Revenue Monitoring Group Lauds Customs For Bold Reforms in Trade, Security, Technology

The Revenue Monitoring Group of Nigeria (RMGN) has praised the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for implementing significant reforms that have transformed the agency from a mere revenue collector to a catalyst for national development. In a statement issued from Abuja, the civil society organization highlighted the strategic changes in trade facilitation, border security, and technology adoption under the leadership of NCS's Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

RMGN's President, Dr. Ifeanyi Duruaku, and Secretary General, Comrade Tor Lumun, emphasized that these reforms have modernized Customs operations through automation, transparency, and trust with compliant traders.

Adeniyi's leadership has overseen the retirement of manual processes and the adoption of digital, intelligence-led operations, which have boosted operational capacity and efficiency across the Service. RMGN specifically commended the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) and the B’Odogwu platform, which have minimized human error, reduced revenue leakages, and accelerated cargo clearance.

The group also highlighted NCS's efforts to enhance collaboration with military and law enforcement agencies, including the Army, Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and National Orientation Agency (NOA), to combat smuggling, illicit financial flows, and wildlife trafficking.

RMGN congratulated Adeniyi on receiving a unanimous re-election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) during the 147th/148th sessions in Brussels, reflecting Nigeria's growing influence in global Customs administration.

According to RMGN, Adeniyi's re-election is a testament to his bold initiatives that have improved revenue generation, strengthened border security, facilitated legitimate trade, and modernized Customs operations through homegrown innovations. The group noted that the reforms have yielded visible results, with Nigeria's 2025 trade figures reaching ₦194.94 trillion, with exports increasing by 219.5% to ₦136.65 trillion.

RMGN attributed this growth to the reforms and efficiency improvements rather than increased duties. In summary, RMGN concluded that under Adeniyi's stewardship, the Nigeria Customs Service has undergone a significant transformation, delivering on revenue collection, facilitating smarter trade, enhancing anti-smuggling operations, and driving environmental protection.