The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has moved to deepen the Senate’s understanding of its ongoing digital transformation and operational reforms, urging lawmakers to review its legal framework to align Nigeria’s trade laws with rapidly evolving global practices.
Speaking at a capacity-building retreat organized for the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs on recently, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, stated that meaningful legislative oversights depends on lawmakers having a complete understanding of modern customs operations. He explained that the retreat was designed to bridge information gaps, enabling the Senate committee to evaluate the Service’s transformation from an informed perspective and provide the statutory backing needed to sustain its modernisation drive.
In his word, "While some provisions had worked as intended, others had proved difficult to apply or had been overtaken by the rapidly changing trade environment. We are requesting considerable amendments to ensure the Act remains relevant to fast-moving trade policies and supports the Service's modernisation agenda".
He emphasized that while the Service 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 through legislative protection that transcend beyond any single administration.
Highlighting the scope of modernisation in the Service, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, DCG Tijani Abbey, outlined key ongoing initiatives, which includes the deployment of the indigenous B'Odogwu Trade Management System, intelligence-driven post-clearance audits, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Program, coordinated border management, and end-to-end digital process integration aimed at boosting revenue, facilitating trade, and strengthening national security.
Responding, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs, Senator Isah Jibrin, commended the NCS for surpassing its revenue targets despite operational hurdles. He assured the Service of the National Assembly's readiness to provide the necessary statutory backing to sustain its momentum.
Advising the NCS, Jubrin said, "What you need to do is to identify your challenges, try to address them as much as possible, so as to have a much more robust, inclusive and beyond-budget performance. Where you require legislative backing, please do not hesitate to call on us".
Senator Jibrin also congratulated CGC Adeniyi on his re-election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, describing the achievement as a testament to Nigeria's rising influence in global trade and customs administration.
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