Esther Komolafe

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been praised as a prime candidate for ministerial appointment by Dr. Oluwasegun Alade Musa, Chairman and Chief Consultant of Global Transport Policy (GTP). Adeniyi's recent election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council and the extension of his tenure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have solidified his reputation as a visionary leader. A Leader of International Standing: Dr. Musa highlighted Adeniyi's exceptional leadership qualities, vast knowledge, and unwavering passion for customs administration. He emphasized that Adeniyi's elevation to the WCO Council is a testament…

Esther Komolafe The recent decision by President Tinubu to extend the tenure of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is a testament to his exceptional leadership and achievements. The phrase "He who the cap fits, let him wear it" aptly applies to this situation, as Adeniyi's impressive track record makes him an ideal candidate for continued service. Global Recognition: Adeniyi's appointment as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) is a significant milestone, showcasing his global influence and expertise in customs administration. This achievement underscores his ability to drive international cooperation and shape global customs policies. Transformative Leadership at…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is migrating from the Fast Track Scheme to the globally recognized Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme. This strategic move aligns Nigeria's trade facilitation procedures with international best practices. Key Highlights: AEO Programme:  Offers trusted traders priority treatment in Customs processes, including pre-arrival clearance and expedited release. The current Fast Track Scheme will be officially decommissioned on December 31, 2025. Application Process: Beneficiaries must initiate their migration to the AEO Compliance Programme through the dedicated portal. Stakeholder Engagement: Forum: A Stakeholders Engagement Forum will be held on August 6, 2025, in Lagos to sensitize stakeholders on…

A retired senior Customs officer, Oba James Babatunde Ajiboye, has been enthroned as the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, adopting the royal title "Otutubiosun 1, Ajigbotulu." This development highlights the officer's remarkable journey from serving the Nigeria Customs Service to reigning as a First-Class Traditional Ruler. A Royal Legacy: Oba Ajiboye's coronation marks another milestone in the tradition of Customs officers transitioning into royal roles. Previously, a retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Imra Ayodeji Akintola, was crowned the Alua of Erin-Oke Kingdom in Osun State. A Life of Service: Before retirement, Oba Ajiboye served at various Customs formations, including FOU 'A', PTML…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its international cooperation efforts through a high-level engagement with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) in Beijing on July 25, 2025. The meeting focused on bilateral knowledge exchange and capacity development in customs administration. Customs Training: GACC shared its structured training system, incorporating virtual reality (VR), 5G-enabled systems, and blended e-learning approaches. Capacity Building: Over 200 African customs officers, including 89 from Nigeria, have received training since 2023 in areas like trade facilitation and anti-smuggling enforcement. Technical Cooperation: Both parties expressed interest in technical exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and officer…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has raised concerns about the deteriorating environmental and health conditions around major industrial facilities in Apapa and Tin Can Island, particularly those operated by Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, Dangote Group, and others. Airborne Particles: Hazardous dust from processing activities affecting port users, workers, and security personnel. Health Symptoms: Eye irritation, coughing, and respiratory discomfort reported by individuals frequenting the area. Environmental Impact: Dust accumulation potentially accelerating infrastructure deterioration and undermining public investment. Air Quality Assessment: MARAN urges the Federal Ministry of Environment and LASEPA to conduct an independent assessment and compare findings with…

The Lekki Deep Sea Port was hailed for its seamless efficiency and transshipment capabilities at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Freight Forwarders Group Conference. Held on July 23, 2025, in Victoria Island, Lagos, the conference highlighted the port's growing role in unlocking value for West Africa. Transshipment Success: Over 40,000 TEUs moved across West African ports since June 2023, with nearly half in the first six months of 2025. Operational Efficiency: Lekki Port's scanning machine processes containers in *30 seconds*, showcasing real-time efficiency. Industry Praise: Stakeholders praised the port's performance, with one speaker noting, "Lekki Port is…

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has sounded a warning to smugglers after a series of significant seizures worth over ₦1.2 billion in Duty Paid Value. The command's operatives intercepted five trucks laden with contraband goods, including 2,800 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 250 bales of second-hand clothing, along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor between July 1 and 19, 2025. Contraband Items: 898 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 1,319 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 40 bags of sugar, 64 bags of flour, and other goods. Duty Paid Value:  ₦1,268,794,474 for all seizures during the period. Revenue Generation*: ₦1,593,676,123.26 generated in May…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Single Window (NSW) Steering Committee to ensure the platform becomes fully operational by the first quarter of 2026. The directive was given during the fifth steering committee meeting at the State House, Abuja, with Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila representing the President. Transformative Initiative: NSW aims to streamline trade processes via a centralized electronic platform for importers/exporters. Economic Goals: Boost investment/trade revenues, improve transparency, and strengthen Nigeria's global business credibility. Deadline for Phase : All agencies urged to meet Q1 2026 deadline for rollout. Ministerial Support: Ministers Wale Edun and Jumoke Oduwole…

The Nigeria Customs Service plans to reintroduce a *4% Free-on-Board (FOB) Levy* on imported goods, five months after suspending it due to stakeholder concerns. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, hinted at this during a town hall meeting on July 21, 2025, in Lagos. Purpose: Fund technology and modernization of Customs operations via the indigenous B'Odogwu trade platform. Replacement for CISS: The 4% FOB levy will replace the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme. No Extra Charges: CGC assured no additional charges beyond the 4% FOB. Context and Justification: Funding Tech Evolution: Transition to B'Odogwu requires significant funding. WCO Council Chairmanship: Nigeria's…