The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it is deepening its commitment to global best practices in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security through its ongoing Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), a major reform drive aimed at transforming how goods are processed across the country’s entry points.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known in Abuja during a three-day training workshop organised for journalists on the Customs Trade Modernisation Project.
He said the Service is undergoing a major shift driven by technology, data, and the growing demand for efficiency, transparency, and accountability in global trade operations.
Represented by Deputy Comptroller-General Timi Bomodi, the Customs boss stressed that the reform initiative is designed to reposition the agency for a rapidly evolving global trading system.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains firmly committed to aligning with global standards while delivering on our core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security,” he said.
According to him, the Trade Modernisation Project sits at the heart of this transformation, introducing digital systems and automation aimed at reducing bottlenecks, eliminating inefficiencies, and improving predictability in cargo clearance processes.
He explained that the initiative involves the deployment of modern digital platforms, system integration, and automated procedures to build a more efficient and globally competitive customs administration.
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“Through the deployment of modern digital platforms and automation, we are laying the foundation for a customs system that is more efficient and globally competitive,” he added.
However, he noted that technology alone is not enough, stressing that institutional reforms must be supported by effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and transparency.
In his remarks, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the workshop was designed to strengthen journalists’ understanding of the Trade Modernisation Project and its wider implications for Nigeria’s economy.
He said the media plays a critical role in shaping public understanding of ongoing reforms, especially at a time when the Customs Service is undergoing significant digital transformation.
“As the Service continues to evolve in response to global trade dynamics, technological advancement, and national economic priorities, it has become necessary to carry the media along in this transformation journey,” he said.
Maiwada explained that the Trade Modernisation Project represents a key milestone in the Service’s efforts to deploy technology-driven solutions that will simplify processes, improve efficiency, facilitate trade, and boost revenue generation.
He added that beyond systems and infrastructure, the success of the reform depends heavily on accurate reporting, effective communication, and sustained public engagement.
Stakeholders at the workshop emphasised that the success of the Customs reform will ultimately be measured by how well it reduces delays at ports, improves revenue collection, enhances border security, and creates a more business-friendly environment for trade in Nigeria.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.