperson

    The House of Representatives has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

    Adeniyi was elected during the 145th and 146th Council Sessions of the WCO held in Brussels, Belgium.

    The WCO Council, comprising heads of 186 Customs administrations globally, is the organisation’s highest decision-making body.

    The House described Adeniyi’s election as a monumental achievement and a source of national pride, reflecting the international recognition of the reforms and professionalism he has brought to the Nigeria Customs Service.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, Hon. Leke Abejide, praised Adeniyi’s visionary leadership and expressed confidence in his ability to steer the global Customs community effectively in his new role.

    Read Also: CGC Adeniyi elected as WCO council chairperson

    He said, “The election of CGC Adewale Adeniyi is a significant milestone for Nigeria and Africa at large. It reflects his unwavering dedication to reform, transparency, and innovation in the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “We are confident he will bring the same level of professionalism and integrity to this new responsibility at the helm of the WCO Council.”

    The House of Representatives reaffirms its support for the Nigeria Customs Service and remains committed to strengthening legislative oversight that promotes institutional excellence and fosters international cooperation.

  • CGC Adeniyi elected as WCO council chairperson

    CGC Adeniyi elected as WCO council chairperson

    Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has been elected as chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, marking a significant achievement two years after his historic appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

    The election took place during the closing session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held on Saturday, June 28, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, solidifying Nigeria’s influential role in global customs administration.

    Adeniyi received unanimous support from the Council members, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, and making history as the first Nigerian to hold this esteemed position since the WCO’s inception. 

    His election is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the collective achievements of the Nigeria Customs Service under his leadership.

    In response to his appointment, CGC Adeniyi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the WCO Council members, acknowledging the trust placed in him. 

    He characterized this moment as both humbling and historic, not just for himself but for Nigeria and the broader African continent. 

    “This honor is not mine alone; it reflects the collective progress of the Nigeria Customs Service and the transformative agenda we’ve pursued over the past two years,” he stated. 

    He committed to upholding the core values of the WCO, emphasizing innovation, equity, and the need for deeper collaboration among member states to confront the complex realities of global trade.

    Further reflecting on his ambitions as Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi reiterated his dedication to supporting the WCO’s ongoing modernization efforts while committing to the implementation of its 2025-2028 strategic plan. 

    He acknowledged the critical phase in global trade evolution and the imperative for customs to balance facilitation and enforcement, transparency and innovation, as well as sovereignty and cooperation. 

    “I intend to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to position the WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution, ready to address today’s challenges,” he explained.

    In his remarks, CGC Adeniyi also paid tribute to the valuable contributions of his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter. He emphasized the significant guidance and stability Kieswetter provided during his tenure, which laid a robust foundation for the ongoing reforms within the Council. 

    Expressing confidence in the upcoming sessions, the CGC committed to facilitating meaningful dialogue and fostering progress among the global customs community.

    The WCO Council serves as the supreme governing body of the organization, established by the Convention on the Establishment of a Customs Co-operation Council. Its core mandate revolves around promoting uniformity, modernization, and the adoption of global best practices among customs administrations. 

    Policy decisions made by the Council influence the operations of customs authorities across its 185 member states, creating a framework for international cooperation and trade facilitation.

    As the newly elected Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi is poised to offer strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, directing the global customs agenda and guiding high-level discussions on critical issues such as trade facilitation, revenue optimization, security, cross-border cooperation, and the imperative of digital transformation in customs operations.

    Additionally, he will collaborate closely with the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, and the WCO Secretariat to ensure the effective implementation of the organization’s Strategic Plan. Adeniyi aims to champion greater inclusivity, bolster capacity development, and advocate for sustainable practices within customs operations, particularly benefiting developing nations.

    In a symbolic gesture reminiscent of Nigeria’s new era in leadership, the South African flag was respectfully lowered to mark the conclusion of Kieswetter’s term, while the Nigerian flag was raised at the WCO headquarters. 

    This moment was met with applause from delegates, symbolizing Nigeria’s ascent in global customs affairs and serving as a proud moment for the African continent.

    Under CGC Adeniyi’s chairmanship, Nigeria is strategically positioned to influence customs reform discussions across the Global South, focusing on critical areas such as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the suppression of illicit trade, and the adoption of advanced technologies in customs practices. 

    This leadership role holds immense promise for fostering collaboration and driving innovation in the global customs landscape.

  • Adeniyi gets ‘Bobaselu’ chieftaincy title 

    Adeniyi gets ‘Bobaselu’ chieftaincy title 

    While some people are born great, some achieve greatness through tenacity of purpose and a dint of hard work. For Hon. Adeniyi Ismail Oluwatosin, he has built an alluring profile that has endeared him to many.

