…Maritime Stakeholders, Journalists Call for Greater Political Support for Customs
Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has been widely commended for his role in persuading the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) levy on imports. The move has been hailed as a major relief for importers and licensed customs agents.
During the “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024” award ceremony in Lagos on Thursday, maritime industry leaders and journalists praised Adeniyi’s leadership and contributions to trade facilitation and customs reforms.
Prince Olayiwola Shittu, former National President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), lauded the CGC, describing him as a key figure in the industry. He acknowledged Adeniyi’s instrumental role in his own leadership at ANLCA and praised the CGC for his close engagement with customs agents and freight forwarders.
Alhaji Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Customs Consultative Council, also commended Adeniyi for his outstanding qualities, urging customs agents to adapt to the evolving trade landscape. He stressed the need for a positive shift in attitudes within the industry to align with modern customs operations.
Echoing these sentiments, ANLCA Vice President Prince Olusegun Oduntan praised Adeniyi’s grassroots leadership style, noting that his willingness to listen has led to meaningful changes in the sector.
Further highlighting Adeniyi’s character and leadership, the National President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, described him as a patriotic and humble leader. He recounted their shared history in university, where Adeniyi’s leadership qualities were already evident.
Speaking on behalf of maritime journalists, Mr. Oke Ibeke emphasized that Adeniyi’s achievements in revenue collection, anti-smuggling efforts, and trade facilitation set him apart as a transformative leader. He noted that for the first time, journalists from diverse media organizations had come together to recognize a sector leader, underscoring the CGC’s impact.
Ibeke also called on the Federal Government to grant the Nigeria Customs Service greater authority and political backing, stressing that customs operations are crucial to the nation’s economic development. He further noted that President Bola Tinubu’s trust in Adeniyi’s capabilities has been well-placed, as the CGC continues to deliver on his mandate effectively.
In his response, Adeniyi expressed gratitude for the recognition but raised concerns over the proliferation of freight forwarding associations and maritime media , which he said hampers effective engagement with policymakers. He urged industry players to unite under a common platform to strengthen their influence on government policies.
” The story of customs agents is similar to that of maritime journalists in terms of proliferation of associations.
” There are so many discordant tunes coming from the freight forwarders which do not help the policy makers.
“The policy makers want to respect and consult freight forwarders on policies affecting their profession, but the discordant voices make this difficult,” he stated.