The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged the establishment of a dedicated Customs Area Command at the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ), a move aimed at boosting regulatory presence and operational efficiency within the zone.

Adeniyi made the commitment during an official visit to the facility on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. He lauded the level of investment and infrastructure development on the island, particularly commending Nigerdock, the maritime and logistics firm operating the SIIFZ, for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.

“We are just at the stage where we are finalising all the documentation, and I am very sure that by the next time I visit this place, I’ll be received by a Customs Area Controller,” the CGC stated. He described the forthcoming command as a strategic step that would enhance regulatory oversight and facilitate smoother trade operations within the free zone.

Adeniyi further stressed the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and private sector stakeholders, noting that such partnerships are essential in achieving national economic objectives.

“We are looking forward to a symbiotic relationship—one that will benefit the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Nigerdock as a corporate entity,” he added.

In his response, the Managing Director of SIIFZ, Semiu Akorede, expressed appreciation for the NCS’s ongoing support, describing the CGC’s visit as a milestone for the zone’s continued growth and development.

“Your coming here today is going to add a lot of value. We have enjoyed the support of Customs officers working with us here, and I can confirm that we have been working together without any rancour,” Akorede said.

He added that the consolidation of Customs activities at the zone would go a long way in ensuring seamless operations moving forward.