Nigeria Customs Service Pledges to Integrate Streamline Operations

  to Meet International Standard 

ZAINAB JUNAID

In a bid to integrate and streamline it's operations to international standards, the Nigeria Customs Service has pledged to deploy meticulous data management to improve security, trade and positively engaged it's stakeholders.

The Comptroller-General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Comptroller-General of Customs (CGG's) Conference on Thursday, 14 December, 2023, adding that the Service constantly strives for performance in all its engagements. 

He said, "Our commitment to using meticulous data management to improve security and trade and positively engage with its stakeholders is actively on and running." 

In his keynote address, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, ably represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, stressed the importance of data. 

He said, "Every part of the world is a dependency on data and every day, we are reminded of the expanding volume of data upon which our decisions must be rooted. Data is the light".

President Tinubu assured that the Country is on the right track to establish a robust public service system that upholds data integrity. 

"I assure you that the President remains resolute in his belief that Nigeria is unequivocally on track, not only to accumulate terabytes of factual service but also to establish a robust public service system that upholds data integrity at its core". 

"Our ambition extends beyond accumulation. It extends to transformation; We aspire to position Nigeria as the prepared destination for all stakeholders involved in export and import activities overseen by the Nigeria Customs Service," he poised 

On his part, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, assured of the State Government's commitment to continue to provide a conducive environment for the Service to thrive.

At a panel discussion, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, underscored the NCS' Public Relations approach to data analytics for effective reputation management. 

He noted that the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to an innovative and data-driven Public Relations approach, which "marks a paradigm shift in the realm of reputation management."

"By connecting the dots between communication strategies and the pulse of public sentiment, NCS exemplifies the foresight required to navigate the intricate dance between perception and reality." He stated. 

The event had in attendance the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Tinubu GCFR, represented by the Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency Manneseh Jatau a retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, as well as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, Representatives of Government Agencies, Captains of Industry, among others. 

A gala night was later organised to wrap up the activities in line with the CGC's commitment to ensure a work-life balance. 

The event featured a beauty walk by senior female Officers as well as comedy and musical performances.

CGC 2023 Conference: Oba Adeyeye advocates special economic zone for Lagos State

....as CG Adeniyi reveals that 70 percent of Customs monthly revenue is generated from Lagos

...Deputy Gov. Jatau urges retired Officers to support CG for the success of the Service

ZAINAB JUNAID

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi(Ojaja11), has advocated a special economic status for Lagos State given its contribution to the nation’s economy through revenue generation and development impact.

Oba Adeyeye made this call on Thursday December 14, 2023, during the Comptroller General of Customs Annual Conference at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, stressing that if 70 percent revenue generated by Nigeria Customs comes from Lagos State, then the Service should impact positively back to the state.

He emphasized that all stakeholders must work together to make Lagos State a better place and also praised the commitment of the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service for adding value to President Tinubu administration eight point agenda.

His words “Thank God for new CG’s life for all the transformative agenda, innovation and forward looking leadership role he has been playing in Customs Service since he assumed office. How he motivated the entire Officers of Customs and how he infuses great ideas into what he is doing. The results speak for itself and the throne of Oduduwa will bless him more. COWA members are also appreciated for supporting their spouses in achieving their set targets.

“On behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwolu who has spoken with me spiritually, I will like to emphasize that why can’t you make Lagos a special economic zone? If 70 percent of the revenue generated by Customs comes from Lagos, then make sure in everything you do, look at how you will give back into where you are getting from. Please continue to champion it at the Federal level on how to make Lagos State a special economic zone, special economic territory for the lives of Lagosians to be better. Let’s work towards making Lagos a better place,” he advised.

Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, earlier in his speech had revealed that 70 percent of the Service monthly revenue is generated from Lagos State. 

While speaking on the theme 'Leveraging Data Analytics for Secure and Efficient Trade Facilitation in Customs Operations', he said Lagos accommodates 40 percent of Customs Commands in the Country and in turn generated 70 percent of its monthly revenue.

To him, "Lagos accommodates 40 percent of our commands, thus contributing to over 70 percent of our monthly revenue. It is not just a location on the map, it is a linchpin for Nigeria Customs Service; depicting the integral role in the economic narrative of our great nation. 

"And as we navigate through the agenda of today, we hope that the synergy of Lagos and Customs inspire us to enhance operations and contribute significantly to the economic property of Nigeria," Adeniyi had disclosed.

Also speaking at the conference, Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manasseh Daniel Jatau, explained that CGC Conference is always an avenue for appraisal based on the Service's contribution to the society.

"Nigeria Customs is assessed based on what the society feels and CGC Conference is expected to be an open place where the Customs will get it's feedback mechanism. No organisation survives without feedback. It is this response that let you know your status in front of your clients," he said.

Deputy Governor Jatau who is also a retired Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, urged his fellow retired colleagues not to abandon the Service but to continue rendering support to the new Comptroller General of Customs.

To him, "The retired Officers have worked for the Service for 35 years, you are product of Nigeria Customs Service.  Always keep in touch. For the serving Officers, let me assure you that having seen your Comptroller General, a resilience, adaptive leader, which is the characteristic of an organization, just as COWA is helping them, kindly render all the services you can to make the service move forward. Do all you can to make sure customs succeed," he advised.