The Future of Customs is Here: How CGC Bashir Adeniyi is Revolutionizing Nigeria’s Economy
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Bashir Adewale Adeniyi as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in 2023, many industry analysts recognized the move as strategically significant. Here was a seasoned officer with decades of institutional experience—a leader groomed within the system itself, intimately familiar with its structural bottlenecks and untapped potential.
In less than two years, Adeniyi has not only justified the President’s confidence but has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most transformative public servants in recent memory. Under his stewardship, the NCS is undergoing nothing short of a revolution—shedding its historical reputation for inefficiency and opacity to become a dynamic, tech-driven engine of national economic growth.
A Foundation of Reform: Restructuring for Efficiency
Adeniyi’s approach from day one was surgical and strategic. He moved quickly to restructure the agency’s internal framework, dismantling redundant strike force units that had long contributed to operational duplication and confusion. By streamlining the enforcement architecture and establishing a dedicated Revenue Recovery Team, he didn’t just reshuffle the organizational chart—he built a foundation for a more coordinated, intelligent, and responsive service.
The results were both immediate and staggering. Within his first two months in office, Customs revenue grew by an unprecedented 70 percent, with the Service collecting ₦343 billion—dwarfing corresponding figures from the previous year. This was merely a preview of the transformational performance to come.
Record-Breaking Revenue Collection
By the end of 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service had generated an astounding ₦6.1 trillion in revenue, surpassing its ₦5.08 trillion target by over 20 percent. This represented a breathtaking 90.4 percent increase from the 2023 revenue figures. The momentum has continued unabated into 2025, with the agency collecting ₦1.3 trillion in the first quarter alone—more than double the ₦600 billion collected in Q1 2023.
These numbers tell a compelling story far beyond improved collection methods. They signal a fundamental shift in institutional culture, operational efficiency, and strategic direction under Adeniyi’s leadership.
The Technological Revolution: Digital Transformation as Catalyst
At the heart of this remarkable turnaround lies a comprehensive embrace of cutting-edge technology. Adeniyi recognized early that Nigeria’s customs operations could not compete in the global economy without a radical digital overhaul.
He championed the development and deployment of B’Odogwu—a Nigerian-built clearance platform that facilitated transactions worth over ₦31 billion during its pilot phase. But this was merely the opening act in a much larger technological transformation.
The centerpiece of Adeniyi’s digital strategy is the ongoing implementation of the $3.2 billion E-Customs Modernisation Project. This comprehensive digitization initiative, once fully operational, is projected to generate an astonishing $250 billion in revenue over the next two decades while bringing Nigeria’s customs operations in line with international best practices.
Streamlining Trade Through the National Single Window
Beyond specific platforms, Adeniyi has aggressively pushed forward the implementation of the National Single Window—a unified digital platform that integrates all government agencies involved in port operations. This reform alone has dramatically reduced cargo clearance times at Nigeria’s busiest ports from 21 days to just 7–10 days for compliant traders.
Complementing this effort is his introduction of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme, which provides fast-track clearance to trusted businesses. This not only improves compliance but significantly eases legitimate trade, making Nigeria a more attractive destination for international commerce.
Investing in Human Capital: Training for the Digital Age
Adeniyi understands that technology alone cannot drive transformation without corresponding investment in human capital. Under his leadership, over 1,800 customs officers have received training in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and risk profiling—essential skills for modern customs operations.
An additional 5,000 officers have undergone hands-on training in the use of AI-powered scanners, satellite surveillance, and forensic tools to detect smuggling and other illicit activities. These efforts are systematically transforming the Customs Service from a reactive enforcement body into a proactive, intelligence-driven institution.
Global Partnerships and Regional Leadership
Adeniyi’s vision extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. The Nigeria Customs Service has significantly deepened ties with the China Customs Administration and other international partners to adopt emerging best practices. Nigerian officers have participated in capacity-building programs on 5G-based inspections, virtual simulations, and digital customs operations.
Not content with merely learning from others, Nigeria is positioning itself to become a training hub for West and Central Africa, with its Abuja training facility gaining regional recognition and respect.
Beyond Revenue: Broader Economic Impact
The impact of these reforms extends far beyond impressive revenue collection figures. Trade volume handled by the NCS surged from ₦70.5 trillion in 2023 to ₦196.94 trillion in 2024—an increase of over 179 percent. The Service has also boosted formal non-oil exports, particularly in agricultural and mineral commodities, with export revenue rising by 38 percent in 2024 alone.
Remarkably, these gains have been achieved not through increased tariffs but through greater efficiency, reduced corruption, and smarter operations—the hallmarks of Adeniyi’s strategic approach.
Enhanced Enforcement and Compliance
Enforcement capabilities have been significantly strengthened under Adeniyi’s leadership. His Customs administration recovered over ₦64 billion from previously undervalued imports and made record-breaking seizures, including:
- Over 183,000 bags of smuggled rice
- 900 firearms
- Substantial quantities of narcotics
- Illegal wildlife products
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seized goods reached ₦35.29 billion in 2024, representing a 100 percent increase from the previous year.
Alignment with National Development Objectives
Perhaps most significantly, the reforms under Adeniyi’s leadership directly support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes digital transformation, trade facilitation, and economic diversification. The Customs CG has become instrumental in translating these policy objectives into measurable progress on the ground, demonstrating how effective public institution leadership can drive national development.
A Model for Public Sector Transformation
In less than two years, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has fundamentally repositioned the Nigeria Customs Service as a cornerstone of economic governance. Through visionary leadership, deep institutional reform, technological innovation, and strategic enforcement, he has delivered record revenues, unlocked trade bottlenecks, and restored public confidence in one of Nigeria’s most critical agencies.
President Tinubu deserves recognition for identifying and appointing a leader of such caliber. In choosing Adeniyi, he not only placed a reformist at the helm of Customs but affirmed his administration’s commitment to merit, competence, and results-driven governance.
The Nigeria Customs Service today stands as a powerful testament to what becomes possible when leadership meets vision—and when vision is backed by decisive action. As the reforms continue to unfold and expand, Nigeria is reaping the rewards of a customs service fit for the 21st century.
Eze, a former Editor at THISDAY Newspapers and Chief Operating Officer at the Leadership Newspapers group, is a media consultant based in Abuja.
Full credit to the original publisher: Independent Nigeria – https://independent.ng/the-future-of-customs-is-here/