Bolaji Adigun: The Gentleman Officer Steering KLT Toward Renewal

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

At the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos, a quiet revolution is underway. Since Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Lukman Adigun assumed office as Acting Customs Area Controller late last year, the Command has witnessed a surge in optimism, with officers and stakeholders alike speaking of a renewed sense of purpose.

A Reputation Built on Numbers and Integrity

Adigun’s journey to KLT is marked by his stellar performance at Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne, where he served as Deputy Comptroller of Revenue. There, he earned a reputation as a “super revenue guru,” plugging leakages and setting new records in collections. “He understands the abacus of customs duty,” one officer remarked, “and he applies it with the precision of a mathematician and the heart of a leader.”

The Command has not only witnessed a surge in revenue in the ongoing wind of change but also a renewed focus on enforcement and trade compliance, redefining the Command’s trajectory. At KLT, his brief tenure has already seen revenue collections hit all-time highs. Officers attribute this to his insistence on operational discipline and his sharp eye for detail. “He understands the abacus of customs duty,” a colleague said with admiration, “and he applies it with precision.”

Enforcement: Tightening the Net

Adigun’s leadership is not just about revenue. He has strengthened enforcement operations, deploying intelligence-driven strategies to curb smuggling and illicit trade. Thus in line with his philosophy is his insistence that compliance must go hand in hand with facilitation. “We cannot allow revenue gains to be eroded by non-compliance,” he told officers during a recent briefing.

Stakeholders have noticed the difference. A freight forwarder remarked, “You can feel the change. Enforcement is tighter, but processes are smoother. It’s a balance we’ve long needed.”

Trade Compliance: Building Trust and Efficiency

Adigun has also prioritized trade compliance, ensuring that importers and agents adhere to regulations while enjoying streamlined clearance processes. His approach blends firmness with collaboration. “Customs is not just about enforcement,” he explained. “It is about partnership—with port operators, freight forwarders, and sister agencies. Together, we can build a system that works for everyone.”

This philosophy has begun to restore confidence among stakeholders, who see KLT as a command that is not only revenue-focused but also committed to fairness and efficiency.

Human Touch in Leadership

Beyond the numbers, Adigun is admired for his gentlemanly approach. Officers describe him as approachable yet firm, a leader who listens but insists on discipline. At his inauguration, he thanked his predecessor, ACG Joy Edelduok, for her “results-driven leadership” and pledged to consolidate on her achievements. His words resonated with many: “We must remain disciplined, focused, and committed to the Service’s mandate. Together, we will build a stronger KLT.”

Urgent Imperatives for KLT

While KLT has recorded improved revenue under Adigun’s watch, the Command faces structural challenges that demand urgent attention:

Stemming More Vessels: Currently, KLT depends heavily on sister commands that divert boxes to its terminals. Stakeholders have emphasized the need to attract direct vessel calls, reducing reliance on goodwill and positioning KLT as a primary destination rather than a secondary option.

Establishment of Additional Terminals: With rising cargo volumes, KLT’s existing infrastructure has understandably been stretched. To further Adigun’s vision, stakeholders posit a determination that includes expanding terminal capacity to ease congestion, improve turnaround times, and enhance competitiveness.

Modernization of Facilities: Beyond expansion, there is also a compelling push to upgrade equipment, digitalize processes, and align operations with global best practices.

Early Wins and Renewed Confidence

Already, officers report a new energy in the Command. Revenue collections have hit all-time highs, and enforcement activities have tightened. “He has a way of spotting loopholes others miss,” one junior officer shared. “It keeps us on our toes, but it also makes us proud to be part of something bigger.”

Stakeholders, too, are optimistic. A freight forwarder described Adigun as “a round peg in a round hole,” adding, “His leadership is not just about figures; it’s about giving KLT a new identity.”

Aligning with the CGC’s Vision

Adigun’s roadmap aligns seamlessly with the Comptroller General of Customs’, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s modernization agenda, which emphasizes efficiency, transparency, and revenue optimization. By consolidating gains while addressing structural bottlenecks, he is positioning KLT as a model of customs operations nationwide.

The Road Ahead

The challenge before Adigun is formidable: sustain revenue growth, attract direct vessel calls, expand terminal capacity, and modernize operations. Yet his track record and leadership philosophy suggest he is well-prepared. For officers and stakeholders, his tenure represents more than a transition. It is a chance to redefine KLT’s role in Nigeria’s maritime economy.