    Prince Adeniyi of Areegun Compound, Ila-Oragun, will on June 8, add another feather to his cap. He will be decorated as the Bobaselu of Kajola-Ajaba by the Owaloja of Kajola-Ajaba, Oba Bisiriyu Adekunle Adeniji (Ilufemiloye Kajewole 1) at the monarch’s 1st year coronation.

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    The House of Representatives hopeful under the All Progressives Congress (APC) has shown that he is a go-getter who never gives up on whatever he believes in.

    Many of his projects and interventions in his constituency and beyond endeared him to many. The soft-spoken politician has equally built a relationship largely situated on trust and goodwill with residents of the state.

    The ardent politician is a man of many parts and did not stumble on prominence by accident but intricately sketched his way to the top.

    His political voyage so far has been characterised by different struggles, but like the historic Trojan fighter, he has remained a strong force in the face of his political sojourn.

    Prince Adeniyi, who extended his arms of donation towards the renovation of the Owaloja of Kajola Ajaba’s Palace, earned the applause of well-meaning individuals, the chieftaincy title is a testament to Adeniyi’s popularity among his people and, more importantly, his commitment to the development of his immediate community.

    Prince Adeniyi has a long history of kindness, which he has demonstrated over and over again with his succeeding flow of humanitarian support to people and communities.

    He has made countless donations and also offered empowerments and other forms of help to alleviate the suffering of the needy. To his immediate family, Prince Adeniyi has been a loving husband and dutiful father.

    The anticipated coronation ceremony will have in attendance crème-de-la-crème, well-meaning individuals from all walks of life.

  • Customs collect N1.3tr in Q1 2024, says Adeniyi

    Customs collect N1.3tr in Q1 2024, says Adeniyi

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) collected N1.3trillion in the first quarter of 2024 (Q1 2024), according to its Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi.

    He attributed the feat to the dedication of the officers and cooperation with stakeholders, besides the suppression of smuggling and accelerated trade facilitation.

    Addressing reporters in Abuja on the NCS Q4 2024 performance, he said the collection represents 122.35% increase over the corresponding time of 2023 when the service earned N606.1billion.

    He said: “In the first quarter of 2024, the NCS demonstrated remarkable performance in revenue collection. Total revenue collected during this period amounted to NGN 1,347,675,608,972.75. “The collection for the first quarter represents a substantial increase of 122.35% compared to the same period last year, where NGN 606,119,935,146.67.”

    The Customs boss noted that the Month-by-month analysis further illustrates the Service’s impressive growth trajectory.

    Adeniyi said in January 2024, revenue collection surged by 95.60%, reaching NGN 390,824,148,326.55 from NGN 199,809,974,327.52 recorded in January 2023. 

    This upward trend, according to him, continued in February 2024, with a staggering 138.68% growth, elevating revenue collection to NGN 450,209,267,557.15 from NGN 188,625,011,386.87 in February 2023. 

    He added that by March 2024, the revenue collected by NCS revenue grew by 132.76% from NGN 217,669,949,432.28 to NGN 506,642,193,019.05.

    The Comptroller General said when compared to the Federal government’s annual revenue target of NGN 5.07 trillion for the NCS to collect in 2024, the target translates to a monthly revenue target of NGN 423 billion. 

    He added: “We are pleased to report an average monthly revenue growth of 6.2% over the set monthly target and a cumulative revenue collection of 18.6%, equivalent to NGN 78,675,608,972.75 over the set quarterly target of NGN 1.269 trillion.”

    Read Also: Customs urges importers to regularise import duty in 90 days

    On the suppression of smuggling, Adeniyi noted that in the first quarter of 2024, the NCS recorded a total of 572 seizures, encompassing various items valued at NGN 10,593,099,654.50 in Duty Paid Value (DPV).

    He said notably, January saw 111 seizures amounting to NGN 842,992,751.50 in DPV, while February marked the highest seizure numbers of 432, totalling NGN 3,704,703,350.34. Rice constituted 39% of the seizures, followed by petroleum products at 26%, with motor vehicles and textiles accounting for 9% and 6% of the seizures, respectively. 

    During this period, the Customs boss said, the NCS detained 22 suspects, and appropriate legal measures will be taken in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

    On trade facilitation, he said d the inherent challenges, the service has diligently worked towards streamlining processes, minimizing bottlenecks, and optimizing efficiency across the ports to ensure seamless trade transactions. In First Quarter 2024, the NCS processed a total of 311,492 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) for imports, reflecting the volume of import transactions handled. 

    According to him, the figure indicates a decrease compared to the total volume of 327,491 processed in 2023 and 403,233 SGDs in 2022.

    Adeniyi said regarding export transactions, a total of 10,786 SGDs were processed in 2024 compared to 9,752 transactions in 2023, representing a 10.60% growth in export activities. 

    He said a significant portion of this growth occurred in January, with 4,067 transactions processed in 2024 compared to 3,352 SGDs in 2023, marking a 29.69% increase.

