Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General (CG), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), is a leader-manager who inspires by developing trust, coaching and teaching, and attracting and nurturing talent. With these values, he has been repositioning the NCS by institutionalizing credible leadership and strong managerial acumen to achieve the objective of the federal government.
In a landscape where leadership often falters, CG Adeniyi stands as a beacon of hope, spearheading a transformation within the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) that resonates with trust, innovation, and meritocracy. Since assuming the role of Comptroller General (CG) on June 19, 2023, Adeniyi has redefined the contours of leadership, reshaping the NCS into a dynamic service for progress.
On 5 February 2024, CGC Adeniyi, presented the Service’s 2024 budget to the Nigeria Senate Committee on Customs at the National Assembly. The CG, while defending the 2024 budget of 706.43 billion naira, focused attention on consolidating carried-over projects, increasing staff welfare by improving and motivating officers’ performance, and integrating technologies into Customs processes. Regarding Officers’ welfare, CG Adeniyi mentioned that Officers would be encouraged in various ways to increase efficiency and improve their well-being, adding that this would be done through awards, promotions, and payment of allowances.
Additionally, the Comptroller General pledges to surpass the revenue target of 5.079 trillion naira in 2024. According to him, the revenue target for 2024 is 27.75 percent higher than the target of 2023. Furthermore, the Comptroller-General outlined strategies to achieve the 2024 target, including implementing the National Single Window championed by the Federal Ministry of Finance. He also harps on strategies to agonize and standardize Customs processes, port decongestion, collaboration with other agencies for efficiency and competitiveness, anti-smuggling operations, integrating ICT into operations, investing in capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, among others.
The CG also emphasized supporting local production and taking food security seriously. He stated, “We intend to grant waivers to vehicle owners to pay duties within a specific time to avoid sanctions and to regularize the importation of vehicles through payment of duties.” He added, “The service plans to recruit 1,600 personnel in 2024. The low figure is due to the small vacancies we have available. These vacancies are primarily for junior staff who will carry out Customs operations and guard duties. In subsequent years, more recruitment exercises will be carried out.” CG Bashir, however, noted that the Service had a shortfall by 12.62 percent in its 2023 revenue target, citing concessions in section 99 of the Common External Tariff (CET), import duty exemption certificates, cash crunch, general elections, and other factors affecting revenue generation negatively. He assured of a positive outcome in 2024.
Senator Isa Jibrin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, applauded the CG for the progress and success achieved in his brief tenure in Office, beckoning him to perform better as the house will support him in terms of remuneration and infrastructure to meet up with the 2024 target. The senator is right, indeed, for then CGC has made some achievements since coming into office.
Adeniyi’s ascent to the pinnacle of the NCS was not a result of political patronage or ethnic affiliations but a testament to his unparalleled expertise and commitment. Few can match his dexterity in navigating the Nigeria Customs’s matrix or relationship rapport with its partners and global players. Appointing such a distinguished talent to the CGC level also signalled meritocracy in play. Against this backdrop, the waves of praises witnessed when he was appointed stand astonishingly to the type of person he is.
Thus he is no outsider parachuted into leadership level overnight by political patronage or ethnic connections. His leadership ethos revolves around the principles of trust-building, coaching, talent nurturing, and institutionalizing credible leadership. Under his stewardship, the NCS has undergone a profound metamorphosis, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a vision for a modernized customs service.
At the heart of Adeniyi’s strategy lies a digital creative drive aimed at enhancing customs’ efficiency. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Adeniyi has orchestrated a wave of innovation within the NCS, yielding tangible and verifiable results. Collaborations both locally and internationally have paved the way for transformative projects that not only empower customs personnel but also bolster the nation’s economy.
Through this, he has helped in creating innovative projects that are repositioning the fortunes of Customs personnel, officers and the overall economy at large. He has shown leadership and value creation in different fronts.
Adeniyi’s leadership acumen has earned accolades on multiple fronts. His adept navigation of the complexities within the NCS and his strategic rapport with global stakeholders underscore his unrivaled dexterity. By championing meritocracy and value creation, Adeniyi has set a new standard for leadership excellence, inspiring a wave of praise and admiration. In the area of human resource development, he is doing wonders. Here CG Adeniyi on this.
