Nigeria’s Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his birthday, describing his leadership as transformative for the service and the country’s trade profile.

In a statement issued on Monday, 19 January 2026, and signed by the Chairman of the Network, Elder Dele Aderibigbe, the journalists said the Customs boss deserved recognition for steering the agency through a critical period of reform.

Aderibigbe said Adeniyi “stood up to be counted when the NCS needed direction,” adding that his leadership repositioned the service both locally and internationally.

According to the statement, the Customs chief helped move the NCS “from the eye of the storm to an enviable position in the World Customs Organisation (WCO),” strengthening Nigeria’s global image.

The NNMJ chairman described Adeniyi as a work-focused leader whose reforms have delivered tangible results, particularly through B’Odogwu, an indigenous intervention programme.

He said the initiative has improved efficiency and increased revenue inflow to government coffers at a time of mounting fiscal pressure.

Quoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aderibigbe said Adeniyi’s leadership had also improved community relations and border security.

“CGC Adeniyi’s leadership has also contributed to improved community relations, consistent surpassing of revenue targets, stronger trade partnerships with countries and multilateral institutions, and enhanced security across Nigeria’s borders,” the president said, noting that “these achievements underscore the value of reform-oriented leadership in strengthening national economic resilience and safeguarding our borders.”

Why It Matters

Customs revenue remains a major non-oil income source for Nigeria, especially amid economic reforms and subsidy removal.

Analysts say effective leadership at the NCS directly affects trade facilitation, border security, and government revenue stability.

What’s Next

Observers say the challenge ahead will be sustaining reforms while balancing revenue generation with trade facilitation.

The NNMJ said it hopes Adeniyi’s leadership momentum will continue in the coming years.

The Network concluded by praying that “the Almighty fortify and grant him the wisdom to continue to pilot the affairs of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

The Nigeria Customs Service at Apapa Area Port Command generated ₦2.93 trillion in revenue in 2025, marking a 24.32% increase compared with the ₦2.36 trillion collected in 2024.

The increase translates to an additional ₦573.29 billion in one year, reinforcing Apapa Port’s status as Nigeria’s leading revenue-generating customs command.

According to official figures, total revenue stood at ₦2,930,508,827,110.32 in 2025, up from ₦2,357,213,560,539.22 the previous year.

What Customs says

The Customs Area Controller at Apapa Port, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, credited the performance to leadership, discipline, and technology-driven reforms.

He said the achievement was made possible through “effective leadership, disciplined manpower and the strategic deployment of technology under the guidance of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, psc(+).”

Comptroller Oshoba also praised importers and operators who complied with customs regulations, noting that lawful trade practices played a key role in boosting revenue.

Technology driving collections

A major factor behind the surge was the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu.

The digital platform improved transparency, accountability, and efficiency in cargo clearance, while regular performance reviews and targeted revenue recovery measures strengthened collections.

Customs officials say the system has reduced loopholes and limited revenue leakages at the port.

Trade facilitation efforts

Beyond revenue, the command intensified trade facilitation initiatives to reduce delays and improve cargo turnaround time.

These include stakeholder sensitisation following the rollout of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme and the expansion of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative.

Customs also confirmed advanced plans to deploy the FS6000 cargo scanning system, a non-intrusive scanner capable of inspecting up to 200 containers per hour, which is expected to further ease congestion at the port.

Enforcement and seizures

Alongside revenue growth, the command recorded major enforcement successes in 2025.

Customs intercepted 53 containers carrying illicit drugs and prohibited goods, including cocaine, Canadian Loud, tramadol, and expired pharmaceuticals.

The seizures had a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦12.63 billion, with several consignments handed over to agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and NAFDAC for investigation and prosecution.

What’s next

Looking ahead, Comptroller Oshoba expressed confidence that Apapa Port would surpass its current performance in 2026.

He said future growth would be driven by deeper implementation of B’Odogwu, AEO, and OSS, stronger intelligence-led enforcement, and closer collaboration with sister agencies.

The command also pledged sustained engagement with terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators, and the media to promote transparency and seamless trade.

The Tincan Island Port Command has exceeded its 2025 revenue target, collecting ₦1.576 trillion—₦51.8 billion above the assigned goal according to Comptroller F.O. Onyeka, the Command’s Area Controller.

“This milestone reflects discipline, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty,” Onyeka said at a press briefing in Lagos. “It is the outcome of deliberate reforms, improved processes, and collective responsibility.”

Why It Matters

The port’s performance is crucial to Nigeria’s economy, given its role as a hub for bulk cargo, general merchandise, and used vehicle imports. Revenue collected from these imports contributes directly to government funding and national development programs.

By streamlining alerts, improving internal coordination, and addressing operational inefficiencies, Tincan Port reduced clearance delays while ensuring all government revenue due was collected.

Industry Reactions

Stakeholders, including importers, licensed customs agents, terminal operators, and shipping companies, praised the port for balancing enforcement with facilitation.

“We sustained regular engagement with traders to create an enabling environment for legitimate trade,” Onyeka added.

Enforcement and Compliance

Tincan Port also maintained strong enforcement measures, seizing prohibited and improperly declared goods to safeguard public safety and national economic integrity. Onyeka emphasized that the Command’s vigilance would continue throughout the year.

“Attaining our revenue target does not mean we will relax operational standards. All officers remain fully mobilized to ensure compliance and proper revenue collection,” he said.

Leadership and Stakeholder Appreciation

Onyeka acknowledged the role of Comptroller-General Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi in providing strategic direction and institutional support, which he said formed the foundation for the port’s success.

He also thanked staff, stakeholders, and the media for their cooperation and professionalism.

“Our commitment remains to consolidate these gains, deepen transparency, and contribute effectively to the growth of the Federal Government’s fiscal policies,” Onyeka concluded.