Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced live operations of its Automated Excise Register System (ERS), marking a significant step in its ongoing trade modernisation agenda aimed at strengthening excise administration and transparency.

According to the Service, the ERS officially went live after the successful conclusion of a pilot phase carried out between July and August 2025. The system has now been deployed at three strategic excise factories — British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) PLC in Oyo State, International Tobacco Company (ITC) Limited in Kwara State, and Leaf Tobacco & Commodities Nigeria Ltd in Kaduna State.

The facilities were selected as pilot sites due to their prominence in the excise sector and their capacity to provide a strong foundation for nationwide implementation. During the test phase, the system recorded a 75 per cent efficiency score at BATN, integrated production and reporting systems across the factories, and improved collaboration between Customs officers and factory management teams.

With the system now live, all excise-related transactions at the pilot factories — including the recording of production figures, computation of excise duties, and generation of statutory reports — will be conducted exclusively through the ERS. The NCS stated that the platform is expected to drastically reduce manual documentation, eliminate inconsistencies in data reporting, and enhance transparency within the excise value chain.

The Customs Service added that insights gained from the pilot will guide the system’s nationwide rollout, with plans to extend its coverage to other excise-regulated industries such as beverages, spirits, and segments of the manufacturing sector.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the ERS is a central pillar of the NCS’s broader Trade Modernisation Project. He called on industry operators and stakeholders to embrace the reform and provide constructive feedback to support the system’s nationwide expansion.

“The Service seeks stakeholders’ support in building a more robust and transparent excise regime that fosters compliance, enhances operational efficiency, and guarantees sustainable revenue growth for the Federal Government,” he stated.

The Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to equity, transparency, and inclusiveness in governance, calling for stronger collaboration with civil society organizations in promoting awareness and accountability across Nigeria.

He made this known while welcoming members of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) during an advocacy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Highlighting the FCC’s constitutional mandate, the Chairman explained that the Commission’s role extends beyond Abuja and federal ministries, stressing that equity in appointments, promotions, and resource distribution must be reflected at all levels of governance.

“Our jurisdiction goes beyond federal institutions. At the state level, governors must ensure diversity in governance, while at the local government level, recruitment and projects must reflect fairness across wards and communities. Even in the private sector, corporations employing thousands of Nigerians are expected to embrace inclusivity in their workforce and leadership,” he said.

According to him, the federal character principle is not an administrative exercise but the foundation of national unity in a diverse country of over 250 ethnic groups. “Equity must be systemic. It must flow from the centre to the grassroots, touching every Nigerian where they live and work,” he added.

On the role of civil society, the FCC Chairman emphasized that NGOs are indispensable partners in bridging the Commission’s limited reach. He noted that groups like CISLAC play a vital role in sensitizing citizens about their rights, monitoring compliance, and raising alarms where exclusion or imbalance occurs.

“Civil society creates trust between institutions and citizens. When groups like CISLAC stand beside the FCC to advocate fairness, Nigerians are reassured that inclusivity is a shared value,” he said.

Calling for stronger partnership, the Chairman urged CISLAC to help expand grassroots awareness of the federal character principle and to hold institutions at all levels accountable. He assured that the Commission remains open to collaboration and committed to enforcing equity across public and private sectors.

The advocacy visit, he noted, underscores the importance of working together to ensure that no Nigerian feels excluded and that opportunities are fairly shared as part of a collective effort to strengthen national unity.

The Nigerian Army has intensified its operational gains across the country, recovering a total of 158 cattle, compelling a terrorist family member to surrender, and foiling multiple criminal activities in a series of coordinated operations.

On 2 September 2025, troops of 192 Battalion (Main) in Gwoza, Borno State, received the surrender of an adult female family member of ISWAP/JAS terrorists. Preliminary investigation revealed she surrendered from Chikide Village with a token sum of ₦4,500. She was subsequently handed over to 26 Task Force Brigade Military Intelligence for profiling.

