Customs Unveils Modernisation Plan to Boost Senate Oversight

By Saheed Olatunji, Reporter

The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), has urged the Senate to update national trade laws, aiming to align the country’s operations with fast-changing global digital standards.

Speaking at a capacity-building retreat for the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs, Comptroller-General of Customs Dr. Adewale Adeniyi stressed that effective legislative oversight requires a deep understanding of modern customs operations. He noted that the retreat bridges knowledge gaps, empowering lawmakers to support the Service’s ongoing modernization drive with informed statutory backing

“While some provisions had worked as intended, others had proved difficult to apply or had been overtaken by the rapidly changing trade environment. We are requesting considerable amendments to ensure the Act remains relevant to fast-moving trade policies and supports the Service’s modernisation agenda.” Adeniyi stated.

​He emphasized that while the Service enjoys strong support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NCS Board under the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, long-term stability requires statutory reinforcement through legislative protection that transcend beyond any single administration.

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Highlighting the scope of the modernisation, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, Tijani Abbey, outlined key ongoing initiatives. These include the deployment of the indigenous B’Odogwu Trade Management System, intelligence-driven post-clearance audits, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Program, coordinated border management, and end-to-end digital process integration aimed at boosting revenue, facilitating trade, and strengthening national security.

​Responding, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs, Senator Isah Jibrin, commended the NCS for surpassing its revenue targets despite operational hurdles. He assured the Service of the National Assembly’s readiness to provide the necessary statutory backing to sustain its momentum.

​”What you need to do is to identify your challenges, try to address them as much as possible, so as to have a much more robust, inclusive, and beyond-budget performance. Where you require legislative backing, please do not hesitate to call on us,” Jibrin advised.

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Senator Jibrin also congratulated CGC Adeniyi on his re-election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, describing the achievement as a testament to Nigeria’s rising influence in global trade and customs administration.