The Chief Executive Officer of Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, has explained why President Bola Tinubu extended the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Yusuf said the Customs Modernisation Project, which is entirely a technology-driven transformation, the introduction of the Advanced Ruling System, Authorised Economic Operators, Time Release Study, and the adoption of indigenous software for customs processes (B’Odogwu), which is currently being adopted in some major ports are responsible for the CGC’s tenure extension.

Yusuf, who described the extension of the tenure as a welcome development, said the extension was well deserved, taking into account the numerous transformational initiatives under Adeniyi’s leadership.

According to him, the technological transformation of the Customs processes and procedures has gained remarkable momentum.

“President Tinubu’s decision to extend the tenure of the current CGC of Customs, Bashir Wale Adeniyi, is a welcome development. The CPPE congratulates the CGC for this mark of appreciation of his service to the country.

“The extension is well deserved taking into account the numerous transformational initiatives under his leadership. The technological transformation of customs processes and procedures has gained remarkable momentum.

“This is driven under the flagship Customs Modernisation Project, which is entirely a technology-driven transformation. There are also other trade facilitation measures introduced by the CGC, which include the Advanced Ruling System, Authorised Economic Operators, Time Release Study, and the adoption of indigenous software for customs processes (B’Odogwu], which is currently being adopted in some major ports. In appreciation of the role of Technology in customs processes and administration, the CGC elevated the ICT Unit into a full-fledged Department, headed by a Deputy Comptroller General of Customs to drive these laudable initiatives as well as the Single Window Project.”

The former director general of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) said that tackling smuggling at the nation’s seaports and land borders, and revenue generation, has made the extension worthwhile.

“All of these are in addition to the notable successes of the NCS in meeting revenue targets, tackling smuggling and complementing the efforts of security agencies in strengthening surveillance at the ports and borders to curb smuggling of arms and ammunition into the country.”