    He recalled that “on February 23, 2024, after carrying out the presidential directive to distribute food items to vulnerable individuals at one of our facilities in Lagos, a tragic incident occurred.

    “A stampede ensued as some eager members of the public sought access to our premises to verify claims that the shared food items, specifically rice, had been exhausted. Regrettably, 4 individuals were fatally injured around the vicinity of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) premises.

    “Despite immediate efforts to save their lives, including transportation to the hospital via an ambulance provided on-site, their injuries proved fatal. 

    “This incident is deeply unfortunate, and as a responsible organization, we have implemented measures to prevent such occurrences in the future and extend our support to those affected.”

    On the granting of a 90-day window to owners of uncustomed vehicles, facilitating the payment of appropriate duties on previously imported vehicles into the country, he admonished members of the public to regularize their papers.

    He said, “Members of the public are strongly advised to avail themselves of this opportunity to regularize their papers, as failure to do so will result in applicable penalties.

    “Additionally, the government’s decision to reopen the Northern Borders with Niger Republic holds significant importance.

    ” This action is expected to boost trading activities in those areas. With potential smugglers now reconsidering the legitimacy of trading through approved routes, this decision stands as a pivotal move.”

  • N1.8tr lost to waivers in 11 months, says Customs CG

    N1.8tr lost to waivers in 11 months, says Customs CG

    Comptroller-General (CG) of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said yesterday that the government lost N1.8 trillion to waivers it granted between January and last month.

    The CG, who said the Service generated about 80 per cent of its revenue projection for the year, said if properly monitored to ensure that the benefits derivable from such waiver get to the country, it is possible for them to surpass their projection.

    He was responding to questions from members of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation during an interactive session on the 2024 Budget estimates now being scrutinised by the National Assembly.

    He said the revenue projection by the NCS for the 2024 financial year was N5.7 trillion, adding that with proper monitoring and collections, they hope to surpass the target.

    Adeniyi said: “The major source of revenue for the customs is import duty which is charged on all goods imported into the country. The other sources, which we are also trying to make a lot of efforts on, are the ones which are internally generated. The ones charged on goods that are locally produced. We call it excise duty.

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    “Excise duty is increasingly becoming very popular and strategic to revenue. In 2023, excise accounted for almost 17 to 18 per cent of the total revenue and in 2024 we are already projecting revenue to the tune of N333 billion in excise.

    “For our performance next year, the total revenue targets that we have for 2023 was N3,684 trllion. This would have translated to a monthly revenue target of N307 billion. So we target N307 billion per month and for the total, we have N3.6 trillion.

    “In terms of performance, as at the end of November, we have done N2.959 trillion. In terms of the percentage of the total we are targeting for 2023, this amounts to about 80 percent of our projected revenue. We still have some days in 2023. We are a little bit optimistic that we would be able to give the target a very good try.

    “An analysis of our performance in 2023 shows that we had a very slow start to the years, and we know there were a number of factors responsible for the slow performance in the year.

    “But things redoubled a little bit from the second and third quarter of the year. We moved from an average of about 200 billion per month in the first half of the year to something in the region of N350 billion per month in the second half of the year.

    “In 2024, the projection that we have stands at N5.79 trillion. This would represent N423 billion naira revenue per month for 2024. Like I said out of all these, we expect that excise would be responsible for over N300 billion.

    “As far as our figures are concerned in 2023, we lost a whopping N1.8 trillion naira to Import Duty Exemption Certificate (IDEC). So, if we add to the revenue figures I mentioned, we should have been home and dry as at November in terms of realizing our target for the year.”

    “But you know when we are addressing the issue of IDEC, I am always of the view that we should not throw away the baby and the bath water because there are a number of benefits that we could derive from it.

    “I have seen this well executed in some developing countries I know where the customs administration implements IDEC successfully and the benefits are so many in terms of regenerating the economy, in terms of creating employment and even in terms of even tax and in terms of ensuring that we keep our companies in production.

    “When you give them these kinds of incentives, it gives them the motivation to add some value to the economy. We have the data for the last two years as requested and would gladly avail this committee the details of the data as we have it in our records. ”

  • BREAKING: Tinubu confirms Adeniyi’s appointment as Customs CG

    BREAKING: Tinubu confirms Adeniyi’s appointment as Customs CG

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the confirmation of Adewale Adeniyi as substantive Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

    A statement issued by the Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Willie Bassey, said Adeniyi’s appointment takes effect from October 19, 2023.

    President Tinubu appointed the new Comptroller-General of Customs on June 19, 2023, in an acting capacity to replace his predecessor, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd).

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    The statement said: “His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the confirmation of the appointment of Adewale Adeniyi (MFR) as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “The appointment takes effect from 19th October, 2023 and his tenure is in accordance with the extant provisions of the Public Service Rules (PSR). The president tasks him to bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new assignment.”