NIGERIA CUSTOMS

Happy International Customs Day 2026 @WCO_OMD

Ogun I Customs Reaffirms Commitment to Safer Borders, Facilitation of Legitimate Trade The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening border security while making legitimate trade easier at the Idiroko border. The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, gave the assurance on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, during a working visit by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, to the Command Headquarters in Idiroko. Afeni said the Command remains focused on building stronger partnerships with sister security agencies to protect the nation's borders while creating an environment where businesses can operate without unnecessary delays. "Our responsibility goes beyond revenue collection. We are equally committed to securing our borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and supporting economic growth. By working closely with other security agencies, we are creating a border system that is secure, efficient, and business-friendly," he said. He noted that the Command has continued to implement measures that improve both security and trade along the border corridor. According to him, the recent joint "Show of Force" operation involving Nigerian and Beninese security agencies reinforced efforts to combat cross-border crime. He also stated that engagement through the Joint Border Security Committee has led to a significant reduction in the number of checkpoints, easing the movement of legitimate goods without compromising security. Afeni explained that these reforms are in line with the Service's broader modernisation agenda, which recently earned the Nigeria Customs Service recognition by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) as one of Nigeria's top-performing government agencies in trade facilitation. Earlier in his remarks, CP Ojajuni commended the Ogun I Area Command for its leadership in maintaining peace and security along the Idiroko border corridor. He observed that despite being one of Ogun State's busiest border communities, the area has remained peaceful, attributing the achievement to the strong collaboration among security agencies.

Customs Begins New Chapter in Strategic Communication, as NIPR Inducts 70 Public Relations Officers In a significant move to strengthen strategic communication and professionalise its Public Relations workforce, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has inducted seventy Public Relations officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), marking the Service's first mass induction into the Institute since 2013. The ceremony, held on Monday, 13 July 2026, at the Service Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, reflects the Service's commitment to building a corps of certified communication professionals equipped to effectively project its reforms, operations and institutional achievements. Addressing the newly inducted officers, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, described the induction as a strategic investment in the future of the Service's communication architecture. He noted that the Service's transformation, including its recognition as the best-performing government agency in Ease of Doing Business, was the result of deliberate reforms that require competent professionals to communicate the Service's successes with clarity, credibility and purpose. He added that as the Service transitions to a technology-driven Customs administration, Public Relations practitioners must remain proactive in countering misinformation, managing public perception and sustaining stakeholders' confidence. “Rumours will be heard, narratives will be pushed, so be ready to use your communication with clarity and the necessary measures so rumours can be addressed swiftly and decisively," the Comptroller-General charged. CGC Adeniyi also revealed that the Service's flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative - Customs Cares, is set to receive recognition at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, describing it as a legacy project whose impact must continue to be amplified through strategic, ethical and professional communication. In his remarks, the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku commended the Service for prioritising professionalism and investing in the development of certified communication practitioners. He observed that under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, the Service has evolved into a national institution admired for its reforms, corporate excellence and growing influence within the global Customs community. “You can no longer dismiss matters concerning the Service. You must be proud of this as a Nigerian," Dr. Neliaku stated. Also speaking, retired Comptroller of Customs and former National Public Relations Officer Joseph Attah urged the newly inducted officers to uphold the ethics of the Public Relations profession by remaining truthful, accurate and responsible in their communication. He encouraged them to embrace continuous professional development through seminars, workshops and active participation in NIPR activities, stressing that effective crisis communication demands composure, empathy and strategic thinking. In his welcome remarks, the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Aliyu Maiwada, asserted that this milestone would not have been achieved without the commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs as well other former Spokespersons of the Service who nurtured the unit to this enviable height. The induction of the seventy officers marks another milestone in the Service's ongoing reform agenda and reinforces its commitment to institutionalising excellence in strategic communication.

Customs Reinforces Regimentation Through Strategic Refresher Course

"We should all be patriotic," said Deputy Comptroller Maiwada, the National Spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, during an interview on NTA.

