The newly appointed Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi is expected to formally take over the reigns of office from the former Comptroller-General, Hameed Ali, today.
The handover was delayed because the duo, along with other senior officials of the NCS, were away in Brussels, Belgium, attending the 141st/142nd World Customs Organization (WCO) Conference and Council Meeting at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium when the Federal Government announced Ali’s sack and Adeniyi’s appointment last Monday June 19, 2023.
The WCO conference was concluded weekend and the NCS delegation expected back in Nigeria yesterday.
Customs spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement sent to SHIPS & PORTS on Sunday, said the new Customs boss is set to hit the ground running as he is setting his gaze on international collaborations to unlock the full potentials of the NCS.
“With a strong focus on collaboration, engagement with international organizations, the pursuit of cutting-edge technologies, and consolidating on previous gains, the NCS is poised to redefine customs practices for the better,” Maiwada said.
“Additionally, the NCS has already established a GEOINT (geospatial intelligence) unit, leveraging geospatial data, mapping techniques, and satellite imagery to gain valuable insights for Customs operations. Collaborative engagements are already underway to operationalise the use of GEOINT to enhance the efficiency of NCS enforcement operations and contribute to overall efficiency. These advancements underline the NCS’s proactive approach toward embracing cutting-edge technologies.”
He said while attending the WCO conference, Adeniyi engaged in strategic discussions with partners including officials of the WCO, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan Customs Administration to garner support for the establishment of a Customs laboratory to enhance Customs operations and trade facilitation across Nigeria.
“Amidst the current landscape of evolving global trade dynamics, the NCS Laboratory will provide comprehensive solutions to address challenges such as counterfeit goods, smuggling, and non-compliant imports, thereby bolstering revenue generation and ensuring the protection of public health and safety.
“With its advanced analytical capabilities, the laboratory is expected to deliver precise identification, verification, and classification of goods, enabling efficient enforcement measures and informed decision-making, while fostering an environment of trust and credibility within Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, marking a transformative step towards achieving seamless customs operations, trade competitiveness, and national economic growth in line with the vision of the President Tinubu-led administration.
“Furthermore, Acting CG Adeniyi’s engagements extended to fruitful discussions with relevant experts and donors, focusing on crucial areas such as conducting a Time Release Study (TRS), implementing the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, leadership, and management development. These discussions underscore his commitment to comprehensive improvements and his inclination to adopt innovative solutions across various Customs domains, ultimately enhancing Customs operations.
“Under the leadership of the Acting CG, the Nigeria Customs Service is embarking on an exciting journey towards enhanced customs efficiency. Through international collaborations, engagement with the WCO, exploration of AI-driven solutions, and strategic discussions, the NCS is pioneering innovative projects that will shape the future of customs practices in Nigeria. With a strong emphasis on technology and international partnerships, the NCS is well-positioned to make substantial advancements in customs operations, ultimately benefiting trade facilitation, security, and operational effectiveness,” the statement said.