GOOD! TINUBU EXTENDS CGC ADEWALE ADENIYI'S TENURE

President Tinubu has granted a final six-month tenure extension to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

The six-month extension, which will expire in February 2027, is to enable him to consolidate the implementation of the National Single Window and ensure an orderly succession in the service.

During the transition period, Adeniyi, working with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Board, will ensure the promotion of eligible officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and the compulsory retirement of officers who have attained 60 years of age or have served 35 years.

Adeniyi joined the Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 80s.

He rose through the ranks, becoming deputy comptroller in 2012, comptroller in 2017, assistant comptroller general in 2020, acting deputy comptroller-general in January 2023, before his appointment by President Tinubu in June 2023 as the Comptroller General.

Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy)
June 19, 2026

COMPTROLLER KAILA LED SEME BORDER COMMAND GENERATES ₦9.79bn REVENUE IN THREE MONTHS

Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Border Area Command of  Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is not leaving any stone unturned in his new place of deployment. An emerging anti-smuggling Czar, has announced the generation of ₦9.79 billion as revenue between March and May 2026, representing a 448 percent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025 in his maiden press briefing. According to him, the briefing was convened to provide an "overview of the Command’s operational activities and achievements in the areas of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling enforcement since my assumption of office in March 2026. "These operational pillars remain central to the statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and are aligned with the economic reform agenda and national development priorities of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Speaking during the media briefing held on Monday, May 5, 2026 at the Seme Area Command Headquarters, the Customs Area Controller, disclosed that the Command generated a total of ₦9,798,938,969 within the review period. According to him, the figure exceeded the ₦2,188,405,749 collected during the same period in 2025 by ₦7,610,533,220. "The figure translates to an impressive growth rate of 448 percent. This remarkable achievement is attributable to strengthened compliance mechanisms, improved stakeholder cooperation, intensified anti-revenue leakage measures, enhanced operational efficiency, and the strategic deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System. The renewed dedication, vigilance demonstrated by officers and men of the Command have also contributed immensely to this performance. He further commended officers and men of the Command for their dedication and vigilance, stressing that the Command would sustain the gains through intelligence-driven monitoring, institutional reforms, and transparent trade procedures. The Customs boss described the Seme border corridor as one of Nigeria’s busiest and most strategic land borders, playing a critical role in regional trade integration

under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He explained that the Command had intensified engagements with licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, transport unions, importers, exporters, traditional institutions, and sister security agencies to improve trade facilitation and address operational bottlenecks. “Our officers continue to provide guidance and support to Small and Medium Enterprises seeking access to regional and international markets, particularly in export documentation and regulatory compliance processes,” he stated. On anti-smuggling operations, Kaila said the Command recorded major breakthroughs through intelligence-led operations conducted along the Seme-Badagry corridor and adjoining routes. "In the area of anti-smuggling operations, the Command has sustained aggressive intelligence-led enforcement activities aimed at combating economic sabotage, protecting local industries, and safeguarding public health and national security. Within the last two months, coordinated patrols and surveillance operations conducted along the Seme-Badagry corridor and adjoining routes resulted in the interception of several prohibited and restricted items. "Notably, the Command seized 1000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic substance prohibited under the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act and Section 245(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. The seized narcotics are currently being processed for formal handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution. 

