The Nigeria Customs Service has emerged as one of the federal government’s strongest-performing revenue agencies, thanks to a sweeping reform agenda driven by Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. From record-breaking revenue generation and digital transformation to enhanced trade facilitation and border security, Adeniyi’s leadership is steadily repositioning the Customs as a strategic institution supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and fiscal sustainability, writes Oluchi Chibuzor
When Bashir Adewale Adeniyi assumed office as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in June 2023, he inherited an organisation facing enormous expectations. Revenue generation was under pressure, trade facilitation required urgent reforms, border security demanded greater efficiency, and stakeholders sought a Customs administration capable of balancing enforcement with economic growth.
Three years later, the results of those reforms are becoming increasingly evident. The recent approval by the Senate of a 2026 revenue target of N11.074 trillion and an expenditure proposal of N1.295 trillion for the Nigeria Customs Service is more than a routine legislative exercise.
It is a strong vote of confidence in the reforms being implemented under Adeniyi’s leadership and a recognition of Customs’ growing importance in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
