• Hail reforms, revenue surge
• Absolve CG of corruption allegations
By Dauda Ismail, Abuja
A coalition of 37 Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, yesterday delivered a resounding endorsement of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, citing sweeping reforms, improved transparency, and record-breaking revenue performance under his leadership.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the coalition, coordinated by Ambassador Splendour Agbonkpolor of the Budget Implementation Assessment Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, CBIAMEC, said its position followed a comprehensive evaluation of the Service’s operations, which it described as “exceptionally efficient” and pivotal to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The CSOs noted that the NCS has undergone a remarkable transformation since Adeniyi assumed office, evolving into a modern, technology-driven institution anchored on transparency, collaboration, and innovation.
Central to the coalition’s commendation is the Service’s revenue performance, which has surpassed the ₦6 trillion mark. The group attributed this to strengthened compliance systems, the digitisation of processes, and a reinvigorated anti-smuggling framework that has curtailed leakages and improved fiscal accountability.
“The Nigeria Customs Service has distinguished itself as one of the most efficient government institutions in recent times”, the coalition stated, adding that its findings revealed “extraordinary strides in institutional strengthening and operational effectiveness”.
The group further applauded the sustained crackdown on illicit trade, pointing to high-profile seizures and the dismantling of entrenched smuggling networks across Nigeria’s borders, thereby reinforcing national security and protecting the economy.
It also highlighted the Service’s ongoing modernisation drive, including the deployment of advanced digital platforms such as the B’Odogwu system, automation of procedures, and continuous capacity building for personnel, all of which have enhanced service delivery and aligned the NCS with global best practices.
Equally noteworthy, according to the coalition, is the Comptroller-General’s emphasis on stakeholder engagement, which has fostered productive partnerships with the private sector, international organisations, and government agencies, thereby easing trade processes and reducing bottlenecks.
The CSOs also credited Adeniyi’s leadership with restoring discipline, professionalism, and ethical standards within the Service, leading to renewed public confidence.
On recent allegations linking the Comptroller-General to alleged misconduct involving a former Controller of the Seme Area Command, the coalition dismissed the claims as baseless and malicious, stating that there was no credible evidence to support them.
Reaffirming their vote of confidence, the organisations urged the Customs boss to sustain the reform momentum and pledged continued support for the ongoing transformation of the Service.
Signatories to the endorsement, alongside Ambassador Agbonkpolor, include: Amadi Chinda of Initiative for Community Development; Ejiroghene Akporume Ovie of Poverty Alleviation for the Poor Initiative; Chiamaka Chukwuebuka A. of Women Centre for Self-Empowerment and Development; Balarabe Muhammadu of Leadership Centre for Peace, Intercity and Transformation Initiative; Idongesit Edidiong Etop of Youth Enhancement Development Organisation; Josiah Josephine Nanbam of Initiative for Advocacy Growth and Economic Advancement; Funmilayo Eunice Obadare of Global Youths Awareness Development; Nosakhare E. Ehisogie of Positive Action for Agricultural Produce Initiative; Tamarapreye Ebiowei Godwin of Advocacy Centre for Professional Ethics Values; Adajinege Orahachi of Anticorruption Network forq1 Peace Initiative; Chubado Barkindo Demba of Centre for Agri-Business Support in Nigeria; and Abatcha Babakura H. of Citizen Centre for Positive Change Initiative.
Others are, Adda Manga Peters of Initiative for Transformation of the Underprivileged in Nigeria; Kola Adetula of Environmental Preservation and Sustainable Agriculture Development; Patrick Ogheneyero of Centre for Peace, Transparency and Accountability; Christopher Ofomhi of Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative; Nelson Ossaieze of African Leadership Strategy and Transparency Development Initiative; Mohammed Basah of Pan-African Society for Social and Economic Change; Williams Bassey A. of Network of Advocacy for Positive Impact Initiative; Jubril Isiaku of Northern Initiative of Transparency and Social Justice; Stephen Eriba J. of Independent Public Service Accountability; Valentine Opaoluwa of Community Peace Building and Environmental Sustainability Initiative; Maryam Stephen Gambo of Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria; Kemi Aisha of Public Accountability Network Initiative; Caleb Ure of Youth Initiative for Accountability and Integrity; Clement Ochugudu of Njarani Initiative for Youth Development; Shuaibu Abdulkadir of Nigeria Youth Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative; Lawrence Adeniyi of Vision One Leadership Development Initiative; and Daniel Chukwuka of Ambassador of Sustainable Development Goals and Eco-System Development Initiative.
Also in the coalition are, Jecinta Oluchi of Sustainable Leadership and Empowerment Initiative; Balogun Myork of Network for Accountability, Integrity and Transparency; Dele Alabi of The Committed Advocates for Positive Change and Impact Initiative; Ejiroghene Okiemute of Afro Centre for Development of Peace and Justice; Ogheneyerhovwo Sunday Praise of Poverty Alleviation for the Poor Initiative; Umaru Mohammed Musa of African Centre for Gender Values and Culture; and Edet Asuquo James of Neighbourhood Care-Well Network Initiative.
The coalition reiterated its call for sustained institutional strengthening and policy consistency to consolidate the gains recorded by the Nigeria Customs Service.
