The Acting Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has been driving a digital creative revolution to enhance the efficiency of customs operations since assuming office on June 19, 2023. Through local and international collaborations and the use of cutting-edge technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), Adeniyi has spearheaded innovative projects that are transforming the fortunes of customs personnel, officers, and the overall economy.
Bridging Human Resource Gaps
Adeniyi has prioritized the repositioning of the NCS by establishing reliable leadership with harmonized operations at all levels. He recognized the need to bridge the human resource gaps within the ranks and prioritize capacity building and career advancement for officers. Adeniyi’s focus is on cultivating a highly skilled workforce equipped to navigate a rapidly changing world.
Under his leadership, the NCS has conducted training programs and recently witnessed the graduation of over 50 customs officers. Adeniyi also inspected the proposed site for a Federal Operations Unit A, Government Warehouse, and Customs Training School. He has shown a commitment to investing in the future of the NCS.
Staff Welfare and Stakeholder Partnership
Adeniyi places great importance on the welfare and well-being of NCS personnel. He emphasized the need for better remuneration, improved accommodation, life insurance, and quality healthcare to create a supportive and motivated workforce. He also values the relationships built with partner government agencies and the private sector, recognizing their vital role in embracing technology and streamlining processes for enhanced revenue generation.
Officers’ Welfare
Under Adeniyi’s watch, 50 Officers of Junior Course 16 recently graduated from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College. He has also bridged insurance gaps and provided additional accommodation for officers. Adeniyi’s commitment to education is evident through his efforts to renovate Customs Primary School, Barnawa, and establish Customs primary and secondary schools nationwide.
Mending Walls, Consolidating Relationships
Adeniyi has been focused on mending service delivery gaps and resolving long-standing feuds, such as within the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA). He has also sought support from the National Security Adviser to enhance border security for national security and economic growth.
Birth of Customs Laboratory
With strategic discussions and partnerships with the World Customs Organization (WCO), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Japan Customs Administration, Adeniyi aims to establish a customs laboratory. This significant milestone will enhance customs operations, tackle counterfeit goods, smuggling, and non-compliant imports, and ensure revenue generation and public health and safety.
Port Decongestion
Adeniyi has collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Transport to decongest ports. Steps have been taken to create sufficient space at the ports, including the disposal of overtime cargo and sensitization exercises for stakeholders and the port community.
Vehicle Database
Adeniyi has initiated the comprehensive database of vehicles in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). This collaboration will enhance national security, curb revenue loss, and strengthen information-sharing.
Cultivating Community Support
Adeniyi has prioritized community relations initiatives to enhance safety and garner community support for NCS officers. He has engaged with border communities in Borno and emphasized the need for collaboration with the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) to fight against small arms and light weapons trafficking.
Boosting Service Delivery via Strategic Appointments
To further enhance value creation, Adeniyi has made strategic appointments and redeployments within the Customs department. These appointments and redeployments aim to strengthen revenue generation, suppress smuggling, and facilitate trade.
Adeniyi’s leadership in the NCS has instilled hope and belief in the system. He has empowered the workforce and inspired them to achieve their duties effortlessly. The ongoing reforms under Adeniyi’s guidance are set to fundamentally transform the performance of the NCS for optimized results in the short, medium, and long term.
