Adewale Adeniyi: Repositioning Nigeria Customs Service For Enhanced Efficiency

The intersection of humility with dedication and commitment is essential for any prominent leader in the public sector, where outcomes are critical. This principle underscores the achievements of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, a distinguished figure in Nigeria. It is a well-known fact that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated a revenue of ₦3.68 trillion in the first half of 2025, exceeding its revenue target by ₦390.20 billion, signifying an 11.85 percent surplus.

This remarkable performance attests to the dedication and commitment exhibited by Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service.

July 1, 2025, is a notable date marking Adewale Adeniyi’s appointment as the head of the World Customs Organization (WCO), a significant global entity for trade administration and control.

His esteemed positioning, alongside Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), highlights the increasing prominence of Nigeria and Africa within the global trade arena.

This recognition is attributable to their respective records of competence, integrity, and innovative contributions that resonate well beyond national borders.

Adewale, formerly the Public Relations Chief of the NCS, was awarded the National Honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022, in recognition of his outstanding personal integrity. Subsequently, the administration of President Bola Tinubu selected him to lead the Customs at a time characterized by significant economic challenges.

In a span of two years, Adeniyi has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most suitable leaders for a vital revenue agency such as the Nigeria Customs. Prior to his tenure, the NCS ranked lowest in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) assessments for Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Within his first year, he elevated the Customs from the 33rd position to a tie for first place with four other MDAs, achieving an impressive score of 81.5 percent out of 36 institutions.

Adewale attributed the series of internal and external reforms aimed at enhancing Customs operations to his Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation (CCI) agenda. He placed a strong emphasis on the capacity development of staff and the digitalization of operations.The recent establishment of a merit-based reward system has significantly invigorated the Customs Service, aligning it with global best practices as endorsed by the World Customs Organization (WCO).

The Customs Comptroller-General (CG) is a strong proponent of collaborative efforts. He has cultivated inter-agency cooperation with law enforcement and regulatory entities, thereby forging robust partnerships with the Customs authority of Benin Republic to enhance legitimate trade.

Under Adewale’s leadership, the revival of the Customs Conference has substantially increased comprehension of the Customs Act and related regulations among industry stakeholders.

A notable outcome of Adewale’s strategic initiatives is the remarkable increase in non-oil revenue. In 2023, the Customs Service generated ₦4.49 trillion in revenue, a significant increase from ₦2.25 trillion in 2022. Projections for 2024 indicate a further rise to ₦6.1 trillion, with the Service poised to surpass its revenue target of ₦6.584 trillion for 2025.

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) continues to set the standard for operational excellence across the nation, garnering commendations for its leadership. Recently, Abdullahi Maiwada, the spokesperson for the NCS, reported that the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) conducted an exhaustive review of revenue, which was presented at its 63rd regular meeting.

He attributed these achievements to the effectiveness of ongoing reforms within the NCS, improved compliance from stakeholders, and the enhanced utilization of technology in customs operations, alongside a fortified capacity in revenue mobilization. “Between January 1 and June 30, 2025, the Service recorded total revenue collection of ₦3,682,496,530,576.48, representing a notable performance exceeding expectations. This indicates that within six months, the NCS has attained 55.93 percent of its annual revenue target,” he stated.

Maiwada announced that the NCSB approved the appointment of four Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCGs) and twelve Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs) to address vacancies resulting from recent retirements and to ensure equitable representation within the leadership structure of the Service. These appointments adhere to the Federal Character Policy of the Government, as delineated in Section 14(4) of the NCS Act, 2023.

The newly appointed DCGs are AB Mohammed (North-West), GO Omale (North-Central), OC Orbih (South-South), and D Nnadi (South-East). The new ACGs comprise MP Binga (North-East), CA Awo (South-East), AB Shuaibu (North-Central), AT Abe (North-West), K Mohammed (North-West), B Mohammed (North-West), TM Daniyan (North-Central), B Oramalugo (South-East), OP Olaniyan (South-West), B Olomu (South-West), IK Oladeji (South-West), and CC Dim (South-East), according to Maiwada.

Additionally, the spokesperson indicated that the board sanctioned the promotion of 3,312 senior officers across various ranks from Comptroller of Customs (CC) to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II). Moreover, during its sixth Management Meeting on August 29, 2025, the NCS Management approved the promotion of 202 junior officers from Assistant Inspector (AIC) to Customs Assistant I (CA1). These promotions underscore the Service’s commitment to merit-based career progression and recognition of exemplary performance.

Maiwada further remarked that disciplinary matters were discussed at the meeting, leading to the demotion of two officers to a lower rank due to varying levels of misconduct. Additionally, two officers were reinstated following the review of their cases, reflecting the board’s dedication to accountability and fairness in alignment with the Service’s core values.

Other notable achievements include the procurement of Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) equipment, the establishment of the Centralized Image Analysis System (CIAS) at Customs Headquarters, and the reinforcement of cybersecurity architecture.

The Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, congratulated the newly appointed and promoted officers, urging them to validate the confidence placed in them.

Adeniyi also reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, transparency, and excellence in service delivery, while expressing gratitude to the Minister of Finance for ongoing support and guidance.