“In order to achieve our objectives, it is imperative that we bridge the current human resource gap within our ranks. We recognize the importance of capacity building and career advancement for our officers. The administration will work diligently to implement career advancement opportunities approved by the board, ensuring that competence remains.”
According to him, the sole criterion for assigning responsibilities and measuring effectiveness is by merit. Said he: “Our focus is on cultivating a highly skilled workforce that is equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”
This, he has accomplished, in part, through training and graduation of over 50 customs officers. The Ag. CG also inspected the proposed 100 hectares of land for the Federal Operations Unit A, Government Warehouse and Customs Training School, close to the Ogun Agro International Airport Project Site, on Monday, 7th August, 2023.
In asserting the relevance and authority of the Zonal Headquarter, Adewale Adeniyi said the office will be relocated and given a facelift – this is coming after 48 years.
In the area of NCS staff welfare, the CG is also doing much. He acknowledge the harsh and hostile environment in which his officers and men are compelled to function. As a result, he prioritize the welfare and well-being of customs personnel.
“By providing better remunerations, improved accommodation, life insurance, and quality healthcare, we aim to create an environment that supports and motivates our workforce. We understand that a well-motivated team is instrumental in achieving our aims and objectives.”
While speaking on this development, he also highlighted the need for collaboration and partnerships. “We value the relationships we have built with our Partner Government Agencies and the private sector. These collaborations have been vital to our adoption of technology as a tool to enhance revenue generation and streamline processes.”
The partnerships, he said, would be strengthened with more stakeholder engagement, through revitalized platforms.
Equally, last August 2023, under his watch, 50 Officers of Junior (Course 16) graduated from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Abuja. The feat was in the commitment of the staff college’s dogged efforts to refine the work efficiency of the Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service through training and re-training,
He further ensured insurance gaps were bridged and additional accommodation were also provided for officers. Similarly, the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, following his tour to the Kaduna Area Command, paid a sightseeing visit to Customs Primary School, Barnawa, to assess the condition of the facility with the aim of renovating the school. This aligns with his efforts to promote education through Customs’ Social Program to the society.
Speaking to the School’s Assistant Headmaster, Adeshina Fatai, the CGC vowed to address both the short, medium and long-term needs of the school to create a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service, under his leadership, will view the problem at a superficial level and will do the best to raise the spirit of the school to educate the wards of the residents properly.
In the same August CGC, Adeniyi , extended a hand of fellowship to Dorian Home in Akure, Ondo State, an Orphanage home for Charity and Social Development.
According to him, the service has a responsibility to support and assist communities where they operate and carry out their mandates. Dorian Home has the structure, commitment and passion to drive its objectives.
He said the home has a capacity for almost a thousand kids, as there will be a need to feed, clothe and administer the proper medication to them. He assured of the assistance of the Service to the home.
The Customs CG also pledged his support to establish Customs primary and Secondary Schools Nationwide; he pledged after receiving the COWA delegation led by the National President and Wife of the CGC, Mrs. Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi.
Most importantly, CG Adeniyi has engaged in strategic discussions with partners such as the WCO, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan Customs Administration. The discussions aim to garner support for establishing a customs laboratory, a significant milestone in enhancing customs operations and trade facilitation across Nigeria.
The NCS laboratory will provide comprehensive solutions to address challenges such as counterfeit goods, smuggling, and non-compliant imports, thereby bolstering revenue generation and ensuring the protection of public health and safety.
With its advanced analytical capabilities, the laboratory is expected to deliver precise identification, verification, and classification of goods, enabling efficient enforcement measures and informed decision-making while fostering an environment of trust and credibility within Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, marking a transformative step towards achieving seamless customs operations, trade competitiveness, and national economic growth in line with the vision of the President Tinubu-led Administration.
His engagements extended to fruitful discussions with relevant experts and donors, focusing on crucial areas such as conducting a Time Release Study (TRS), implementing the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, leadership, and management development. These discussions underscore his commitment to comprehensive improvements and his inclination to adopt innovative solutions across various customs domains, ultimately enhancing operations.
In the area of port decongestion, he is at full throttle.
