BY AHMED AKANBI
The Senate Committee on Customs and Excise has pledged stronger legislative support for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), following an assessment of its ongoing reforms under Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi.
The pledge was made weekend, at the end of a two-day retreat organised by the NCS for members of the Committee in Abuja to strengthen oversight and review the Nigeria Customs Service Act.
As part of the retreat, the lawmakers toured the Customs House in Maitama, where they were briefed on the Service’s modernisation programmes, technology-driven operations and institutional reforms.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Isah Jibrin (APC Kogi East), said the visit gave the Senate firsthand evidence that resources appropriated to the NCS are being invested responsibly.
“We have heard about these reforms from afar, but today we have seen them ourselves. The transformation taking place in the NCS is remarkable,” Jibrin said.
He noted that the deployment of technology, modern infrastructure and operational innovations were repositioning the Service for greater efficiency in trade facilitation and revenue generation.
“When the NCS comes before the National Assembly seeking approval for capital expenditure, we now have a clearer understanding of what those resources are being used for.
“The reforms we have seen today clearly demonstrate that government funds are being invested to strengthen Customs operations, improve trade facilitation and enhance national revenue,” the chairman said.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the progress was driven by the deliberate deployment of technology across personnel administration and core operational areas.
“Technology helps us to work faster and more efficiently. We started with personnel, postings and pensions before extending digital solutions to our core operations, and we will continue until every aspect is technology-driven,” Adeniyi said.
He explained that the Service is also using geospatial intelligence to map patrol routes and position checkpoints, alongside virtual shooting simulators to strengthen enforcement.
Adeniyi added that initiatives such as the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, Advance Ruling, Time Release Study and scanner deployment are all backed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act and the Federal Government’s economic reform agenda.
With the Committee’s endorsement, the NCS is expected to enjoy increased legislative backing as it pushes ahead with its transition to a technology-driven, efficient and trade-friendly Customs administration.