Advocate merit-based appointment for new Customs CG
A coalition of 259 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of the Coalition for Transparency and Economic Reforms (COTER) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replicate the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) groundbreaking revenue generation strategy across other revenue-generating agencies in the country.
This call comes amid mounting economic pressure and ongoing reforms under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The CSOs, in a statement on Wednesday, described the NCS as a model of innovation and productivity under the leadership of its outgoing Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
COTER specifically praised the achievements of key port commands — Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne — citing their record-breaking revenue performances and strong enforcement operations.
“With the Customs CGC due for retirement soon, President Tinubu must ensure his successor is chosen strictly on merit, proven capacity, integrity, and a track record of productivity,” said the coalition in the statement signed by its President, Dr. Peter Chima Chukwu, and General Secretary, Mallam Auta Ibrahim Koko.
Record Revenues and Operational Excellence
The coalition cited the Apapa Area Command’s revenue collection of ₦1.75 trillion in Q1 2025, which surpassed its target by ₦106.5 billion — a leap from the ₦1.61 trillion collected in Q3 2024 and ₦1.17 trillion in 2023. Tin Can Island Port Command recorded ₦1 trillion, while Onne Port Command generated ₦600 billion within the same period.
“These achievements stem from robust strategies, proactive inspection, effective stakeholder engagement, zero tolerance for smuggling, and use of cutting-edge Customs management tools like the Unified Customs Management System, B’Odogwu,” COTER said.
The CSOs lauded the leadership at these commands for their support to sister agencies like NAFDAC and NDLEA in intercepting fake drugs, controlled substances, and illegal arms shipments.
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“Officers at the ports have been instrumental in enforcing national security through intelligence-led operations and cargo monitoring,” the statement added.
Call for National Recognition and Policy Replication
COTER called for national honours for the Area Controllers leading the Apapa, Tin Can, and Onne Commands to recognise their contributions to Nigeria’s economic stability and security.
“It is our recommendation that these ‘performing controllers’ be considered for national awards to boost morale and serve as a benchmark for others,” the coalition stated.
They also advised the Customs hierarchy to study and replicate successful innovations from these top-performing commands nationwide.
“Such institutional learning will help upscale productivity across the Service and increase national revenue generation,” COTER concluded.
A Message to the Presidency
The CSOs concluded by appealing to President Tinubu to ensure continuity and institutional integrity in the appointment of a new Customs CGC, urging a transparent, merit-based process devoid of political interference.
“The next CGC must sustain and expand on the legacy of innovation, efficiency, and accountability already set in motion,” they said.