Reinvigorated by the collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transport to decongest ports, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Magdalene Ajani, and her team paid a visit to the CGC at Customs Headquarters Abuja on 6 July 2023. At the meeting, CG Adeniyi stressed the need to implement policies that create sufficient space at the ports.
The Permanent Secretary also assured the CGC that the overtime cargo disposal committee is working assiduously to implement policies that will decongest the four major ports in the country. “We are working in different dimensions, but the result will be prodigious, after launching a sensitization exercise to stakeholders and members of the ports community about the process.” She said,
Another of CG Adeniyi’s success strategy is sustaining critical bond with stakeholders.
Being a former PRO of the customs, he has no problems with consensus building. He has started a sustainable stakeholder’s parley, starting with sister security agencies. He has personally been to all the zones across the country leaving behind him, unbreakable bonds sealed with MoUs and partnership agreements.
Such bonds are visible with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police Force, as well as leaders of neighboring countries that share land borders with Nigeria, amongst others.
In July, 2023, he paid official visit to Seme border in Lagos State and Jibia border Katsina State At Seme, Badagry and its environs, he urged local communities to support Law Enforcement Agencies in enhancing border security. His first port of call was the Palace of the Akran of Badagry Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, De Wheno Aholu, Menu-Toyi I.
Shortly after the decision by President Ahmed Tinubu to shut down the Nigerian/Niger borders, the Customs Boss visited the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, to solicit cooperation of border communities. He emphasized that while implementing the closure of the Jibia border, the Service will also devote energy to sensitize members of the communities on the reason behind the decision.
As a leader, Adeniyi through his accomplishments, is instilling on officers of the NCS and Nigerians, hope for success and a belief in the system. And as a forward-looking leader he is pro-actively empowering the workforce and also inspiring them to effortlessly accomplish their assigned duties.
The CGC is in renewed collaboration with Yobe State to ensure the state continues to benefit from the Service. He has also strengthened Customs community relations in Oyo State. The NCS has further aligned with the Borno State government to re-establish Cross-border Trade in the Northeastern part of Nigeria.
In July 2023, during a courtesy visit to Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos state, which controls 70 to 75 percent of NCS’ total revenue collection. There, CGC Adeniyi said he was committed to steadily maintain a sound relationship with the state, where the bulk of its revenue comes from. He pledged partnership with the state government.
His words: “I also need to inform you that there’s an approval for a Badagry port. The whole idea is to build strategic infrastructure for our citizens; Lekki is on the eastern part, Badagry is on the western part so that we can decongest Apapa and Tin-can that have stretched their capacity”, he noted.
Critical Posting and strategic appointments forms a plank of his achievements. To boost service delivery, CGC Adeniyi made some strategic appointments and announced significant redeployment within the Customs department. They included the appointments of Comptrollers Florence Nanu Ogar-Modey and Queen Ogbudu as Acting Assistant Comptroller Generals Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Zonal Coordinator Zone B, respectively.
Also, some of the Comptrollers redeployed to various Customs formations, including Compt. Jaiyeoba Jide from Oyo/Osun Area Command to Apapa Area Command, Compt; Dera Nnadifrom Seme to Tin-Can Island Port; Compt. Timi Bomodi from KLT to Seme; Compt. Ahmed Abe from PCA Zone ‘C’ to Kaduna Area Command; and Compt. Babandede Mohammad from Lilypond Export Command to Lagos Free Trade Zone Command.
In addition to the redeployment, Compt. Dauda Ibrahim Chana from Investigation Headquarters to Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Compt. Martina Tilleygyado from Non-Intrusive Inspection to KLT Area Command, Compt. Oloyode Adekunle from Tin-Can Island Port to Import &/Export Headquarters while Compt. Zanna Chiroma will be leaving Import & Export for PCA Zone ‘C, among many others.
The newly appointed and redeployed officers were charged to double their effort in achieving the service’s core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and trade facilitation.
Under his guidance, the NCS has been achieving significant milestones, marking a paradigm shift in its operational landscape. From streamlining processes to fostering innovation. As the custodian of the NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi epitomizes the transformative power of visionary leadership. Through his unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, he continues to redefine the narrative of the Nigerian Customs Service, ushering in an era of prosperity and progress. In him, Nigeria finds not just a leader, but a catalyst for change, whose legacy will endure for generations to come.
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