In a move that has sent shockwaves of relief throughout Nigeria’s maritime industry, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has successfully convinced the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) value on imports.
This decision has been hailed as a major victory for importers and Customs agents, who had been grappling with the implications of the new policy.
At a ceremony where Adeniyi was honored with the “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year Award 2024” by Nigerian Maritime Journalists, industry stakeholders praised his leadership and commitment to the growth of the maritime sector.
Prince Olayiwola Shittu, a maritime icon and former National President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), described Adeniyi as a “CG of Customs as well as the CG of licensed Customs agents and freight forwarders.”
Adeniyi’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. Under his leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service has made significant strides in revenue collection, anti-smuggling activities, and trade facilitation.
His commitment to transparency and accountability has earned him the respect and admiration of stakeholders in the industry.
However, Adeniyi’s success is not without its challenges. Industry stakeholders are calling for more power and political support for the Customs Service to enable it to deliver better on its mandate.
As Mr. Okey Ibeke, speaking on behalf of maritime journalists, noted, “Customs is key to the economic development of any nation, and it’s imperative that the Federal Government gives the Service the necessary support to succeed.”
As Adeniyi continues to lead the Nigeria Customs Service, his legacy as a game-changer in the maritime industry is already being cemented.
His commitment to the growth and development of the sector is a beacon of hope for stakeholders, and his achievements serve as a testament to the impact of effective leadership.