REVISIT THE BAN ON VEHICLE IMPORTATION THROUGH SEME BORDER

A critical stakeholders on maritime space is of the opinion that CGC Adewale Adeniyi's beautiful credentials as the best Comptroller General of Customs will be incomplete if he leaves office without revisiting some of the sentimental policies by previous administrations that are affecting trade facilitations for corrections. In a review on this issue with Alhaji Adetona Mubashiru, the Chairman and CEO of Only God is Wise Nig. Ltd, a Bonded Terminal would want the CGC to revisit some of the government policies on Trade facilitation. It could be noted that a press release written by CGC Adeniyi on December 5, 2016 as the then National PRO of Nigeria Customs Service captioned "FG BANS IMPORTATION OF VEHICLES THROUGH THE LAND BORDERS," had the followings in that short notice that importation of vehicles into Nigeria through the land Borders have been banned by the Federal Government. The prohibition order covers all new and used vehicles. The Ban was sequel to a Presidential Directive restricting all vehicle imports to Nigeria Sea Ports only. The order took effect from 1st January 2017. The press release signed on behalf of the then Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ali rtd. did not give reasons for the ban immediately. It was just a presidential order. This ban brought mixed reactions from Nigerians who saw it as in good and bad move depending on the side they were looking at it and how it favors or disfavors them. According to Alhaji Adetona, an elaborate discuss on this emergency order said Col. Ali promised that the government may reconsider its decision after the successful implementation of a new initiative by the Nigeria Customs Service and the Customs Service of the Republic of Benin to automate and network all electronic information about incoming cargoes through the border. The then Comptroller General, Col Ali, who was represented by the Assistant Comptroller General, Information and Communication Technology, Benjamin Aber, at a stakeholders’ meeting on the new initiative, expressed confidence that with a successful implementation of the bilateral electronic connectivity programme between Nigeria and Republic of Benin, the Federal Government might lift the ban on items coming through the land border. Col. Ali said the decision of the government to shut down importation of vehicles through the border was because the government did not have a reliable system that would assist in controlling importation among other reasons. "It is nine years since this order took effect but the ban on vehicle importation through land borders failed to solve its intended problems. Instead of curbing smuggling or boosting local auto manufacturing, the policy led to increased inflation, massive revenue losses at authorized entry points, and heightened hardship for Nigerians trying to afford transport. "Rather than stopping illegal imports, the ban pushed the trade to hundreds of unapproved, porous bush paths. The Nigeria Customs Service faced immense difficulties policing these illegal routes. "There were severe revenue losses by forcing trade through inefficient and congested seaports (like the Lagos ports), the government inadvertently lost billions in accruable import duties to neighboring countries, prompting the demand for reopening of key borders like Seme for vehicle transit," Mubashiru said.. It could be noted that the regime of Col. Ali as Comptroller General of Customs came up with a theory of inter-connectivity at Seme border which many

of the industry watchers felt could be a solution. With declarations made for imports transiting from either of the countries (Benin and Nigeria) electronically shared, the process of import and export would be done in a transparent manner and the government seeing such transparency would be convinced to relax its stance on land border importation. Col. Ali said "vehicles were formerly being imported through the Seme border, but suddenly it was banned because the pressure of enforcement of anti-smuggling for vehicles. When vehicles came through the land border, we did not have a record of how the imported cars came here and fake documentation became a common phenomenon. The ban was just a control measure against the practice." Mubashiru said Col. Ali's claims were not true because before CGC Abdullahi Dikko Inde left office, there was a bilateral agreement on movement of vehicles on transit to Nigeria through Cotonou port. That with the agreement, all transit vehicle for Nigeria were escorted to Seme border and handed over to Customs Officers at the Vehicle Seat. The only problem by then was parking space and the freight forwarders were therefore advised to process their vehicle documents before arrival at the border. Today, he confirmed that the situation is changed because such a parking space was initiated by the Seme command in preparation to receive these vehicles on arrival. At Seme today, the terminal can conveniently accommodate more than a thousand vehicles. It is therefore very expedient that before CGC Adeniyi MFR, PhD should leave office, there should be a revisit to this international trade anomaly. According to World Trade Organisation WTO convention, trade regulations and amendments with regard to restriction and reversal of Fiscal Policy on Trade, must be subject to process of consultation by trading public and transparency in the timing, so as to accommodate the challenges that will be associated with the directive or regulation. He recollected that all the stakeholders including the National Assembly that agitated for a reversal of the obnoxious policy suspected that nothing could happen considering the fact that Col. Ali and the then President Buhari militarized the issue. The Senate therefore opposed the ban on importation of vehicles through Land Borders. The Senate issued the Nigeria Customs Service to suspend, with immediate effect, the policy of an outright ban on vehicle importation through land borders. However, major car dealers in both new and used vehicles who did not want their names mentioned for fear of backlash from government knocked the policy saying that it will have devastating impact on ordinary Nigerians and the economy. The dealers also noted that the decision was also taken in the interest of a small segment of the auto industry claim to be auto manufacturers but in fact are not manufacturing any cars in Nigeria. Alhaji Mubashiru therefore considers the present leadership of Nigeria Customs Service as an arbiter to advise the Federal Government to revisit and lift this ban. "CGC Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, you came, you saw and you have conquered. Your numerous visits to Seme border kept elevating the spirit of critical stakeholders at the border that a bilateral agreement on lifting the ban on importation of vehicles through the land border would take place. "Vehicle importation through the land border created employment opportunities for many youths who are now on the streets causing trouble. These youths come to Seme border on daily basis and do some auxiliary jobs; they return home with some money with which they take care of their respective families. "Apart from these people, there are still many artisans whose vocations connect with vehicles. We are talking of panel beaters, rewires, mechanics, painters, drivers and others. These people were also affected by the policy because their business and their survival exist side by side. These are law-abiding citizens who always support government policies but this one should be given another look," Mubashiru said.

