By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deepened the Senate’s understanding of its ongoing digital transformation and operational reforms, calling for a review of the Service’s legal framework to align Nigeria’s trade laws with evolving global practices.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, made the call on August 5, 2026, while speaking at a capacity-building retreat organised for the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs.
Adeniyi said effective legislative oversight required lawmakers to have a comprehensive understanding of modern customs operations.
He explained that the retreat was designed to bridge information gaps and enable members of the Senate committee to assess the Service’s transformation from an informed perspective while providing the statutory backing required to sustain its modernisation agenda.
According to him, some provisions of the existing legal framework have become difficult to implement or have been overtaken by changes in the international trading environment.
“While some provisions had worked as intended, others had proved difficult to apply or had been overtaken by the rapidly changing trade environment,” Adeniyi said.
He called for substantial amendments to ensure that the relevant legislation remains responsive to changing trade policies and supports the NCS modernisation programme.
The CGC also stressed the need for legislative protection to ensure the sustainability of the Service’s reforms beyond individual administrations.
He noted that while the NCS enjoys strong support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NCS Board under the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, long-term stability requires statutory reinforcement.
Adeniyi said such legislative backing would help institutionalise reforms and ensure continuity in customs administration.
Highlighting the scope of the modernisation programme, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, Tijani Abbey, outlined several initiatives being implemented by the Service.
They include the indigenous B’Odogwu Trade Management System, intelligence-driven post-clearance audits, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, coordinated border management and end-to-end digital process integration.
Abbey said the initiatives were aimed at improving revenue collection, facilitating legitimate trade and strengthening national security.
Responding, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs, Senator Isah Jibrin, commended the NCS for exceeding its revenue targets despite operational challenges.
Jibrin assured the Service of the National Assembly’s readiness to provide the necessary legislative support to sustain its reform momentum.
He urged the NCS to identify its challenges and address them while seeking legislative intervention where necessary.
The senator also congratulated Adeniyi on his re-election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.
He described the achievement as a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in global trade and customs administration.
Customs Equips Senate Committee with Modernisation Agenda for Enhanced Oversight