In Zamfara State, troops of 1 Brigade at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Danmarke responded to intelligence on terrorist movement after rustling livestock at Kyairu Village. The swift action forced the criminals to abandon the animals, which were later recovered and handed over to local authorities.
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Similarly, in Kebbi State, troops of 1 Battalion (Rear) in Augie, working with a Joint team, pursued armed terrorists who attacked Gulma Village in Argungu LGA. The operation resulted in the recovery of 30 cattle, which were handed over to traditional leaders for onward return to their rightful owners.

In Sokoto State, troops conducted clearance operations in Sauna/Goboro Forest, Tangaza LGA, after receiving intelligence on terrorist movement with rustled livestock. The criminals withdrew following troops’ contact, leading to the recovery of 68 cattle. These were handed over to community leaders for safe custody pending return to owners.

Troops of Sector 6 Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) also intervened in Plateau State following reports of farm destruction. In Jos South LGA, they found 21 cattle grazing unattended, while in Riyom LGA, 39 cattle were also discovered grazing unsupervised on farmlands. The livestock were secured for further action.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its determination to deny terrorists and criminal groups freedom of action, safeguard communities, and consolidate peace and security across the nation.

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB), at its 63rd regular meeting held on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, approved the appointment of four (4) Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCGs) and twelve (12) Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs).

According to a statement signed by the Customs National Public Relations Officer, AC Abdullahi Maiwada PhD, mnipr, mniia, these appointments were made to fill vacancies created by the recent retirement of some management members, while also strengthening equitable representation within the Service’s leadership structure. The appointments were also in line with the availability of positions across the six geopolitical zones and in strict compliance with the Federal Character Policy of the Government, as provided in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The newly appointed DCGs are: AB Mohammed (North-West), GO Omale (North-Central), OC Orbih (South-South), D Nnadi (South-East). While the new ACGs include: MP Binga (North-East), CA Awo (South-East), AB Shuaibu (North-Central), AT Abe (North-West), K Mohammed (North-West), B Mohammed (North-West), TM Daniyan (North-Central), B Oramalugo (South-East), OP Olaniyan (South-West), B Olomu (South-West), IK Oladeji (South-West), and CC Dim (South-East).

In the same vein, the Board approved the promotion of 3,312 senior officers across various ranks from Comptroller of Customs (CC) to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC 11).
Additionally, the NCS Management during its 6th Management Meeting held on Friday, 29 August 2025, approved the promotion of 202 junior officers from Assistant Inspector (AIC) to Customs Assistant I (CA1). These promotions underscore the Service’s commitment to merit-based career progression and recognition of outstanding performance.

Similarly, during the regular meeting and in line with the Presidential directive on the National Single Window (NSW), the Board acknowledged the sustained involvement of the Nigeria Customs Service in the project. The Service has seconded its World Customs Organisation (WCO)-accredited officers, supported the drafting of business process requirements, actively participated in vendor selection, and continues to provide ICT and risk management expertise. The Board noted that with integration support from Trade Modernisation Project Limited, the NCS is supporting the initiative toward early completion, reaffirming its commitment to trade facilitation, efficiency, and global best practices.

Furthermore, the Board also undertook a comprehensive review of the Service’s revenue performance for the first half of the year. Between 1st January and 30th June 2025, the Service recorded a total revenue collection of N3,682,496,530,576.48, representing a remarkable performance above expectations. This figure surpassed the projected revenue for the period by N390,197,847,119.32, equivalent of 11.85%, reflecting the Service’s strengthened capacity in revenue mobilisation. In practical terms, this signifies that within six months, the NCS has already achieved 55.93% of its annual revenue target. The Board noted that this impressive outcome underscores the effectiveness of ongoing reforms, improved compliance by stakeholders, and enhanced deployment of technology in Customs operations.

