Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. He doubles as Chair, World Customs Organisation WCO.

The Nigeria Customs Service has said that the future of Customs Administrations across the globe lies in the adoption of technological advancement and institutional reforms to be able fit into the emerging era.

 Comptroller-General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who gave the charge, noted that it was high time officers, especially those of the rank of Deputy Comptrollers embraced innovation, strengthen their leadership capabilities, and prepare to steer the Service through an era of rapid technological advancement and institutional reform.

He spoke at closing ceremony of the Strategic Refresher Course organised for Deputy Comptrollers of the Service, which held recently at the Nigeria Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos. The CG also noted that there was need for continuous professional development, which he insists remains essential as Customs Administrations worldwide increasingly adopt digital technologies, automation, and modern operational systems.

The Strategic Refresher Course was part of the Service’s ongoing efforts to build a highly skilled leadership team capable of driving institutional reforms, improving service delivery, and aligning the Service with global best practices.

He revealed that the Service under his watch is investing heavily in both local and international training programmes to equip officers with the skills and expertise needed to meet evolving global standards. “Officers must demonstrate competence, readiness, and the ability to take on greater leadership responsibilities. This is given that leadership is measured through sustained performance, commitment, and tangible results”, the CG argued.

Meanwhile, Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone ‘A’, Lagos, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, who also spoke at the event, urged officers of the Service to uphold discipline, professionalism, and integrity. He also urged them to serve as role models to their juniors, adding that the training was meant to position them to mentor junior officers, promote transparency, and make sound operational decisions during challenging situations.

Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller Saulawa Sanusi, who responded on behalf of his colleagues, reaffirmed the Customs Police Unit’s commitment to strengthening discipline and operational compliance through continuous engagement and training.

He assured of regular orientation on the Service’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which, he argued was crucial to building a culture of compliance across the Nigeria Customs Service.