The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has praised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend the tenure of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, recognising his reforms in trade efficiency, transparency, and technological advancement in customs administration.
The Director of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, in a congratulatory message sent to The Guardian yesterday, said the extension is a well-deserved mark of appreciation for the CGC’s numerous achievements, particularly in technological innovation, such as the Customs modernisation project, revenue performance, tackling smuggling and international trade leadership.
“The tenure extension is a welcome development. It is a recognition of Adeniyi’s transformational leadership, especially in driving the Customs Modernisation Project, a fully technology-based initiative that has significantly enhanced the efficiency of customs operations,” Yusuf said.
He highlighted several initiatives introduced under Adeniyi’s leadership, including the Advanced Ruling System, Authorised Economic Operators scheme, and the Time Release Study, all of which enhance trade facilitation and predictability in cargo clearance processes.
Yusuf stated that one of the major innovations credited to the Adeniyi administration is the development and deployment of B’Odogwu, an indigenous customs software currently used at major ports.
Yusuf observed that this local solution demonstrates a commitment to domestic content development and technological self-sufficiency.
Recognising the importance of technology, Yusuf mentioned that Adeniyi also elevated the ICT Unit of the service to a full department, responsible for overseeing major reforms, including the highly anticipated National Single Window for trade.
“These reforms are not only making customs operations smarter and faster, but they are also yielding tangible results in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and border surveillance, including efforts to intercept illegal arms,” Yusuf stated.
The CPPE boss also drew attention to the significance of Adeniyi’s recent election as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), describing it as a historic moment for Nigeria.
He said the election is a global endorsement of his competence and leadership qualities, placing Nigeria at the forefront of customs and trade discussions internationally.
Yusuf added that the timing of the extension provides institutional stability and enhances Nigeria’s international credibility.
The CPPE boss called on stakeholders across the public and private sectors to support the Customs boss in his continued efforts to modernise trade procedures and strengthen the nation’s position as a competitive trade hub in West and Central Africa.
