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Tag: Nigeria Customs Service

  • Customs to cut cargo checks by 50% with scanners

    Customs to cut cargo checks by 50% with scanners

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed it is expecting the delivery of about 67 new scanners from China to strengthen operations at seaports and border posts nationwide in a bid to overhaul its cargo inspection process and reduce physical examinations at ports by half before the end of the third quarter of 2025.

    Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who made this known at a recent industry engagement in Lagos, where he presented a paper titled: “NCS and Its Trade Modernisation Programs: Benefits and Challenges”, emphasised that the scanners, funded by concessionaires as stipulated in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, are central to the Service’s drive to cut down manual inspections by at least 50 percent.

    The CGC was represented by the B’Odogwu Project Manager, Assistant Comptroller Oyindamola Abass Oladepo

    He said: “The CG actually travelled to China with the concessionaires some months ago to ensure the scanners meet operational standards.

    “So far, we have over 67 scanners expected, aside from the few we already have. But let’s be clear: the law assigns that responsibility to terminal operators. It’s not about Customs dodging duties; it’s the law as passed by the National Assembly.”

    He added that stakeholders, including terminal operators and industry leaders, were involved in the discussions that led to the law’s enactment.

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    “This decision wasn’t made in isolation. It was a joint effort to enhance trade facilitation at our ports and borders,” he said.

    Beyond equipment upgrades, Customs is also revamping its technology with a new processing platform, B’Odogwu, which Adeniyi described as a major departure from the existing Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS).

    He underlined that the new platform also addresses long-standing concerns about document fraud and third-party interference.

    “B’Odogwu is web-based and has a far more intuitive interface than NICIS. It’s seamless to navigate, and traders can initiate the registration of Form M from anywhere—no need to go to a bank,” he explained.

    “With B’Odogwu, only the trader can select who handles their Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR). The days of unauthorised persons hijacking company documents are over.”

    He also highlighted the system’s stricter compliance measures, noting that only insurance providers registered with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) can process entries.

    The CGC pointed out a critical shift in data control, stating that unlike NICIS, which was hosted externally, B’Odogwu is operated and maintained entirely by the Nigeria Customs Service’s internal ICT team.

    “On B’Odogwu, you cannot upload invalid documents and expect it to go through. The platform enforces compliance and legitimacy.”

    “With NICIS, our data wasn’t fully under our control. Now, with B’Odogwu, we manage everything in-house. Data is protected, and fears around cyberattacks are being addressed through local oversight,” he assured.

    The platform, Adeniyi revealed, is being piloted by Trade Modernisation Project Limited, a fully indigenous company that has partnered with Customs since September 2022. In addition, he noted the Service has rolled out stakeholder engagements, media sensitisation, and town hall meetings across its commands to ensure smooth adoption.

    “Everything happening on B’Odogwu is the result of collaborative work between our ICT staff and the company. We are fully in control.

    “We’ve been proactive in educating traders. Just last week, I was at a forum with Stanbic IBTC to guide people on how to process Form M and PAAR correctly. We also have a dedicated help desk for real-time support,” Adeniyi stated.

    With the twin pillars of modern scanning infrastructure and locally-managed digital systems, Customs affirmed it is positioning itself for faster clearance times, stronger compliance, and a more transparent trade environment.

  • Customs boss commissions school, clinic in Lagos

    Customs boss commissions school, clinic in Lagos

    The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has restated the Service’s commitment to social development through strategic investments in host communities, as he commissioned a newly renovated school and a healthcare centre in Sagbokoji, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    The unveiling, which took place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, is part of the NCS’s ‘Customs Cares’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, an initiative aimed at supporting underserved communities with critical infrastructure.

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    The projects included the full renovation of the Local Authority Primary School and the Primary Healthcare Centre, both of which serve residents of the Sagbokoji riverine community.

    Speaking during the commissioning, Adeniyi said the initiative was designed to directly impact lives, especially in education and healthcare.

    He said: “We are undertaking projects that will have direct impact on our schools and our students. We have brought school bags, exercise books, textbooks, and sandals for all the pupils of this school. We are also improving infrastructure where we see the deficit, and what we have chosen to do is to renovate the entire school.”

  • Poor ports patronage, insecurity, affecting our revenue generation, Customs Zone C tells Reps committee

    Poor ports patronage, insecurity, affecting our revenue generation, Customs Zone C tells Reps committee

    The Nigeria Customs Service has said that poor patronage of ports, shallow canals and insecurity in the South South/South East zone of the service is hampering revenue generation efforts.

    Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone C, Port Harcourt, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, ACG Sambo Dangaladima, disclosed this while receiving the House Committee on Customs and Excise led by Leke Abejide, on an oversight visit to Customs formation in the zone.

    Dangaladima also said poor road network in the zone and concessions on selected food items has also reduced revenue generation efforts in the zone.

    The zone comprises the six states in the South South and the five states in the South East and is made up of nine commands and Free Trade Zones.

    He said the zone was working with relevant agencies of government to address the issues in the zone, while appealing to the National Assembly to come to the aide of the service to enhance revenue, saying the service was committed to building a robust system that aligns with global best practices.

    Other Comptrollers of Customs commands in the Zone corroborated the statement of the Zonal Coordinator.

    In his own presentation, Controller of Port Harcourt 1 Command, Mustapha Hashim, said the Command lost N34 Billion in revenue in just five months from August to December 2024 as a result of the concession on selected food items by the federal government.

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    He said in spite of the challenges, the command was able to generate N200 billion in 2024, an increase of about N84 billion over that of 2023, while it has generated about N56.1 billion in the first three months of 2025.

    He disclosed that at the moment, the command does not have any container-laden vessel, as the only vessel that used to bring containers to the command once a month has since stopped, while it now depends on bulk cargo.

    While stressing the need to dredge the channels, he said the port has the challenge of a shallow channel which cannot even take a shallow draft of about 7.8 meter, adding that the freight differentials between Port Harcourt and Onne has created an unfavaourable patronage for the command.

    He said, “The implementation of the Federal Government’s directives of concessions on selected food items affected the revenue generated by the Command, as over N34 billion was lost from August-December 2024.”

    Also, the Comptroller of the Akwa Ibom/Cross Rivers Command, Chukwudi Ogbonna, complained about low patronage of the Calabar Port, saying only a few vessels come to the port in Calabar.

    The Comptroller in charge of the Edo/Delta Command, Judith Kalu, said even though the Command was able to generate N56. 3 billion in the first three months of the year, the channels in the command are shallow and cannot take bug vessels.

    She said that about 65.770 million barrels of crude oil were taken through the command in 2024 and about 91,116 metric tons of LPG.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, Leke Abejide said while the zone is making appreciable progress in revenue generation, there is need to tackle drug smuggling into the country.

    He however stressed the need to provide modern scanners for Customs formation to enable them detect illicit items being smuggled in the country.

    He lamented that drug smuggling has become a big problem, as all the commands they visited under Zone A Lagos have the same problem of drug seizures, which indicated the seriousness of the problem.

  • Customs command posts N45.7b in Q1

    Customs command posts N45.7b in Q1

    Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed Command, Lagos, has posted N45.7billion first quarter (Q1) revenue while the  Onne Port Command II, Port Harcourt said it intercepted contraband with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of  over N10 billion.

    Murtala Muhammed Command, Customs Area Controller Comptroller Michael Awe, who spoke during a news conference in Lagos yesterday, also highlighted the command’s improved revenue performance compared to Q1 2024.

    He noted that the revenue in Q1 2025 surpassed the N45.4 billion recorded in Q1 2024, indicating an increase of N276.9 million.

    This growth, he said, represented a 0.61 per cent rise, reflecting the command’s improved operational strategies and stakeholder compliance.

    Awe credited the performance to increased stakeholder compliance, strict enforcement of trade rules, and timely blockage of revenue leakages through prompt interventions.

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    He praised the command’s compliant traders and stakeholders for their continued support in driving revenue, aligning with the service’s core mandate.

    On anti-smuggling, Awe said the command recorded several seizures during the period under review, including four packages of immigration camouflage uniforms in rolls.

    Other seized items included 19 packages of two-way Motorola walkie-talkies and three packages of Colorado CAT leaves.

    The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these items stood at N132.4 million, underscoring the significance of the interceptions.

    He said the seizures were enabled by intelligence sharing, officer vigilance, and regular profiling of high-risk shipments.

     “Let me reaffirm that the command is committed to thwarting all forms of illegitimate trade through the Murtala Muhammed Area Command.

     “We shall enforce all applicable laws and regulations with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” Awe said.

