By Sam Otuonye
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has earned commendation from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, for its groundbreaking revenue performance, strategic technology investments, and ongoing trade facilitation reforms, even as the CGC Adeniyi bagged Times Heroes Award.
Speaking during his inaugural board meeting and facility tour at Customs Headquarters in Abuja recently, the Minister praised the Service’s leadership and officers for their remarkable progress in modernising operations and boosting national revenue.
According to him, Customs has demonstrated unprecedented operational strength in 2026, generating N4.03 trillion in the first half of the year alone, followed by N1.38 trillion across July and August. The agency, he says, remains firmly on track to achieve its ambitious N11 trillion annual target, a milestone driven by aggressive automation, intelligence-led reforms, and improved cargo processing strategies under Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi.
Impressed by the Service’s modern intelligence tools and technological infrastructure, Oyedele said Customs’ track record is the ideal springboard to propel Nigeria into a leading position in regional and global trade.
“Results are precisely what should propel us to do more,” the Minister stated, noting that Customs’ strong foundation equips the Service to pioneer world-class standards in port efficiency, end-to-end transparency, faster cargo clearance timelines, and revenue integrity. “Nigeria must lead through performance, not rhetoric.”
Reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s full backing, Oyedele assured that the Federal Government remains committed to empowering the NCS with cutting-edge technology, modern operational tools, and strong policy support to sustain its trajectory as a premier trade facilitator in Africa.
In a related feat, The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has been presented with the prestigious Times Heroes Award in recognition of his significant contributions to public service and national development.
The honour was conferred on him at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja during the centenary celebration of the Daily Times newspaper. The event gathered prominent figures across government, commerce, and traditional institutions to celebrate key individuals and organisations shaping Nigeria’s growth.
Speaking after receiving the award, Adeniyi described the accolade as an inspiration to serve with greater commitment. He credited the achievement to the collective effort of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and praised compliant citizens for driving higher standards in public service.
“It’s very good when you do something, and you are recognised; this should be an inspiration to us to do much better,” Adeniyi said.
He dedicated the award to the officers and men of the NCS for their dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding and serving the nation.
Adeniyi highlighted that under his leadership, the Service remains focused on boosting revenue generation, enhancing trade facilitation and accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. He added that greater public compliance would further empower the NCS to deliver on its mandate efficiently.