Nigeria, Benin Customs Fortify Border Security with Geospatial Technology Partnership The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and its Benin Republic counterpart have forged a new partnership on geospatial technology to strengthen economic security and surveillance along their shared border corridor. The partnership was highlighted during a strategic engagement at the ECOWAS Conference Hall, Seme-Krake, Joint Border Post. The meeting was aimed at consolidating existing synergy to curb trans-border crime and facilitate legitimate trade. Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, described the initiative as a major step toward improving border management, enhancing trade, and addressing security challenges along one of West Africa's busiest trade corridors. "Seme border remains a vital trading corridor and has witnessed numerous challenges. With this geospatial initiative, some of the issues can be addressed and we can boost our revenue," Kaila stated. The Head of Geospatial at the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Labaran Ahmed, said the initiative is designed to test-run the Service's border management application using the World Customs Organisation (WCO) satellite platform. "With this new tool, we will not only identify vulnerable points along the border but also strategically deploy our field officers to those locations for targeted operations and more effective results," he said. Ahmed noted that Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo are among the pioneer countries implementing the geospatial technology, adding that its success has attracted wider interest across the continent. "We recently had a master-class training and additional 19 African countries including Egypt, Senegal, Kenya, and Mali among other Customs administration have decided to adopt the tool to fight smuggling activities," he added.

Customs, Afreximbank Unite to Unlock Africa's Trade Potential

Customs Tightens Grip on Nigeria-Cameroon Waterways in Maiden Border Tour In a bid to reinforce its commitment to securing the nation's borders and inland waterways, the Acting Comptroller North Eastern Marine Command (NEC) of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Joseph Ikewun, embarked on a maiden operational tour of the Command's outstations in Adamawa State. The operational tour, held on 2 July 2026, commenced with a meeting between DC Ikewun and the Customs Area Controller of the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, Comptroller of Customs Muhammed Tako, where both officers discussed intelligence sharing, border security, anti-smuggling operations and other areas of mutual operational interest to strengthen enforcement along the border. Accompanied by officers of the Customs Intelligence Unit and the Operation Whirlwind Team, the Ag. Comptroller visited the Jimeta-Yola Marine Base Jetty before proceeding by patrol boat to the Ribadu, Wuroboki and Kochiel Marine Outstations along the Nigeria-Cameroon waterways. The visit to Kochiel marked a significant milestone, making him the first Comptroller NEC to physically visit the outstation since the Command was established. The tour also took DC Ikewun to the Muninga, Damari and Gurin Marine Outstations, where he inspected operational facilities, assessed officers' readiness and encouraged personnel to remain disciplined, vigilant and committed to the statutory responsibilities of the NCS. He also reassured officers serving in remote border communities of the Command's commitment to strengthening operational capacity, improving logistics support and promoting their welfare. During the visit, DC Ikewun met with personnel of the Marine Police and the Marine Units of the Nigeria Immigration Service stationed across the various locations to assess the level of inter-agency cooperation in the border communities. "Sustained collaboration among security agencies remains critical to addressing smuggling, transnational crimes and other security threats along the inland waterways and international border corridors," he said.

LFTZ Customs Credits Compliance, Stakeholder Engagement for N408.87bn H1 Revenue

Customs Conducts Nationwide Green Tax Campaign

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, spoke on NTA about how the Service is leveraging technology to suppress smuggling and strengthen border security.

