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BY FUNMI ALUKO In a landmark move to bolster international trade and security, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has signed a Joint Declaration with the Customs Administration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade facilitation, border security, and the fight against transnational organised crime. The agreement according to a release signed on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs by the Service Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada PhD, was formalised on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Brussels, with Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the Director-General of Netherlands Customs, Mrs Nanette Van Schelven, appending their signatures. Maiwada who is a Deputy Comptroller of Customs explained that the milestone follows a series of high-level engagements, including Nigeria’s bilateral visit to the Netherlands in October 2025 and a reciprocal visit by Dutch officials to Nigeria in March 2026. He further explained that the key areas of collaboration include: Trade facilitation: Streamlining cargo clearance systems and promoting fair trade practices. Border security: Enhancing risk management and supply chain security. Capacity building: Training, knowledge sharing, and institutional development. Intelligence sharing: Strengthening enforcement cooperation and compliance management. Combatting illicit trade: Addressing trafficking in narcotics, counterfeit goods, wildlife products, and weapons. The declaration, Maiwada said recognises Nigeria’s role as West Africa’s leading economy and a vital trading partner of the Netherlands. Both administrations acknowledged that customs cooperation is essential to facilitating legitimate trade while countering illegal cross-border activities. Concerns highlighted include the growing threats of drug trafficking, counterfeit goods, wildlife smuggling, and arms proliferation, which demand coordinated international responses. The event also highlighted the leadership perspectives to the issues of mutual interests, as CGC Adewale Adeniyi described the alliance as “a significant milestone in the Service’s international cooperation agenda”, noting that it will strengthen intelligence sharing, enforcement effectiveness, and supply chain security. This is even as Mrs Nanette Van Schelven emphasised that both countries face similar challenges in today’s interconnected trading environment, adding that closer collaboration will promote mutual learning and operational efficiency. Providing a broad future outlook, the declaration committed both parties to the following: Developing a joint work plan for structured cooperation. Enhancing border efficiency and transparent trade processes. Deepening collaboration through training and expertise exchange. Building frameworks to tackle both legal and illegal cross-border movements. The alliance signals a new era of customs modernisation and international cooperation, positioning Nigeria and the Netherlands as partners in securing global trade routes while promoting economic growth.
…Challenges Industry Media on Professionalism BY FUNMI ALUKO The newly appointed Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, has pledged to tackle the notorious Apapa–Mile 2 port corridor traffic gridlock while calling on maritime journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their reportage. Speaking during his maiden interactive session with the maritime press on Wednesday, June 23, 2026, Anani emphasized that inaccurate publications can cause costly damages, stressing the need for ethical and responsible journalism. He assured the media of strong partnership, transparency, and continuous engagement throughout his tenure. In his address, Anani described the press as a “strategic partner” in shaping public understanding, promoting accountability, and enhancing compliance within the maritime ecosystem. He promised timely and accurate information flow, while announcing plans for structured training, sensitization workshops, and capacity-building programs to empower journalists covering the port command. “Responsible journalism is critical to maintaining public trust, preventing misinformation, and ensuring that our collective objectives are not undermined by inaccurate or misleading narratives,” he said. Fielding questions on the resurgence of traffic congestion along the Apapa–Mile 2 corridor, Anani disclosed that the Command is already engaging stakeholders to reverse the development. He revealed that discussions have been held with Five Star Logistics, whose terminal operations were linked to the road blockage due to delayed truck access. “I have spoken with them and they have pledged to hasten the process to allow the trucks come in. So, I believe that this issue will go away very soon,” Anani assured. On his operational strategy, Anani acknowledged that the groundwork laid by his immediate predecessors, retired DCG Dera Nnadi and ACG Frank Onyeka were solid framework to build on. He noted that the administrative and operational structures are already in place, describing his role as “being at the driver’s seat, at full alert” to ensure faithful implementation. Highlighting the Command’s performance, Anani disclosed that Tin Can Island Port Command generated over ₦111.2 billion in revenue in May, reflecting improved compliance levels and operational efficiency. He however pledged strict adherence to import regulations and total compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. He also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him, promising to consolidate on existing gains and surpass previous achievements. To further cement ties with the press, Anani announced that the Public Relations Unit of the Command will prioritize media engagement, ensuring timely information dissemination and fostering mutual understanding. “Together, we can ensure that Tin Can Island Port Command continues to play its critical role in national growth, trade facilitation, and revenue generation,” he declared.
BY FUNMI ALUKO Looked at broadly, the Seme Border is more than just a customs post; it is by all ramifications a diplomatic artery linking Nigeria...
The succession debate within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified in recent days, following reports that Deputy Comptroller H.O. Olorunfemi has been approved by President...
BY FUNMI ALUKO For decades, the Idiroko border in Ogun State was synonymous with illicit trade. Its labyrinth of bush paths and porous creeks made it...
BY EGUONO ODJEGBA The politically manipulated leadership change in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in 2004, aptly described by analysts as a “palace coup,” nearly brought...
BY FUNMI ALUKO The League of Maritime Editors has congratulated the Comptroller – General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, on the recent extension of his...
For many discerning minds, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s weekend announcement of a six‑month extension for the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was not...
BY FUNMI ALUKO The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its pivotal role in national economic development, with Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR declaring that reforms within...
BY FUNMI ALUKO Maritime journalists will today in Lagos unveil a new book that captures performance indices in customs operations and broader maritime development, nearly three...
