2024 CGC retreat: Compt. Adeniyi lectures new comptrollers, harps on keying into global, modern customs

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has charged Comptrollers to remain resolute in streamlining operations, building trust with stakeholders in their formations, as essential steps for impactful Customs management.

The comptroller who made the call last Tuesday, at the Ahmad Makarfi Conference Hall of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC) Gwagwalada, Abuja, while delivering his paper presentation to the Comptrollers.

The CGC, whose three major agendas to improve the performance of NCS remain collaboration, consolidation, and innovation, described establishing strong mutual relationships with stakeholders as ‘important for NCS’, urging that they be carried along.

He expressed optimism that the Service can achieve great milestones by forming new collaborations, adding, “The service needs to work with other agencies of government to see the amazing revolution that we are seeing in the world.”

Speaking on the positive aspects of technology, CGC Adeniyi re-emphasized his standpoint on enhancing the Service’s standards technologically, adding, “There is so much going on in technology these days. If you compare the days when you joined the Service, you will see that technology has changed many things.”

He said embracing technological approach that relates to artificial intelligence and machine learning data analytics will enable the Customs Administration to explore areas that look extremely remote and advanced.

Continuing his presentation, CGC Adeniyi relates the idea of leveraging technology to the Service’s plans to curb smuggling across Nigeria, stating that “with the established restriction on importation of rice, it means we have a very critical responsibility to ensure that we do not allow the act because that speaks to the issue of food security.’’

The CGC, who earlier declared the retreat open for the newly promoted Comptrollers, reiterated the Service’s commitment to introduce initiatives that promote trade facilitation by conducting valid scientific studies on the business environment.

He said the initiative will significantly contribute to the realization of objectives and the commitment to advancing regional cooperation and integration.

He emphasized that the initiative will positively impact in fostering economic prosperity across the African continent as the Service sets to implement the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

He said, “As we refine procedures, strengthen compliance mechanisms, propose transparency, and outline a strategic consolidation policy without revision, evaluating entry by small and medium enterprises becomes a cornerstone of our economy.

On his part, the Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), DCG Sa’idu Galadima, applauded the Comptroller-General of Customs for gracing the opening ceremony of the retreat.

DCG Galadima described the retreat as another chance to bring together officers of like minds with the aim of refreshing memories on Customs procedures, management, and contemporary issues.

He said, “We are here to share knowledge amongst ourselves to build a better Nigeria Customs Service. Therefore, the efforts that the CGC is exerting towards equipping officers and men of the service with the technical know-how on the work is highly commendable.’’

DCG Galadima, however, took the initiative to engage Comptrollers in a brainstorming session on the major agenda set by the Comptroller-General of Customs.

He expressed optimism that, by the end of the day, a comprehensive blueprint would emerge, showcasing the participants’ commitment to the CGC’s innovative agenda.

Earlier, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, presented a paper on Stakeholders Management, Media Community, and Employee Relationship.

PRO Maiwada took the newly promoted Comptrollers through various strategies on how Commands and Formations of the Nigeria Customs Service across the Federation can relate to media and members of the public.