Updates on the Service’s Trade Modernisation Project were also presented, with notable achievements recorded in the second quarter of 2025 and into July. Key milestones include wider deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) codenamed B’Odogwu, arrival of six scanners including an FS6000 model to boost non-intrusive inspection, procurement of Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) equipment, setup of the Centralised Image Analysis System (CIAS) at Customs Headquarters, reinforcement of cybersecurity architecture, operationalisation of a multi-channel helpdesk, onboarding of additional stakeholders, and delivery of targeted capacity-building programmes. The Board acknowledged that these developments further align Nigeria’s clearance processes with international best practices.

In disciplinary matters, the Board considered cases presented during the session and approved the demotion of two officers to the next lower rank for various levels of misconduct, while also granting reinstatement to two officers after reviewing their cases. This action reflects the Board’s commitment to upholding accountability and fairness, in line with the Service’s core values.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on behalf of the NCSB, congratulates all newly appointed and promoted officers while charging them to justify the confidence reposed in them.

He also reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, transparency, and excellence in service delivery, while appreciating the Honourable Minister of Finance for his continued support and guidance.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted firearms, ammunition, and industrial drones valued at over ₦377 million during intensified anti-smuggling operations across Ogun and Ondo States.

Confirming the development, the Service said the seizures, which included 15 rifles, 4,841 rounds of live ammunition, and two industrial drones, were the outcome of sustained surveillance and intelligence-led patrols in border communities notorious for smuggling activities.

The seizures were made by the combined efforts of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A and the Joint Border Patrol Team, both operating within the Southwest. According to Customs, the items were concealed in vehicles and packages designed to evade detection.

The Comptroller in charge of the operation disclosed that the firearms and ammunition had been handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, for further investigation and appropriate action.

“The duty of the Service goes beyond revenue collection; it extends to safeguarding national security,” he said. “These seizures reinforce our commitment to curbing the influx of arms and ammunition that could pose grave threats to peace and stability.”

He further stated that the recovered items would have endangered lives if they had slipped through security checks, stressing that the collaboration between Customs and other security agencies was yielding results in the fight against smuggling and illegal arms proliferation.

The Service urged members of the public, especially residents of border communities, to cooperate by providing credible intelligence on smuggling activities, adding that the government remained determined to protect the nation’s borders.

Despite reported network glitches, the Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has collected ₦215b in the month of August 2025 using the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) also known as B’Odogwu

Customs Area Controller of the Command, Babatunde Olomu who described the collection as a product of increased confidence and continuous improvement of the B’Odogwu system thanked stakeholders and officers for their unrelenting support so far.

The CAC also stated that the August 2025 collection on the system is a testament to the resilience of officers whose patriotism has kept the system growing amidst challenges

Comptroller Olomu thanked the stakeholders for their belief in the system’s capacity to meet the expectations of the trading community, especially those who do their import and export business through the nation’s premier port of Apapa.

Taking a cue from several confidence building stakeholders’ engagement personally attended by the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the Controller reassured all importers, exporters, licensed customs agents and freight forwarders that B’Odogwu is at the verge of breaking through for greater success.

He described their patience and support as invaluable contributions to the national economy and commendable efforts to support a homegrown ICT platform gravitating towards revolutionising trade in Nigeria through customs operations.

Comptroller Olomu also disclosed that the CGC has directed invigorated service from the ICT/Modernisation Department of the NCS Headquarters to ensure steady and sustained improvement in B’Odogwu service delivery by prompt address of all hitches, listening to any user complaint and providing necessary support for efficiency.

He expressed optimism that the UCMS is fully out to surpass user expectations and gain more confidence in days to come.

The Controller said “Our collection of ₦215b using the B’Odogwu platform confirms progress in our ongoing journey to build a dependable platform for trade by Nigerians and for all those doing import, export and excise business in Nigeria”.

“This is a collective victory for all of us, and we shall continue in the March forward for greater successes in days, weeks, and months ahead. We are braving all odds, and the sky is our limit,” he concluded