A REVISIT TO BAN ON VEHICLE IMPORTATION THROUGH THE LAND BORDERS WITH SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SEME BORDER.

By OKEY IROEGBU

Critical stakeholders on maritime space are of the opinion that CGC Adewale Adeniyi's beautiful credential as the best Comptroller General of Customs will be incomplete if he leaves office without revisiting some of the sentimental policies by previous administrations that are affecting trade facilitations for corrections. In a press release written by CGC Adeniyi on December 5, 2016 as the National PRO of Nigeria Customs Service captioned "FG BANS IMPORTATION OF VEHICLES THROUGH THE LAND BORDERS," had the followings in that short notice: Importation of vehicles into Nigeria through the land Borders have been

banned by the Federal Government. The prohibition order covers all new and used vehicles. The Ban is sequel to a Presidential Directive restricting all vehicle imports to Nigeria Sea Ports only. The order takes effect from 1st

January 2017. It went further that the restriction on importation of vehicles follows that of Rice, whose imports have been banned through the land Borders since April 2016. Importers of vehicles through the land borders are requested to utilize the grace period up till 31st December 2016 to clear their vehicle imports landed in neighbouring Ports. The press release signed on behalf of the then Comptroller-General ofCustoms, Col. Hammed Ali rtd did not give reasons for the ban immediately. It was just a presidential order. This ban brought mixed reactions from Nigerians who saw it as in good and bad move depending on the side they were looking at it and how it favors or disfavors them. At an elaborate discuss on this emergency order Col. Ali said that the government

may reconsider its decision after the successful implementation of a new initiative by the Nigeria Customs Service and the Customs Service of the Republic of Benin to automate and network all electronic information about incoming cargoes through the border. The then

