By Godwin Oritse

The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a significant revenue upswing following the assumption of office by Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun as Acting Customs Area Controller late last year.

Since taking charge, Adigun has introduced stricter operational discipline, enhanced enforcement, and stronger trade compliance measures, resulting in what officers describe as all-time high revenue collections for the command.

Adigun, who previously served as Deputy Comptroller of Revenue at Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne, is credited with plugging leakages and improving duty assessment processes. At KLT, his approach has focused on tightening controls while facilitating legitimate trade.

“The command is recording higher revenue because processes are now more disciplined and compliance-driven,” a senior officer said. “Loopholes are being closed and officers are more accountable.”

Beyond revenue, Adigun has strengthened enforcement operations through intelligence-led strategies aimed at curbing smuggling and illicit trade. He has repeatedly told officers that revenue growth must go hand in hand with compliance.

“We cannot allow revenue gains to be eroded by non-compliance,” Adigun said during a recent briefing, stressing the need to balance enforcement with trade facilitation.

Stakeholders say the changes are already visible. A freight forwarder at the terminal noted that while enforcement has become tighter, clearance procedures are smoother. “There is more structure now. The balance between control and facilitation is improving,” he said.

Adigun has also prioritised engagement with operators, port users and sister agencies to improve efficiency at the command. According to him, Customs operations must be based on partnership as well as regulation.

“Customs is not just about enforcement; it is about collaboration with port operators, freight forwarders and other agencies to build a system that works,” he said.

However, structural challenges remain. KLT currently relies heavily on cargo diversions from Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, limiting its capacity growth. Clearing agents have urged the Customs leadership to attract direct vessel calls to Kirikiri.

“We cannot continue to depend on goodwill diversions,” a stakeholder said. “If vessels stem directly to KLT, it will reduce pressure on Apapa and Tin Can and give importers more options.”

Adigun has acknowledged the concern and is pushing for measures to increase direct vessel traffic to the command. He is also reviewing infrastructure needs as rising cargo volumes are stretching existing facilities.

“Sufficient space, better equipment and smarter processes are required to match revenue growth with operational excellence,” he told stakeholders, adding that the Comptroller-General of Customs’ administration is exploring expansion and modernisation options.

Officers at the command say morale has improved, driven by clearer targets and accountability. “Revenue has gone up, enforcement is stronger and everyone is more alert,” a junior officer said.

Stakeholders also see Adigun’s appointment as a strategic fit. A freight forwarder described him as “a round peg in a round hole,” adding that the reforms are giving KLT a stronger operational identity.

Adigun’s strategy aligns with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ broader modernisation agenda focused on efficiency, transparency and revenue optimisation.