The Revenue Monitoring Group of Nigeria (RMGN) has commended the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS) for what it described as “a strategic transformation” in trade facilitation, border security and technology adoption under the leadership of Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the civil society organization said the reforms have repositioned Customs beyond revenue collection to become a key driver of national development.
Signed by RMGN President, Dr. Ifeanyi Duruaku, and Secretary General, Comrade Tor Lumun, the group noted that NCS had successfully ditched age-long manual processes in favour of digital, intelligence-led operations.
“The CGC has redefined NCS processes through automation, transparency, and trust with compliant traders,” RMGN stated. “This has fired up operational capacity and unleashed efficiency across the Service.”
The group specifically highlighted the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System, UCMS, and the B’Odogwu platform, which it said have cut human interference, reduced leakages, and sped up cargo clearance.
RMGN also lauded NCS for strengthening collaboration with the Army, Navy, DSS, EFCC and NFIU to combat smuggling, illicit financial flows, and wildlife trafficking.
On global recognition, the group congratulated Dr. Adeniyi on receiving commendation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 147th/148th sessions of the World Customs Organisation, WCO Council in Brussels on July 3, 2026, where he was unanimously re-elected as Chairperson.
Quoting the President, RMGN stated:
“Adeniyi’s unanimous re-election is not only a personal honour, but also a recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in global Customs administration. His leadership has been marked by bold initiatives that have improved revenue generation, strengthened border security, facilitated legitimate trade, and modernised Customs operations through homegrown innovations.
“RMGN described the presidential endorsement as “a glowing testament” to the CGC’s achievements.
Reviewing the last three years, the group said the reforms have delivered visible dividends. It cited 2025 trade figures of ₦194.94 trillion, with exports growing by 219.5% to ₦136.65 trillion, attributing the growth to reform and efficiency, not duty hikes.
“In what amounts to a referendum on the current leadership, it is clear that under Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Nigeria Customs Service has been significantly transformed,” RMGN concluded. “We now have a Service that is delivering on revenue, smarter trade facilitation, more effective anti-smuggling operations, and result-driven environmental protection.”