The Nigeria Customs Service has proposed stronger ties with the National Assembly, especially Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs to further strengthen its ongoing modernisation Project, digital transformation and other operational reforms, as well as up-to-date legal framework that reflects emerging global trade standards and practices.

Comptroller-General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who spoke at a capacity-building retreat organised for the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs on August 5, 2026, observed that meaningful legislative oversight depends on lawmakers having a complete understanding of modern Customs operations.

According to him, the retreat was designed to bridge information gaps, and to enable the committee members to evaluate the transformation processes the Service has undergone from an informed perspective, with a view to providing the needed statutory backing to sustain its modernisation efforts.

Speaking on the Customs Act 2024, he said: “While some provisions had worked as intended, others had proved difficult to apply or had been overtaken by the rapidly changing trade environment. We are requesting considerable amendments to ensure the Act remains relevant to fast-moving trade policies and supports the Service’s modernisation agenda.

“While the Service enjoys strong support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governing Board of the Service under the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, long-term stability requires statutory reinforcement through legislative protection that transcends any single administration.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, DCG Tijani Abbey, who also spoke during the retreat, highlighted the scope of the modernisation, outlining the key ongoing initiatives.

They include the deployment of the indigenous B’Odogwu Trade Management System, intelligence-driven post-clearance audits, the Authorised Economic Operator AEO, Program, coordinated border management, and end-to-end digital process integration aimed at boosting revenue, facilitating trade, and strengthening national security.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Isah Jibrin, who spoke at the retreat, commended the Service for surpassing its revenue targets despite operational hurdles. He assured the Service of the National Assembly’s readiness to provide the necessary statutory backing to sustain its momentum.

“What you need to do is to identify your challenges, try to address them as much as possible, so as to have a much more robust, inclusive, and beyond-budget performance. Where you require legislative backing, please do not hesitate to call on us,” Jibrin said.

He also congratulated the Comptroller General on his re-election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation WCO, Council, describing the achievement as a testament to Nigeria’s rising influence in global trade and Customs administration.