When Legitimate Businesses Grow, Customs Grows – CGC Adeniyi Rallies Renaissance Africa ​ Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service's (NCS) commitment to facilitating legitimate trade and supporting compliant businesses, assuring Renaissance Africa Energy Limited of the Service's continued partnership in driving investment, energy security, and national economic growth. ​Adeniyi gave the assurance on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, when the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, led by its Vice President, Production, Meshack Maichibi, paid a courtesy visit to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja. ​Congratulating Renaissance on the successful completion of its corporate transition, Adeniyi said the company's progress demonstrates the capacity of Nigerians to manage and grow strategic national assets. He stressed that the Service exists not to create obstacles for businesses but to facilitate lawful trade while fulfilling its statutory mandate. He added that ongoing reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) are improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria. ​"There is a misconception in some quarters that Customs exists to frustrate businesses. That is not who we are. When legitimate businesses grow, Customs also grows. Our responsibility is to facilitate lawful trade while carrying out our statutory mandate," Adeniyi said. ​The CGC also urged Renaissance to complete the requirements for the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, noting that although the qualification process is rigorous, it offers significant benefits to compliant traders. He assured the company that the Service would continue to remove legitimate trade bottlenecks and provide all lawful support required for businesses that meet regulatory obligations. ​Earlier, Maichibi said Renaissance assumed operations in March 2026 following the acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company's onshore assets. He explained that the company is pursuing a vision of securing energy for the future through investments across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the oil and gas value chain. According to him, collaboration with the NCS remains critical to achieving the company's production targets and long-term investment objectives. ​"The support we receive from the Nigeria Customs Service is exceptional. The speed of approvals, professionalism of officers, transparent procedures, and digitalised processes strengthen our operations. We maintain zero tolerance for duty evasion and look forward to sustained collaboration with Customs across all Commands as we work towards achieving our vision," Maichibi said. ​Members of the Renaissance delegation also commended the Service's trade facilitation reforms, describing the Authorised Economic Operator certification process as rigorous, transparent, and efficient. They noted that continuous engagement by Customs officers, improved digital processes, and operational support across Commands have strengthened compliance, enhanced operational efficiency, and reinforced the company's confidence in Nigeria's evolving trade environment.

Deputy Comptroller Maiwada Speaks on "Strengthening Nigeria's Border Corridors" During an Interview With the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Highlighting the Nigeria Customs Service's Efforts to Enhance Border Security and Reinforce Effective Border Management.

Customs, Printing Industry Strengthen Partnership on Tariff Reforms

Customs Begins Training for Deputy Comptrollers, Prepares Officers for Greater Responsibilities

CGC Adeniyi Bags Fresh International Award Nomination

OFFICIAL MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER OF THE NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE (41th EDITION) Click link to download customs.gov.ng/publications/n…

Customs, Printing Industry Strengthen Partnership on Tariff Reforms, Trade Facilitation The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of Nigeria's printing industry through improved stakeholder engagement, tariff advocacy and enhanced trade facilitation during a meeting with the leadership of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) at the Service Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, who led the Customs management team, received the CIPPON delegation led by its President, Koko Clement. The engagement focused on addressing tariff-related challenges affecting the printing industry and strengthening collaboration to promote local manufacturing. Presenting the institute's position, Clement described the printing industry as one of Nigeria's largest employers after agriculture, stating that it provides direct and indirect employment for over four million Nigerians while supporting the livelihoods of more than twenty million dependants. He called for a strategic partnership with the Service to improve the competitiveness of the sector. He expressed concern that essential production inputs, including paper, printing plates, inks, machinery and spare parts, attract relatively high import duties, while some finished printed materials enter the country at lower duty rates. According to him, the imbalance places local manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage and undermines efforts to grow domestic production. Responding, Adeniyi described the institute's presentation as a well-researched business case that deserves national attention. He assured the delegation of the Service's commitment to supporting policies that encourage local production and directed that a joint position paper be forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Finance ahead of the next meeting of the Tariff Review Committee. "We have a shared responsibility to ensure the sustainability of Nigeria's printing industry. The NCS will continue to support policies that promote local production, facilitate legitimate trade and strengthen the competitiveness of indigenous manufacturers. We will also continue to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that tariff policies support industrial growth and national economic development," the CGC stated. Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, explained that the Service implements government fiscal policies but welcomed CIPPON's advocacy. She encouraged the institute to submit its proposals to the Federal Ministry of Finance and noted that existing concessions under Chapter 99 of the Common External Tariff already support manufacturers importing approved raw materials and machinery.

Enforcement, Cohesion and Persuasion is very Important in Managing Complex Borders - DC Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer at NTA

Have a restful weekend…