    Also speaking, Onne Port Command II Customs Area Controller, Mohammed Babandede said the over N10billion worth contrabands were seized between January and March this year.

    He said: “A total of 20 containers were seized from January to March 2025 . Namely; 1 X 40ft Container TLLU6901759 STC 158,400 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100mls each) and 11,690 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 1 X 40ft Container MRKU 2117319 STC 158,400 bottles of Barcadin with Codeine Syrup (100ml each) and 240 pieces of Local Sanitary Wares, 2 X 40ft Containers MRKU4875853 & TCNU2623453 STC 271,000 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml each), 85,000 bottles of CSMIX with Codeine (100ml), 1,200 pieces of Cock and 94 cartons of sanitary wares and 21 cartons of TBS rubber4 X 20ft containers PCIU0094329, PCIU1014858, PCIU1367243, & PCIU00229679 STC 64,416 X (400mg each) tins of Soupy Tomato Paste, 16,104 X (200mg each) tins of Soupy Tomato Paste.1 X 40ft Container MEDU7751984 STC 280 bales of used clothes and 2 cartons of toys6 X 20ft Containers MEDU6909397, TGBU3174254, CAIU6719204, TTNU1932358, GLDU5050514 & MEDU2120820 STC 6,300 X (25litres each) Jerry cans of Delicieux Cooking Oil2 X 20ft Containers GLDU3216822 & MEDU1266507 STC 2,100 Jerry cans of Super Gold Vegetable Cooking Oil (25ltrs each)1 X 40ft TCKU7701615 STC 980,000 tablets of Tamol-X, 4,830,000 Capsules of Pregabalin (300mg each) and 288 cartons of WC1X 40ft container MSMU5925355 STC 320 bales of used clothes1 X 40ft container TCKU 6160305 STC 360 bales of used clothing, 2 bags of personal effects and 1 box of personal effects among others.”

    These seizures, he said, “are products of courage, bravery, high level of integrity, and the self-determined posture of the officers to be patriotic to their oath of allegiance; exhibited through objective and careful examination, meticulous documentary checks and professionalism.

    The cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of the seized goods presented is  N10, 293,677,040.00 and the sum of N190, 569,212,397.42 was also collected as revenue during the first quarter of the year.

    The Command, the Controller added, exported 1.274, 695MTS comprising of mostly agricultural products and solid minerals. The total products exported stood at a value of N2,345,268,122, he said.

    Awe said a strong relationship with stakeholders, sister agencies, and strategic partners had been instrumental in achieving these results.

    This collaboration, he said, ensures timely intelligence exchange, swift operations, and seamless coordination across functions.

    Awe described stakeholder engagement as central to his strategy, fostering trust, openness, and mutual respect within the trading community.

    He said such engagements had enhanced compliance and improved capacity to respond to emerging trade and security challenges.

    Looking ahead, Awe assured that the command remained focused on boosting revenue and facilitating legitimate trade in Q2 2025.

    He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his team for their strategic guidance and support.

    Awe also thanked the officers of the command for their dedication, vigilance, and professionalism, calling them the foundation of the command’s success.

    He acknowledged the media’s role, appreciating journalists for their prompt, accurate reporting which helps foster transparency in customs operations.

  • Customs seizes 500 jerry cans of N25.9m petrol in Niger

    Customs seizes 500 jerry cans of N25.9m petrol in Niger

    Nigeria Customs Service has seized 500 25-litre jerry cans and two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, at various flashpoints on Babana border in Niger State.

    The seizure, with an estimated duty-paid value of over N25.9 million, was announced during a news conference at the Nigeria Customs Niger-Kogi Command headquarters in Minna yesterday.

    The intercepted products were hidden in vehicles and containers in key smuggling routes, including Kabe-Tunga-Madugu Road, Kabe-Kibera Road, Dekara-Gedang-Zana Road, and Babana-Gwarizo Road.

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    Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Hussein Ejibunu, who also serves as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind Nationwide, a special task force against PMS smuggling emphasised the dangerous implications of smuggling petrol out of Nigeria, stating that such illegal activity fuels insecurity and economic sabotage.

    He said: “Smuggling of PMS is detrimental to the survival of Nigeria. It has economic disadvantages and security disadvantages as well. It will interest you to note that most of those bandits attacking us, how do they get food, is through this means. And now it is prudence equally to believe and allow such quantum of fuel to go outside Nigeria to go into their hands.

