The Revenue Monitoring Group of Nigeria (RMGN) has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for what it described as a strategic transformation in trade facilitation, border security and technology adoption under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

The civil society organisation, in a statement by its President, Dr Ifeanyi Duruaku, and Secretary-General, Comrade Tor Lumun, said the reforms had repositioned the Customs Service beyond its traditional revenue collection role to become a key driver of national development.

According to the group, the NCS has abandoned longstanding manual processes for digital and intelligence-led operations, resulting in improved efficiency and operational capacity.

“The CGC has redefined NCS processes through automation, transparency, and trust with compliant traders. This has fired up operational capacity and unleashed efficiency across the Service,” RMGN said.

The group specifically highlighted the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) and the B’Odogwu platform, saying the initiatives had reduced human interference, curtailed revenue leakages and accelerated cargo clearance.

RMGN also commended the Customs Service for strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in the fight against smuggling, illicit financial flows and wildlife trafficking.

On the international recognition of the Customs leadership, the group congratulated Adeniyi on his unanimous re-election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council during its 147th and 148th sessions in Brussels on July 3, 2026.

RMGN noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had also commended Adeniyi’s re-election, describing it as a recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in global Customs administration.

Quoting the President, the group said: “Adeniyi’s unanimous re-election is not only a personal honour, but also a recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in global Customs administration.

“His leadership has been marked by bold initiatives that have improved revenue generation, strengthened border security, facilitated legitimate trade, and modernised Customs operations through homegrown innovations.”

RMGN described the presidential endorsement as “a glowing testament” to the achievements recorded under Adeniyi’s leadership.

Reviewing the Customs reforms over the past three years, the organisation said they had produced “visible dividends”, citing 2025 trade figures of ₦194.94 trillion.

It said exports increased by 219.5 per cent to ₦136.65 trillion during the period, attributing the growth to reforms and improved operational efficiency rather than increases in duties.

“In what amounts to a referendum on the current leadership, it is clear that under Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Nigeria Customs Service has been significantly transformed,” the group said.

“We now have a Service that is delivering on revenue, smarter trade facilitation, more effective anti-smuggling operations, and result-driven environmental protection.”

RMGN said the reforms demonstrated the potential of technology-driven Customs administration to support economic growth, strengthen national security and improve Nigeria’s position in international trade.