My dear Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs,
I hope this letter meets you in in sound and perfect condition of health . On behalf of the Maritime Media Group, i send you my warm felicitations on your election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization, WCO. This global recognition couldn’t have come at a better time given your unprecedented commitment and support towards the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In just two years , you have demonstrated uncommon leadership traits that has endeard you not only to Nigerians , but to the global community. This election is nothing but an endorsement of your sterling performance which remains unprecedented in the history of the Nigeria Customs Service. Your game changing reforms and transformational signpost are there for even the blind to see.Sir, your landmark achievements include, but not limited to the introduction of the advanced ruling and authorised economic operation, dedication of special terminals for export goods: launch of B_Odogwu, an indigenous Customs automation platform and the rise in trade value to N196.94trillion in 2024 from the previous 2023 figure of N70trillion. Not to talk about the launch of “Customs Cares”,a corporate social responsibility initiative with six pillars to cater to the needs of its immediate community.
This is aside the unprecedented increase in revenue generation ,coupled with your onslaught on anti smuggling. Just as the accolades from your emergence as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization was getting to its peak. came the cheering news from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, announcing the extension of your tenure by 365 days. These are clearly a demonstration of how Mr President’s appreciatie your stewardship at Custom House. But sadly, my dear brother and friend , there some red flags emerging from Customs House which, in my opinion, may rob you of your aspiration to end strong by August 2026, when you are expected to bow out of Service. My dear CGC, we quite appreciate your commitment towards achieving the revenue target set for you by the Federal Government. But this,in my opinion, should not and cannot be sacrificed on the alter of trade facilitation which is the primary responsibility of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Your recent decision to raise sundry fees and levies including Customs Licence, in my opinion ,failed to take cognisance of the pains port users are passing through on account of multiple taxes and levies, which has made Nigerian Ports as the most expensive to do business. Don’t forget that only recently, the Service announced the collection of 4% FOB in addition to an existing 7per cent port levy. In the opinion of stakeholders, especially Customs brokers and Freight Forwarders, this is nothing but an over kill in an economy which most Nigerians have likened to be “intensive care unit”. My dear brother and friend, from the widespread reaction that greeted these hikes, it is almost certain that enough consultations may not have been carried out. My other worry is that with the new tax bill signed into law by Mr President, which include the National Single Window Project billed to come into force in the first quarter of 2026, do you not envisage a potential clash of interest between what you have proposed and the bill signed into law by Mr President? Finally, my beloved CGC, I want you to take a second look at this policy and seek a common ground with the relevant stakeholders in the interest of the maritime industry. Accept my best wishes. From your friends and brother, Elder Asu Beks