Customs Reforms Driving Sustainable Revenue Growth, CGC Tells Senate Committee

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has attributed the Nigeria Customs Service's impressive revenue performance to ongoing institutional reforms and modernisation rather than economic or currency related factors, urging lawmakers to strengthen legislative support for the agency's transformation agenda.

Speaking at the opening of a two day retreat for the Senate Committee on Customs themed "Legislative Oversight in the Context of Nigeria Customs Service Modernisation and Reforms," Adeniyi said the Service's achievements were the result of deliberate system reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency and accountability.

According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service generated N7.277 trillion in revenue in 2025, exceeding its annual target by 10.24 per cent, while it collected N3.35 trillion between January and May 2026.

The Customs boss, however, cautioned against attributing the revenue growth solely to prevailing economic conditions.

"Revenue growth during periods of currency adjustment can create the impression of success even where little has changed. What matters is whether the growth is driven by stronger systems, and I believe ours is," he said.

Adeniyi noted that the retreat was designed to deepen the understanding of the Senate Committee on the Service's reform agenda beyond routine legislative oversight, stressing that meaningful oversight requires a clear appreciation of the institution's operations and challenges.

He highlighted Nigeria's emergence as Chair of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, describing it as global recognition of the country's successful customs reforms and commitment to international best practices.

The Comptroller General explained that the Service's modernisation programme is focused on replacing discretionary decision making with automated, rules-based processes driven by technology, risk management and data analytics.

According to him, the implementation of the Trade Modernisation Project and deployment of the B'Odogwu customs platform have significantly improved transparency by creating electronic records that make every transaction traceable and every decision auditable.

He also credited the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 with providing the legal framework for critical reforms, including electronic cargo processing, advance rulings, Authorised Economic Operator status and sustainable funding for the Service.

Adeniyi urged members of the Senate Committee to use the retreat to assess the implementation of the Act and identify provisions that may require amendment in response to evolving global trade practices.

The Customs boss further argued that legislative oversight must evolve alongside technological advancement, noting that lawmakers should focus more on evaluating system performance, risk management frameworks, cargo clearance timelines and the effectiveness of trade policies rather than isolated operational decisions.

He identified political backing as another critical factor in sustaining reforms, saying customs modernisation often faces resistance because automation reduces opportunities for human discretion and interference.

While acknowledging the support of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government, Adeniyi called on the Senate to provide enduring legislative protection for the reform programme.

He urged the lawmakers to hold the Service accountable for measurable outcomes, safeguard the integrity of automated systems against undue influence, review the country's trade waiver and concession regime, and maintain regular engagement with the Service beyond statutory oversight sessions.

Adeniyi admitted that the reform process remains a work in progress, noting that some ports are still adjusting to the new systems while officers and stakeholders continue to adapt.

He nevertheless expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms would leave Nigeria with a modern customs administration built on transparent rules, technology and institutional integrity rather than personal discretion.