The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has voiced deep concern about the significant leadership transitions facing the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), warning of the impending retirement of 40% of its management staff in 2024.
Speaking last Wednesday at the opening of the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja, Adeniyi described this wave of retirements as part of an ongoing challenge that has seen unprecedented turnover in recent years.
“In 2022, 60% of our management team exited, followed by 36% in 2023. This year, we are witnessing a 76% change in management composition. Looking ahead, another 40% of our management team will retire in 2024,” Adeniyi stated.
He stressed the urgency of addressing these transitions to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the Service, calling it a critical moment to reshape its future.
In response to this challenge, he said the NCS has embarked on an ambitious Human Resource Development Plan, designed to address both immediate and long-term staffing needs. Central to this plan is the launch of accelerated career progression opportunities for exceptional officers, ensuring that talent and dedication are appropriately recognised and rewarded.
Adeniyi also announced the establishment of a historic Customs University, which he described as a monumental investment in the Service’s human capital infrastructure.
“This university is a testament to our commitment to building a knowledge-driven service and preparing our workforce for the demands of a modern customs administration,” he declared.
The reforms, which align with the World Customs Organisation’s emphasis on youth leadership, also include a comprehensive talent management program. This initiative focuses on identifying and nurturing promising officers, equipping them with the skills and experiences necessary for leadership roles.
Adeniyi emphasised that these measures will safeguard the continuity of the Service during this challenging period of transition.
Looking beyond the immediate challenges, Adeniyi painted an ambitious vision for the future of the NCS. He pledged to reduce reliance on physical inspections of goods by enhancing risk management systems and fully deploying e-customs infrastructure. These technological advancements aim to modernise customs processes, increase efficiency, and reduce bottlenecks in trade facilitation.
He said the Service also plans to expand its Authorised Economic Operator program to foster greater collaboration with compliant operators, while strengthening regional trade integration through improved border cooperation.
The Customs Comptroller General further stated that regular consultative forums with stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector partners, are envisioned to deepen engagement and ensure that customs policies remain inclusive and forward-thinking.
“These are not just operational goals; they are part of a broader vision for a modern customs administration that balances trade facilitation, revenue collection, and national security,” Adeniyi explained.
He emphasised that achieving these ambitious targets, particularly during a period of profound leadership changes, will require stronger partnerships across all sectors.
Despite the difficulties, CGC Adeniyi expressed optimism, viewing this period of transition as a unique opportunity to redefine the NCS’s trajectory.
“This moment, while challenging, offers us the chance to reshape our future and build a Service that reflects the highest standards of professionalism, innovation, and integrity,” he said.
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