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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called on the Senate to review its enabling law to bring Nigeria’s trade legislation in line with fast-changing global practices, as part of efforts to deepen lawmakers’ understanding of the Service’s ongoing digital transformation and reforms.
Speaking at a capacity-building retreat organised for the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs on August 5, 2026, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said effective legislative oversight requires that lawmakers fully understand how modern customs operations work. He explained that the retreat was intended to close existing information gaps, allowing the committee to assess the Service’s transformation agenda from an informed standpoint and provide the legal backing needed to sustain it.
According to him, while some provisions of the Customs Act had worked as intended, others had proved difficult to implement or had been outpaced by changes in global trade. “We are requesting considerable amendments to ensure the Act remains relevant to fast-moving trade policies and supports the Service’s modernisation agenda,” Adeniyi said.
He noted that although the Service continues to enjoy strong backing from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NCS Board, led by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, lasting institutional stability would require statutory protection capable of outlasting any single administration.
Giving further details on the reforms, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, Tijani Abbey, listed some of the Service’s key initiatives. These include the rollout of the indigenous B’Odogwu Trade Management System, intelligence-led post-clearance audits, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, coordinated border management, and end-to-end digital integration — all geared toward improving revenue generation, easing trade facilitation and strengthening national security.
Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Senator Isah Jibrin, commended the NCS for exceeding its revenue targets despite operational challenges, and pledged the National Assembly’s readiness to provide whatever statutory support the Service may need.
“What you need to do is to identify your challenges, try to address them as much as possible, so as to have a much more robust, inclusive, and beyond-budget performance. Where you require legislative backing, please do not hesitate to call on us,” Jibrin said.
He also congratulated Adeniyi on his re-election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, describing it as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing influence in global trade and customs administration.
