Championing Reform, Revenue & Global Competitiveness

…The Dynamic Leadership of Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR

Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
In an era marked by economic transformation and heightened global trade competitiveness, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has emerged as a visionary leader at the helm of the Nigeria Customs Service driving strategic reforms that have repositioned the Service as a vital engine of national development, revenue growth, and border security.

Since assuming office, Adeniyi’s leadership has been characterized by bold institutional renewal, technological adoption, and stakeholder engagement, building a Customs administration that is modern, transparent, and responsive to global trade demands.

Record-Breaking Revenue Achievements

Under Adeniyi’s stewardship, the Nigeria Customs Service has achieved unprecedented revenue performance, significantly surpassing targets and historic records.

In 2024, the Service collected a record N6.1 trillion in revenue, exceeding its target by over 20 % and marking a staggering 90 % increase compared to the previous year. The performance was celebrated as historic in the annals of Nigeria’s revenue agencies.

The growth trajectory continued into 2025, with the Service posting exceptional quarterly revenue figures, driven by a combination of enforcement, operational efficiency, and systemic reforms.

Transformation Through Modernisation & Technology

Adeniyi has championed digitisation as the cornerstone of Customs reform  shifting operations from manual processes to automated, data-driven systems.

A key part of this transformation is the ongoing deployment of the E-Customs Modernisation Project, an ambitious initiative to fully digitise cargo processing, surveillance, and payments across ports and borders.


The Nigeria Customs Service has also introduced Advance Ruling Systems that give binding pre-arrival decisions on tariff classification and valuation, dramatically reducing disputes and clearance delays for businesses.


Additionally, cutting-edge technologies such as electric tracking systems and real-time cargo monitoring are being scaled to counter container diversion, smuggling, and other forms of economic sabotage.


Trade Facilitation & Economic Inclusion

Adeniyi’s leadership has prioritised trade facilitation to support legitimate commerce and economic diversification:
The launch and expansion of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, which has boosted compliant-operator contributions to revenue by nearly 30 % and improved trade predictability.

Improvements in cargo clearance times at major ports, reducing bureaucratic friction for importers and exporters.

Collaboration with export bodies to streamline outbound trade, especially for non-oil commodities.


Together, these initiatives are strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in international markets while supporting small and medium-scale traders.

Enforcement, Border Security & National Protection

Beyond revenue, Adeniyi has reinforced the Service’s role in safeguarding national security by curbing smuggling and illicit trade:

Significant seizures of vehicles, petroleum products, arms, and prohibited goods in 2024 testify to a robust enforcement strategy aligned with national security priorities.

Combined operations with security and regulatory agencies have elevated Nigeria’s border control capacity, reinforcing the integrity of legal trade channels.

Recognition & Global Influence
Adeniyi’s impact extends beyond Nigeria’s borders.

In a landmark achievement for Nigeria, he was elected Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, a role that underscores his peer recognition and positions Nigeria at the core of global customs governance.

International associations, trade groups, and industry stakeholders have all lauded his leadership, affirming his contributions to advancing customs practices and global cooperation.

Nationally, Adeniyi’s commitment to excellence was formally recognised when he received the Outstanding Revenue Collection Award at the 2025 Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), highlighting his discipline, transparency, and professionalism.


Institutional Strength & Collaborative Governance

Adeniyi’s tenure has been marked by strong partnerships with government, private sector actors, and international bodies  fostering an environment where policy alignment and operational collaboration yield results.

His leadership earned praise from civil service counterparts and private enterprise groups for driving efficiency, transparency, and stakeholder confidence in Customs operations.


A Vision for Continued Progress

As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of global trade, economic diversification, and border security, the leadership of Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR stands as a testament to what strategic vision and execution can achieve.

From modernising Customs infrastructure and boosting revenue to reinforcing border protections and enhancing trade facilitation, his tenure reflects sustained impact on national development laying groundwork for future growth and international competitiveness.

Under his guidance, the Nigeria Customs Service is not just a revenue authority but a transformative institution shaping Nigeria’s economic destiny.