The recent one-year extension of the tenure of Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been described as a resounding vote of confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) leadership, with Tin-Can Island Port Command (TCIP) pledging to sustain and surpass its impressive performance record.
President Tinubu, through his Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, cited the CGC’s “satisfactory performance” and the Service’s positive contribution to the national economy as key reasons for the extension. Adeniyi, who assumed office in acting capacity in June 2023 before confirmation in October 2023, has spearheaded transformational reforms that modernised Nigeria’s Customs operations.
Among these reforms are the deployment of the indigenous Customs management system B’Odogwu, the Advanced Ruling System, the Authorised Economic Operator framework, and Time Release Studies—all designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and trade facilitation.
TIN-CAN ISLAND PORT COMMAND PERFORMANCE
The TCIP Command, under Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has emerged as a flagship implementing Unit for Adeniyi’s reforms. Between December 2024 and July 2025, the Command collected ₦747.1 billion in revenue—representing a 29.85% increase over the same period in 2024 and achieving 98.03% of its target.
The Command also intensified its anti-smuggling operations, seizing illicit drugs valued at over ₦8 billion, including heroin, cannabis sativa, and synthetic strains like Colorado. Arms, ammunition, and other contraband were also intercepted, reinforcing border security and protecting public health.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND CSR
Onyeka prioritised collaboration with terminal operators, freight forwarders, security agencies, and regulators to foster compliance and transparency. Under the “Customs Cares” initiative, the Command renovated and equipped Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Ajeromi/Ifelodun LGA, Lagos, providing a modern learning environment for over 2,000 pupils and distributing educational materials.
TRADE FACILITATION AND TECHNOLOGY
The deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System has streamlined cargo clearance, reduced human interference, and improved throughput. In July 2025 alone, TCIP processed over 3,450 Single Goods Declarations, with 2,749 successfully exited.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
Customs leadership believes these achievements will contribute to macroeconomic stability, strengthen the Naira, reduce inflationary pressures, and foster long-term growth. Comptroller Onyeka reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to exceeding expectations in the next half-year, aligning with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“With sustained revenue growth, enhanced trade facilitation, and continued stakeholder collaboration, TCIP will remain a driver of national economic resilience,” Onyeka said.