The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called for legislative reforms to strengthen its ongoing modernisation programme and ensure Nigeria’s customs laws remain responsive to changes in global trade.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made the call during a capacity-building retreat organised for members of the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs on August 5, 2026.
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Adeniyi said effective legislative oversight requires lawmakers to have a clear understanding of current customs operations, noting that the retreat was organised to provide senators with greater insight into the Service’s digital transformation and operational reforms.
He explained that the engagement would enable the committee to assess the progress and challenges of the modernisation programme and provide the legal support required to sustain the reforms.
The Customs boss said some provisions of the existing legal framework had become difficult to implement or no longer adequately reflected the realities of modern international trade.
“While some provisions had worked as intended, others had proved difficult to apply or had been overtaken by the rapidly changing trade environment. We are requesting considerable amendments to ensure the Act remains relevant to fast-moving trade policies and supports the Service’s modernisation agenda,” Adeniyi said.
He acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NCS Board, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, but stressed that lasting reforms require legislative safeguards that would survive changes in government.
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Providing an overview of the modernisation programme, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, Tijani Abbey, highlighted several initiatives being implemented by the Service.
These include the indigenous B’Odogwu Trade Management System, intelligence-led post-clearance audits, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, coordinated border management and the integration of customs processes through digital platforms.
Abbey said the reforms were aimed at improving revenue collection, facilitating legitimate trade and enhancing national security.
In his response, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs, Senator Isah Jibrin, commended the NCS for exceeding its revenue targets despite the challenges confronting its operations.
Jibrin assured the Service of the National Assembly’s willingness to provide the legislative support required to consolidate the reforms and improve its performance.
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“What you need to do is to identify your challenges, try to address them as much as possible, so as to have a much more robust, inclusive, and beyond-budget performance. Where you require legislative backing, please do not hesitate to call on us,” he said.
The senator also congratulated Adeniyi on his re-election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council, describing the development as an indication of Nigeria’s growing role and influence in international customs administration and global trade.
