Innovations and Efficient Trade Facilitation: Tincan Island Port and NCS Under CGC Adewale Adeniyi
By Bolaji Israel
In a transformative move for Nigeria’s trade landscape, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Bashir Adewale Adeniyi as the 8th Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in 2023.
This decision has already proven to be a pivotal one, garnering widespread approval from stakeholders, as Adeniyi has emerged as a beacon and passionate advocate of innovation, trade facilitation and general efficiency for the service.
CGC Adeniyi’s primary role encompasses overall management of the NCS, where he serves not only as the head but also as the accounting officer and Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Customs Service Board.
His leadership stands tall in significant brilliance faring well in building solidly on the efforts of his predecessors, starting from a lineage of Shehu Ahmadu Musa in 1978 as NCS director to Jacob Gyang Buba, the first Comptroller-General between 2004 and 2008.
Expectedly, Adeniyi’s meteoric rise has captured attention and excitement around the potential for trade facilitation beyond Nigeria to the broader region.
Since taking office, the NCS CGC has prioritized trade facilitation, resulting in impressive outcomes. In just over a year, he has overseen a dramatic increase in revenue generation, with the NCS generating a staggering 1.34 trillion Naira between January and March 2024 alone—a remarkable 122% increase compared to the same period last year.
In addition to revenue growth, he has made significant strides in combating illegal trade, resulting in notable seizures of contraband goods. Amongst so many, in July, the agency impounded container of over 800 units of rifles, 112,500 live ammunition and other at Onne Port in riverine Rivers state. The Tin Can Island command also seized three containers loaded with 684 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025kg valued at N682m just in October amongst many others.
Under CGC Adeniyi, NCS took another bold step with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with China and another pact underway with Turkey and India to curb the illicit flow of arms, drugs and fake goods into the country.
The move, another one as part of the agency’s strategy to intensify a probe on the importation of large consignments of arms through the ports.
Another of his other notable achievements is the successful facilitation of Nigeria’s first shipment to Kenya under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA). This milestone, achieved with Lucky Fibres, a subsidiary of the Tolaram Group, underscores Adeniyi’s commitment to expanding trade opportunities for Nigeria.
He has also stepped up collaborations with other agencies like The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others.
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, Adeniyi has also championed gender diversity within the Customs Service. In partnership with the World Customs Organisation, he organized a workshop aimed at promoting equal opportunities for growth and success among officers, reinforcing the idea that a diverse workforce is essential for an innovative and effective customs environment.
CGC Adeniyi’s leadership has been characterized by significant innovations, particularly in the implementation of the Nigeria Pilot Time Release Study at Tincan Island Port.
This initiative has established the port as a benchmark for efficiency in cargo processing, aiming to enhance transparency and reduce delays in cargo clearance. The successful execution of this project is a testament to the NCS’s commitment to facilitating smoother trade operations.
In addition, in October, he just announced the launch of a new Information and Communication Technology, ICT, system aimed at improving its operations called “B’Odogwu,” the new Unified Customs Management System, marking another major milestone in modernizing Nigerian customs operations and aligning with international standards.
The initiative in partnership with the Trade Modernization Project Limited, is a homegrown ICT system aimed at boosting export globally. The CGC highlighted that the system deployment is a key part of the service’s reform efforts designed to enhance efficiency.
Under the stewardship of Comptroller Dera Nnadi, the Tincan Island Port has emerged as a key contributor to Adeniyi’s vision on many fronts. The command has undoubtedly become the poster boy for excellence and impact within the service, recording many feats under CGC Adeniyi.
The command has successfully released Nigeria’s first Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) cargo, a landmark achievement that reflects the port’s dedication to fostering a secure and efficient supply chain environment. The introduction of the AEO programme is a clear indication of the NCS’s commitment to upholding international standards in trade facilitation.
In line with these innovations, Nnadi has spearheaded various initiatives aimed at optimizing operational effectiveness at Tincan Island Port. Key among these efforts is the redesign, remodelling, and renovation of the command’s infrastructure. This strategic initiative has involved ensuring compliance and cohesion through prompt approvals from the Comptroller General of Customs, allowing for modifications that align with the NCS’s overarching goals.
A team of volunteer officers has been established to leverage internal expertise for managing and executing infrastructure projects. This initiative not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters a culture of ownership among officers. The decision to utilize direct labor for renovations further emphasizes cost-effectiveness while ensuring that projects meet the high standards expected by the NCS and the trading community.
Through these concerted efforts, Tincan Island Port has positioned itself as a leader within the Nigeria Customs Service, embodying the principles of innovation, collaboration, and consolidation. This proactive approach not only enhances the functionality of the port but also significantly contributes to the overall efficiency and competitiveness of Nigeria’s trade landscape.
As the Nigeria Customs Service continues to evolve under Adeniyi’s leadership and Tin Can Island flying the flag creditably well, the future looks promising for enhanced trade facilitation and economic growth, setting a precedent for other sectors within the nation.
