…Recommits to service excellence, national security

Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

The Nigeria Customs Service Trade Modernisation Project will enhance ease of doing business, boost trade facilitation, revenue generation and raise the bar of national security.

The Comptroller-General (CG) of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi said this at the workshop for Journalists on the Nigeria Customs Service Trade Modernisation Project, today, in Abuja.

In an address delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) in charge of Investigation, Enforcement and Inspection, Mr. Timi Bomadi, the CG said the project would also enhance transparency, professionalism and service excellence.

According to Mr. Adeniyi, “In today’s rapidly evolving global trade environment, customs administrations must continuously adapt to emerging realities driven by technology, data, and the increasing demand for efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, remains firmly committed to aligning with these global standards while delivering on our core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security.

“The Trade Modernisation Project stands at the centre of this transformation. It represents a comprehensive and technology-driven initiative designed to overhaul our processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and create a more seamless and predictable trading environment.”

He said through the deployment of modern digital platforms, automation of procedures, and integration of systems, the organisation was laying the foundation for a customs administration that would not only be efficient but also globally competitive.

Stressing the role of the media in the projects success, the cG said while infrastructure and technology were critical, they were not sufficient on their own.

“The success of any reform of this magnitude depends significantly on stakeholder understanding, acceptance, and participation. This is why the role of the media is indispensable.

As key partners in national development, the media serve as the bridge between institutions and the public. You shape narratives, influence perception, and provide the platform through which policies and reforms are interpreted and understood. It is therefore essential that you are well-informed, properly equipped, and actively engaged, he said.

Mr. Adeniyi said the workshop was carefully structured to provide journalists with in-depth knowledge of the Trade Modernisation Project—its objectives, operational framework, expected outcomes, and its broader impact on trade facilitation and economic growth.

He said, “We expect that the insights gained here will enhance the quality of reportage, promote factual accuracy, and foster constructive public discourse around customs reforms.”

The CG thanked Trade Modernisation Project Limited for their unwavering support, technical expertise, and commitment to the successful implementation of this project.

“Your partnership continues to play a critical role in driving innovation and delivering sustainable solutions within our operations,” he said.

The NCS boss recommitted to a holistic modernisation of the organisation to enhance transparency and efficient service delivery.

According to Mr. Adeniyi, “As we advance on this path of modernisation, the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and service excellence.

“We will continue to strengthen our engagement with stakeholders and ensure that our reforms translate into tangible benefits for the Nigerian economy and the trading community.

“Let me assure you that this administration will sustain its efforts towards building a Customs Service that is efficient, transparent, technology-driven, and responsive to the needs of the nation.

Welcoming the participants, the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) of the NCS, Mr. Abdullahi Maiwada (DC), said the workshop was part of the NCS’s commitment to transparency and effective communication which continued to shape the direction of the Service.

His words, “This workshop is carefully designed to enhance media knowledge, deepen understanding, and strengthen awareness of the Nigeria Customs Service Trade Modernisation Project.

“As the Service continues to evolve in response to the dynamics of global trade, technological advancement, and national economic priorities, it has become imperative to carry critical stakeholders, particularly the media, along in this journey of transformation.”

Mr. Maiwada said the Trade Modernisation Project represented a significant milestone in NCS’s efforts to deploy technology-driven solutions that will simplify processes, improve efficiency, facilitate trade, and enhance revenue collection.

He noted, however, that beyond the systems and infrastructure, the success of the initiative depended largely on effective communication, accurate information dissemination, and sustained public engagement.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with the Trade Modernisation Project Limited.