By Tunde Ojudun<\/p>\n
CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is no doubt an accomplished administrator. As the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) marks two years under his leadership, stakeholders across the maritime and trade sectors are lauding his tenure as a period of innovation, professionalism and renewed purpose.
\nDescribed by some as “God-sent” to the Service, CGC Adeniyi’s leadership has been characterized by strategic reforms, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and commitment to modernization. <\/p>\n
From his background in Public Relations to his experience in Customs operations, many say he brought a rare blend of communication skill and operational insight to the role.
\n“He started running before hitting the ground”, one observer noted, referencing the CGC’s swift implementation of reforms and his emphasis on collaboration, consultation, and innovation.<\/p>\n
Under his watch, the NCS has enhanced cutting-edge technologies, strengthened international partnerships, and prioritized officers’ welfare. These efforts have not only boosted revenue generation but also improved the Service’s image and efficiency.
\nAs the CGC’s second anniversary is celebrated, voices from across the country continue to echo a shared sentiment: That the Customs Service is on a new trajectory – one marked by transparency, professionalism, and a renewed sense of national service.
\nPeople’s Forum spoke with people within and without the Service and their response is one – CGC has made transformational impact. Read below the comments of two Area Controllers and Chairman of of one of the associations in the port system.<\/p>\n
*CGC Adeniyi\u2019s Reformist Leadership Transforms Nigeria Customs\u2014Compt. Olomu*<\/p>\n
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has ushered in a transformative era for the Service through bold reforms and dynamic leadership. Within just two years at the helm, his tenure has been marked by remarkable administrative strides, according to the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu,
\n PhD.<\/p>\n
Speaking on the CGC\u2019s performance, Comptroller Olomu hailed him as a modernizer, a reform-driven strategist, and a solution-oriented leader. He particularly praised the replacement of the outdated NICIS II platform with the indigenous B\u2019Odogwu system, describing it as a leap forward in enhancing service delivery and system integrity.<\/p>\n
Olomu applauded CGC Adeniyi\u2019s push for digitization and automation, citing the deployment of Advanced Ruling, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, and Time Release Studies as game-changers that have simplified trade processes, cut down cargo clearance time, and boosted cross-border efficiency and revenue generation.<\/p>\n
He also emphasized the CGC’s commitment to capacity building, noting that the frequency and quality of personnel training, coupled with consistent promotions and welfare incentives, have rekindled morale across the Service. \u201cHis dedication to uplifting the workforce is second to none,\u201d Olomu added.<\/p>\n
In addition, Comptroller Olomu acknowledged the CGC’s strategic focus on fostering inter-agency collaboration and stakeholder engagement, crediting it to Adeniyi’s background as a seasoned communications expert. His inclusive leadership style, Olomu noted, has fostered smoother operational synergy within Nigeria\u2019s business communities.<\/p>\n
*Comptroller Odusanya Hails CGC Adeniyi\u2019s Two-Year Transformation of NCS*<\/p>\n
Lilypond Export Command\u2019s Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, has applauded Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for two years of remarkable leadership that\u2019s modernized the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), turbocharged trade facilitation and strengthened revenue collection.<\/p>\n
Home-Grown Tech Takes Center Stage
\nAccording to Comptroller Odusanya, when Adeniyi inherited a foreign-built IT platform, he challenged local talent to design something better. The result is the B\u2019Odogwu application\u2014an entirely indigenous solution that has outperformed its predecessor at PTML Command and rolled out seamlessly to Tin Can, Apapa and now Lilypond Export. The controller says B\u2019Odogwu processes imports and exports faster, slashes errors and delivers the real-time visibility traders crave.<\/p>\n
Prioritizing Compliant Traders with AEO
\nUnder Adeniyi\u2019s leadership, the NCS rolled out the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program for importers\u2014and mirrored it on the export side\u2014to reward consistently compliant businesses with expedited clearance, reduced demurrage risk and VIP-style support. Odusanya notes this tiered system has already saved members hundreds of millions of naira and spurred non-AEO traders to up their game.<\/p>\n
Investing in People and Skills
\nModern systems demand modern skills. That\u2019s why Adeniyi has championed expanded training and capacity-building, ensuring every command has officers who not only can run the new platforms but also embrace a trade-facilitation mindset. \u201cWe now have an army of tech-savvy, service-oriented officers,\u201d Odusanya says\u2014and the proof is in faster processing times and smoother stakeholder interactions.<\/p>\n
