The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has marked significant achievements in his first year in office. Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adeniyi's tenure has seen a strategic alignment of the NCS's statutory responsibilities with the administration's policy directives. His efforts have focused on trade facilitation, revenue collection, societal protection, and stakeholder collaboration.
Adeniyi has prioritized transforming Nigeria into Africa’s most efficient trading nation. Key initiatives include:
- Decongesting Port Areas: Efforts to reduce congestion within a 4km radius of ports for cargo, road, and railway users.
- Enforcing a 48-hour Clearance Directive: Ensuring goods at seaports are cleared within 48 hours, in line with Executive Order 001.
- Implementing the National Single Window Trading Platform: Streamlining import and export processes.
- Establishing Dedicated Export Terminals: Enhancing capacity and upgrading access roads at seaports and airports.
Revenue Collection
To boost revenue collection, a state of emergency in revenue generation has been declared, leading to:
- Reviewing and Restructuring Incentives, Waivers, and Tariffs: Addressing economic leakages and bolstering key sectors.
- Enhancing Revenue Collection Systems: Implementing measures to ensure robust and efficient revenue collection.
Societal Protection
Aligning with national security priorities, Adeniyi has emphasized the NCS's role in:
- Enforcing Cross-Border Prohibitions: Aiming to achieve food security through enhanced enforcement and compliance measures.
- Strengthening National Security: Promoting peace and prosperity through vigilant societal protection.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Strategic communication and engagement with key stakeholders have been prioritized, including:
- Promoting Effective Service Delivery: Aligning NCS activities with the broader policy directives of the administration.
- Contributing to Government Plans: Ensuring the NCS effectively supports the realization of national economic and security priorities.
Legislative Achievements
A significant legislative milestone under Adeniyi's leadership is the transition from the repealed Customs and Excise Act of 2004 to the newly signed Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023. This new act enhances the modernization of NCS operations, compliance, and enforcement, promoting innovation within the Service.
These accomplishments, achieved with the steadfast support of the President and the Honourable Minister of Finance, demonstrate the NCS's commitment to efficient and timely revenue collection and the effective implementation of fiscal policy objectives. Adeniyi's leadership has thus established a robust framework for continued success and alignment with national economic and security priorities. Written by Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate.
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