By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-chief)
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise have reaffirmed their partnership to modernise customs operations, deepen transparency, and boost trade facilitation following a high-level two-day retreat in Abuja.
The retreat which held on Wednesday August 5, 2026 under the theme: “Legislative Oversight in the Context of Nigeria Customs Service Modernisation and Reforms,” brought lawmakers and Customs leadership together to align on digital transformation, policy reforms, and Nigeria’s growing role in global trade.
Record Revenue and Global Recognition
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Senator Jibrin Isah, commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for delivering what he called “remarkable results.”
He disclosed that NCS generated about ₦7.8 trillion in 2025*, surpassing the ₦6.5 trillion target set by the National Assembly. “The results have manifested in a quantum leap in revenue generation, improved diversification and very robust problem-solving activities,” Senator Isah said.
He also celebrated NCS’s election to chair the World Customs Organization Council, noting that the achievement has positioned Nigeria as a global leader in customs administration.
Stronger Legislative Backing
Senator Isah assured Customs of the National Assembly’s continued support and urged the Service to seek legislative backing whenever needed. “Where you require legislative partners, please do not hesitate to call on us,” he said. He encouraged senators to engage fully in the retreat so they can better advocate for Customs reforms.
From Oversight to Partnership
In his keynote, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the retreat was designed to move the relationship with the legislature beyond routine budget and revenue reviews.
The goal, he explained, is to build deeper understanding of Customs operations to accelerate digital reforms and align Nigeria’s customs system with world-class trade facilitation standards.
Both sides agreed the retreat marks a shift toward proactive collaboration — with the Senate providing policy support and Customs delivering the efficiency and transparency needed to drive national revenue and trade growth. NNL.