Record-Smashing Revenue and Exports
\nComptroller Odusanya noted that commands are smashing revenue projections on imports while export volumes continue climbing. Beyond raw commodities, Nigerian entrepreneurs are shipping more finished and value-added goods abroad\u2014thanks in part to streamlined customs processes that make international markets more accessible.<\/p>\n
Tough on Smuggling, Strong on Seizures
\nAdeniyi hasn\u2019t neglected enforcement. Under his watch, seizures of contraband\u2014ranging from illicit drugs and petroleum products to counterfeit goods\u2014have surged both at seaports and the border stationd. \u201cWe\u2019ve never seen this level of anti-smuggling activity in my 30-plus years in the service,\u201d Odusanya affirms.<\/p>\n
Championing Welfare, Promotions and Incentives
\nMorale is up as the CGC has revived regular promotion cycles, spot-awarded outstanding officers and introduced enhanced retirement benefits and insurance cover for families. Junior officers on fast-track development programs and staff pursuing further education all cite Adeniyi\u2019s people-first approach.<\/p>\n
A Stellar Two-Year Grade
\nAsked to score Adeniyi\u2019s first two years, Odusanya gives him a solid 80%. \u201cHe\u2019s an all-rounder\u2014visionary, hands-on, and genuinely committed to uplifting both officers and stakeholders. The NCS has never been stronger.\u201d <\/p>\n
As Adeniyi embarks on Year 3, the foundation is set for deeper digital innovation, bolder trade-facilitation policies and sustained revenue growth\u2014cementing his legacy as one of the NCS\u2019s most transformative leaders.<\/p>\n
*ANLCA Chairman Applauds CGC Adeniyi\u2019s Leadership at Two-Year Milestone*<\/p>\n
Hon. Emeka Chukwumalu, Executive Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Apapa chapter has given high praise to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, marking his second anniversary in office.<\/p>\n
Chukwumalu commended the CGC for spearheading modernization efforts across the Service, citing notable strides in digitalization and automation. According to him, these reforms have significantly streamlined customs operations and enhanced efficiency.<\/p>\n
He also highlighted Adeniyi\u2019s success in stakeholder engagement, describing it as a key factor in promoting trade facilitation and expediting cargo clearance processes.<\/p>\n
However, the ANLCA Chairman didn\u2019t hold back from spotlighting some ongoing challenges. He described the current cost of renewing a customs broker license as disproportionately high\u2014stating it’s the most expensive among professional licensing bodies. Chukwumalu proposed a reduction in renewal fees and called for a shift from the current annual renewal cycle to a four-year term. This, he argued, would give license holders ample time to plan and reduce financial strain.<\/p>\n
In a bold appeal, he urged the CGC to allocate 2% of the 7% surcharge to customs brokers, emphasizing their crucial role in revenue generation. He believes this incentive would boost morale, encourage compliance, and minimize infractions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Tunde Ojudun CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is no doubt an accomplished administrator. As the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) marks two years under his leadership, stakeholders across the maritime and trade sectors are lauding his tenure as a period of innovation, professionalism and renewed purpose. Described by some as “God-sent” to the Service, CGC Adeniyi’s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8064,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8063","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/peoplesforumonline.com.ng\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8063","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/peoplesforumonline.com.ng\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/peoplesforumonline.com.ng\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/peoplesforumonline.com.ng\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/peoplesforumonline.com.ng\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8063"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/peoplesforumonline.com.ng\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8063\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8067,"href":"https:\/\/peoplesforumonline.com.ng\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8063\/revisions\/8067"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/peoplesforumonline.com.ng\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8064"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/peoplesforumonline.com.ng\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8063"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/peoplesforumonline.com.ng\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8063"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/peoplesforumonline.com.ng\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8063"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}