By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB), at its 63rd regular meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, approved the appointment of four (4) Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCGs) and twelve (12) Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs).
These appointments were made to fill vacancies created by the recent retirement of some management members, while also strengthening equitable representation within the Service’s leadership structure.
The appointments were also in line with the availability of positions across the six geopolitical zones and in strict compliance with the Federal Character Policy of the Government, as provided in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The newly appointed DCGs are: AB Mohammed (North-West), GO Omale (North-Central), OC Orbih (South-South), D Nnadi (South-East). While the new ACGs include: MP Binga (North-East), CA Awo (South-East), AB Shuaibu (North-Central), AT Abe (North-West), K Mohammed (North-West), B Mohammed (North-West), TM Daniyan (North-Central), B Oramalugo (South-East), OP Olaniyan (South-West), B Olomu (South-West), IK Oladeji (South-West), and CC Dim (South-East).
In the same vein, the Board approved the promotion of 3,312 senior officers across various ranks from Comptroller of Customs (CC) to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC 11).
Additionally, the NCS Management during its 6th Management Meeting held on Friday, 29 August 2025, approved the promotion of 202 junior officers from Assistant Inspector (AIC) to Customs Assistant I (CA1).
These promotions underscore the Service’s commitment to merit-based career progression and recognition of outstanding performance.
Similarly, during the regular meeting and in line with the Presidential directive on the National Single Window (NSW), the Board acknowledged the sustained involvement of the Nigeria Customs Service in the project. The Service has seconded its World Customs Organisation (WCO)-accredited officers, supported the drafting of business process requirements, actively participated in vendor selection, and continues to provide ICT and risk management expertise.
The Board noted that with integration support from Trade Modernisation Project Limited, the NCS is supporting the initiative toward early completion, reaffirming its commitment to trade facilitation, efficiency, and global best practices.
Furthermore, the Board also undertook a comprehensive review of the Service’s revenue performance for the first half of the year. Between 1st January and 30th June 2025, the Service recorded a total revenue collection of N3,682,496,530,576.48, representing a remarkable performance above expectations. This figure surpassed the projected revenue for the period by N390,197,847,119.32, equivalent of 11.85%, reflecting the Service’s strengthened capacity in revenue mobilisation. In practical terms, this signifies that within six months, the NCS has already achieved 55.93% of its annual revenue target.
The Board noted that this impressive outcome underscores the effectiveness of ongoing reforms, improved compliance by stakeholders, and enhanced deployment of technology in Customs operations.
Updates on the Service’s Trade Modernisation Project were also presented, with notable achievements recorded in the second quarter of 2025 and into July.
Key milestones include wider deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) codenamed B’Odogwu, arrival of six scanners including an FS6000 model to boost non-intrusive inspection, procurement of Electronic Cargou Tracking System (ECTS) equipment, setup of the Centralised Image Analysis System (CIAS) at Customs Headquarters, reinforcement of cybersecurity architecture, operationalisation of a multi-channel helpdesk, onboarding of additional stakeholders, and delivery of targeted capacity-building programmes.
The Board acknowledged that these developments further align Nigeria’s clearance processes with international best practices.
In disciplinary matters, the Board considered cases presented during the session and approved the demotion of two officers to the next lower rank for various levels of misconduct, while also granting reinstatement to two officers after reviewing their cases. This action reflects the Board’s commitment to upholding accountability and fairness, in line with the Service’s core values.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on behalf of the NCSB, congratulates all newly appointed and promoted officers while charging them to justify the confidence reposed in them.
He also reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, transparency, and excellence in service delivery, while appreciating the Honourable Minister of Finance for his continued support and guidance.
