By Steve Agbota
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday inaugurated the newly renovated Customs administrative building at Tin Can Port, Lagos. The facility, untouched for over 40 years, now boasts modern infrastructure under the supervision of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi.
Speaking at the commissioning, CGC Adeniyi praised the effort and vision behind the project. “We dedicate this to the glory of God, and for the provision of better and more optimal service to the federal government of Nigeria. I commend Comptroller Dera Nnadi and all his men for the initiative of getting this done. When he told me about it, I never knew that it was such a gigantic project.
“I just thought that they needed to put some brushes here and there. But from what I have seen physically and from the video I’ve seen, this is an award-winning project. The award for the Nigeria Customs Service in 2024, which was supposed to have taken place two weeks ago, will now take place in two days’ time. As Comptroller-General of Customs, I can assure you that we will not forget this project,” Adeniyi remarked.
He further disclosed that the government is advancing plans to implement a single-window system, bringing stakeholders onto an automated platform to enhance regulatory oversight and operational efficiency.
Adeniyi also emphasized the importance of collaboration between Customs and other stakeholders, including government agencies, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and shipping companies. “I want to commend other Area Controllers who decided to prioritize this event and equally encourage you to always engage your stakeholders. When we leave here, I’m also going to the Murtala-Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) for something similar to this, which they have also put together,” he said.
In his remarks, Comptroller Dera Nnadi expressed gratitude to the CGC for his unwavering support in making the project a reality. “As we celebrate the unveiling of this renovated facility, we must recognize the historical context of this transformation. Since the inception of this Command in 1977, no major renovation has been undertaken to update and modernize the office complex.
“For decades, our officers have worked diligently within the confines of outdated infrastructure, and today, we witness a transformation that will no longer be just a reflection of the past, but a symbol of the future—a future that is modern, efficient, and committed to service excellence.
“This renovation goes beyond mere aesthetics or upgrading physical infrastructure; it is a clear statement of intent that reinforces the CGC’s policy focus on Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to improving working conditions, enhancing operational efficiency, and providing a conducive environment for our officers and stakeholders alike,” Nnadi stated.
He added that a well-maintained office complex ensures the continuation of exceptional service delivery, fostering greater results in Customs’ core functions of revenue generation and trade facilitation.