    “It means we are fueling our traducers, giving them more power and energy to come in to attack us. It is important to note that as Nigerians, it is our responsibility when you see something, you say something. Do not allow this to continue because a lot of persons within Nigeria are looking for this product, and they may not even get it.”

    He noted that the seized fuel was being prepared for illegal export and stressed that the operation was made possible through intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration, and community support.

    “This is the first time such a large seizure is happening in Niger State, and it sends a clear message that we are serious about stopping this menace,” he added.

    Ejibunu said no suspect was arrested as he ran away, “I would have loved a situation where someone is arrested and we bring him to justice. I want our officers to know that your job is incomplete if you do not bring a suspect. Suspect is germane and critical towards establishing the ways and manner where these smuggled products are being taken to and who is receiving it.”

    He attributed the continuous smuggling of PMS to greed.

    “Our refineries are working but people still take out our fuel and sell it to people in other countries. Our PMS is for in-house consumption and not for export. Anyone who wants to export it should pass through the due process,” he said.

     He said the operation also received support from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which provided technical and regulatory guidance.

    Customs Area Controller, Niger-Kogi Command, Pascal Chibuoke, appealed for more support  for officers such as patrol vehicles and communication tools, especially with the presence of terrorists at Babana.

    “This seizure demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies and communities work together. With continued support and proper logistics, we can reduce this problem to the barest minimum,” he said.

    The seized PMS were announced for public auction as the National Coordinator of Operation Wild Wind Nationwide declared that it would be sold at N10,000 per jerry cans.

  • Two suspects escape after bail in cannabis smuggling case worth N112m

    Two suspects escape after bail in cannabis smuggling case worth N112m

    Two suspects, who were arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for smuggling 140 sacks of substances believed to be Cannabis sativa worth N112 million, have absconded after being granted bail on health grounds.

    The suspects were apprehended in Ekiti State by operatives from the Ondo/Ekiti Command of the NCS. 

    Comptroller Morenikeji Bewaji, while handing over the 1,400 kilograms of the suspected drug to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), confirmed the escape.

    Bewaji revealed that the suspects’ surety, Mr. Ale Victor Ayodeji, has been arrested and handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution. 

    She emphasised that drug abuse fuels criminal activities, exacerbates insecurity, and undermines the nation’s socio-economic stability.

    According to her, ”In our fight against this threat of illicit drugs in our country, inter-agency collaboration remains a cornerstone for success.

    ”The partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the NDLEA is a shining example of effective synergy.

    ”Together, the two agencies, have achieved significant milestones, and we are committed to further strengthening this collaboration to reduce, if not totally eliminate illicit drugs.

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    ”We will continue to intensify our operations by leveraging on intelligence, collaborating with other security agencies, and engaging critical stakeholders.

    ”Together, through effective collaboration and partnership, we can achieve our shared mandate of safeguarding the health, security, and future of our society,” she said.

    State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Nanzing Sallah, hailed the NSC for seizure of the drug substance.

    Represented by Adaramola Olumuyiwa, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics in the state, Bewaji said that the synergy would continue in the fight against criminalities in the society.

  • Customs makes N347b from Tin-Can Port in Q1

    Customs makes N347b from Tin-Can Port in Q1

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated over N347billion revenue from its Tin-Can Island port in Lagos, in the first quarter of 2025.

    This was disclosed in Lagos yesterday, by the Area Comptroller of Frank Onyeka.

    According  to him, “in January the Command generated N116, 412,735,766.23, which represents 24.06 per cent  more than the January 2024 figure of N88, 430,126,122.76 recorded within the corresponding period of 2024.

    “The record for February of 2025 also shows that the sum of N103,254,292,839.23k was generated which is also 2.90per cent more than the sum of N100,253,187,074.72k generated in the corresponding month of February 2024. “In March, N128,268,749,635.00k was generated and it is 10.3 per cent higher than the N115,100,000,000.00k generated in March 2024.

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    “The total amount generated for the first quarter of 2025 is thus N347,935,672,476.00k which is 12.6per cent higher than the N304,000,000,000.00k generated in the corresponding period of 2024,” Comptroller Onyeka said. He urged importers and other stakeholders to imbibe the spirit of honest declarations so that seamless operational environment may exist and all sides may benefit from a much better conducive trade policies.

