By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved sweeping appointments and promotions within the Service, alongside a review of its operational performance, revenue mobilisation, and ongoing reforms, in what has been described as a landmark session for the institution.
At its 63rd regular meeting held on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, and chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the Board approved the appointment of four Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCGs) and twelve Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs). According to a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, the appointments followed vacancies created by the recent retirement of some management members and were guided by the principles of equitable representation across the six geopolitical zones as well as the Federal Character Policy enshrined in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The newly appointed DCGs are AB Mohammed (North-West), GO Omale (North-Central), OC Orbih (South-South), and D Nnadi (South-East). The new ACGs include MP Binga (North-East), CA Awo (South-East), AB Shuaibu (North-Central), AT Abe (North-West), K Mohammed (North-West), B Mohammed (North-West), TM Daniyan (North-Central), B Oramalugo (South-East), OP Olaniyan (South-West), B Olomu (South-West), IK Oladeji (South-West), and CC Dim (South-East).
In the same session, the Board also approved the promotion of 3,312 senior officers across various ranks from Comptroller of Customs (CC) to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II). In addition, the NCS Management, at its 6th Management Meeting on Friday, 29 August 2025, ratified the promotion of 202 junior officers from Assistant Inspector (AIC) to Customs Assistant I (CAI). These promotions, according to the Service, reflect its commitment to merit-driven career progression and recognition of exceptional performance.
Beyond personnel matters, the Board considered key operational updates, particularly Nigeria’s involvement in the National Single Window (NSW) project. The Service has continued to deploy its World Customs Organisation (WCO)-accredited officers, draft business process requirements, participate in vendor selection, and provide ICT and risk management expertise. With integration support from Trade Modernisation Project Limited, the NCS is driving the initiative toward early completion, in line with the presidential directive on trade facilitation, efficiency, and global competitiveness.
On revenue performance, the Board reviewed figures for the first half of 2025, during which the NCS collected a total of ₦3,682,496,530,576.48. This exceeded the projected revenue by ₦390,197,847,119.32—an equivalent of 11.85 percent. The outcome means the Service has already achieved 55.93 percent of its annual target within six months. The Board attributed this performance to ongoing reforms, improved stakeholder compliance, and enhanced deployment of technology across Customs operations.
Further updates on the Service’s flagship Trade Modernisation Project revealed significant achievements, including the wider deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), codenamed B’Odogwu; arrival of six scanners, including an FS6000 model, to boost non-intrusive inspection; procurement of Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) equipment; establishment of a Centralised Image Analysis System (CIAS) at Customs Headquarters; reinforcement of cybersecurity architecture; operationalisation of a multi-channel helpdesk; onboarding of additional stakeholders; and capacity-building programmes targeted at improving professionalism across the Service. The Board noted that these initiatives are aligning Nigeria’s clearance processes with international standards.
On disciplinary issues, the Board considered several cases, approving the demotion of two officers to the next lower rank for various levels of misconduct, while also reinstating two others after reviewing their situations. These decisions, it said, underscore the Service’s unwavering commitment to accountability, fairness, and adherence to its core values.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, congratulated all newly appointed and promoted officers, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating renewed dedication to service. He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, transparency, and excellence in service delivery, while also appreciating the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy for his continuous support and guidance.