    The Comptroller appreciated the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and thanked the media for its positive support.

  • Customs confirm issuance of first pre-arrival assessment report

    Customs confirm issuance of first pre-arrival assessment report

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the successful issuance of the first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under the B’Odogwu (Unified Customs Management System).

    The issuance was under the B’Odogwu (Unified Customs Management System), marking a significant milestone in the Service’s commitment to technology-driven trade reforms.

    NCS National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

    The statement said: “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is pleased to announce the successful  issuance of the first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under the B’Odogwu (Unified Customs Management System), marking a significant milestone in the Service’s commitment to technology-driven trade reforms.”

    According to the statement, the  achievement followed the recent strategic engagement between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Governor of  Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, where both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to seamless trade processes, enhanced revenue collection, and improved financial integration.

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    Maiwada said the B’Odogwu system, developed as an indigenous replacement for the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II), is designed to modernise Customs operations, enhance efficiency in trade documentation, and strengthen inter-agency collaboration. During the pilot phase at Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Customs Area Command and beyond, stakeholders, including other government agencies, were actively engaged to ensure a smooth transition.

    The statement said the issuance of the first PAAR under B’Odogwu marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout aimed at streamlining customs procedures and enhancing trade facilitation.

    The Service remains committed to ensuring that all necessary approvals and integrations with financial institutions, including Authorized Dealer Banks (ADBs), are completed to enable seamless foreign exchange transactions and trade-related payments.

    According to the statement, the NCS, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team, appreciate the support of all stakeholders and urges the trading community to embrace the B’Odogwu platform for a more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven Customs processes.

  • Boost for Customs’ social responsibilities

    Boost for Customs’ social responsibilities

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a bold step to enhance its contribution to national development by establishing a corporate social responsibility (CSR) Unit, which will spearhead initiatives under the newly launched “Customs Cares” programme.

    This effort is aimed at fostering inclusive growth and making a sustainable impact in communities across Nigeria, beyond its primary functions of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security.

    The CSR Unit, according to a statement by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, will oversee the “Customs Cares” initiative, a comprehensive programme designed to support key national development priorities and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The initiative, he said, is set to address various societal challenges through projects such as school renovations, mobile clinic deployments, food and medical aid, agricultural support, skills acquisition programmes, and youth empowerment. 

    “The Service recognises the importance of collaboration in achieving this initiative and is ready to work closely with other government agencies, non-governmental organisations, private sector partners, and local communities to enhance the success of this project. The launch marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, with structured programmes to be implemented nationwide. 

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    “Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the NCS remains dedicated to integrating social responsibility into its core operations. This strategic direction aligns with the Presidential Priority Areas and reinforces the Service’s role as a socially responsible institution. Through Customs Cares, the Service will complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, while strengthening community engagement and staff participation in nation-building efforts,” the statement read.

    The NCS further encouraged officers, stakeholders, and the general public to embrace the Customs – Cares initiative as a collective effort to drive positive change.

    “By working together, the Service aims to create sustainable solutions that uplift communities and improve livelihoods. As the programme unfolds, the NCS will continue to collaborate with relevant partners to expand its reach and maximise its impact across the country,” Customs added.

  • Customs seizes 29,825 litres of petrol in Adamawa, Taraba

    Customs seizes 29,825 litres of petrol in Adamawa, Taraba

    Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Adamawa and Taraba states have seized a total of 29,825 litres of petrol allegedly.

    The seizures were made in the last three weeks, according to the Adamawa/Taraba Area Controler of the NCS, Garba Bashir.

    The petrol, packed in 1,149 25-litre Jerry cans and four 220-litre drums, was seized along with three tinted cars, one of them fitted with a concealed drum in which some of the petrol was loaded.

    Bashir, at a press conference yesterday in Yola, said the seized consignments were packed with intent for smuggling into the adjacent Republic of Cameroon.

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    He listed the other items they seized as 11 bales of second-hand clothing, eight 200-litre drums and 35 25-litre Jerry cans of methylene chloride (suck and die).

    He gave the aggregate duty paid value of the seized items as N51, 947,500.

     Bashir said: “Remember, in our last press briefing in Yola, I promised that illegitimate marketers would not have fresh air until they forsake economic sabotage and embrace genuine business.’’

    On revenue generation, Bashir said the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command surpassed its target for last year, generating N173,609,941; against the N132,000,000 targeted.