Comptroller General, Col Ali, who was represented by the Assistant Comptroller General, Information and Communication Technology, Benjamin Aber, at a stakeholders’ meeting on the new initiative, expressed confidence that with a successful implementation of the bilateral electronic connectivity programme between Nigeria and Republic of Benin, the Federal Government might lift the ban on items coming through the land border. Col. Ali said the decision of the government to shut down importation of vehicles through the border was because the government did not have a reliable system that would assist in controlling importation among other reasons. It is nine years since this order took effect but the ban on vehicle importation through land borders failed to solve its intended problems. Instead of curbing smuggling or boosting local auto manufacturing, the policy led to increased inflation, massive revenue losses at authorized entry points, and heightened hardship for everyday Nigerians trying to afford transport. Rather than stopping illegal imports, the ban pushed the trade to hundreds of unapproved, porous bush paths. The Nigeria Customs Service faced immense difficulties policing these illegal routes. There were severe revenue losses by forcing trade through inefficient and congested seaports (like the Lagos ports), the government inadvertently lost billions in accruable import duties to neighboring countries, prompting the demand for reopening of key borders like Seme for vehicle transit. Despite the much pressure, the militarized regime of Muhammadu Buhari did not listen to anybody. The regime of Col. Ali as Comptroller General of Customs came up with a theory of inter-connectivity at Seme border which many of the industry watchers felt could be a solution. With declarations made for imports transiting from either of the countries (Benin and Nigeria) electronically shared, the process of import and export would be done in a transparent manner and the government seeing such transparency would be convinced to relax its stance on land border importation. Col. Ali said “Vehicles were formerly being imported through the Seme border, but suddenly it was banned because the pressure of enforcement of anti-smuggling for vehicles and claiming of lives and revenue were becoming too alarming, so the government had to restrict the importation through Nigerian ports. “When vehicles came through the land border, we did not have a record of how the imported cars came here and fake documentation became a common phenomenon. The ban was just a control measure against the practice. “By the time we successfully deploy this reliable, transparent and predictable programme that would assist government agencies, not only Customs, to control and regulate the importation of vehicles, the government may decide to relax such restrictions.” These claims were not true because before CGC Abdullahi Dikko Inde left office, there was a bilateral agreement on movement of vehicles on transit to Nigeria through Cotonou port. With the agreement, all transit vehicle for Nigeria were escorted to Seme border and handed over to Customs Officers at the Vehicle Seat. The only problem by then was parking space and the freight forwarders were therefore advised to process their vehicle documents before arrival at the border.

Today, the situation is changed because such a parking space was initiated by the Seme command in preparation to receive these vehicles on arrival. At Seme today, the terminal can conveniently accommodate more than a thousand vehicles. It is therefore very expedient that before CGC Adeniyi MFR, PhD should leave office, there should be a revisit to this international trade anomaly. According to World Trade Organisation WTO convention, trade regulations and amendments with regard to restriction and reversal of Fiscal Policy on Trade, must be subject to process of consultation by trading public and transparency in the timing, so as to accommodate the challenges that will be associated with the directive or regulation. All the stakeholders including the National Assembly that agitated for a reversal of the obnoxious policy suspected that nothing could happen considering the fact that Col. Ali and the then President Buhari might have a class issue to settle with Benin Republic. The Senate felt otherwise as decision that affect the country generally are not taken just like that. The Senate therefore opposed the ban on importation of vehicles through Land Borders. The Senate issued the Nigeria

Customs Service to suspend, with immediate effect, the policy of an outright ban on vehicle importation through land borders. The order was based on a motion move by a federal lawmaker, Senator Jubrin Barau, which drew the attention of the Senate to the recent federal government policy. He argued that it is not economically expedient to ban the importation of vehicles through the country’s borders as the policy would lead to the loss of nearly 500,000 jobs by people who import vehicles. After the debate, the Senate demanded a suspension of the policy which took effect from January 1, 2017. The Senate also directed its committee on Customs to investigate the

circumstances which led to this recent policy decision of the federal government. The motion which was unanimously adopted also resolved to mandate the Senate Committee on Customs to investigate the circumstances that led to the sudden decision of the Federal Government to issue such a policy. Other co-sponsors of the motion include Sen. Kabiru Gaya (APC: Kano South), Sen. Shehu Sani (APC: Kaduna Central), Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (APC: Niger North) and Sen. Ali Wakil (APC: Bauchi South). The House of Representatives Committee on Governmental Affairs and Customs and Excise was mandated to investigate the decision of the Nigerian Customs Service to prohibit the importation of vehicles through land borders. While leading the debate on the Motion titled “Need to Suspend the Ban on Importation of Vehicles through Land Borders,” at the plenary session on Thursday 8th December, 2016, Hon. A.B Salame (APC: Sokoto) stated that the ban would lead to an increase in vehicle smuggling, inflation, and criminal activities at the border points. The House unanimously urged the Federal Government to immediately suspend the ban on importation of Vehicles through land borders; Urge the Federal Government to ensure that law enforcement agencies, especially those working at the borders ensure import charges through land borders are paid and remitted to the government. Urge the Federal Government to install border security and surveillance equipment for effective monitoring to address the recurring menace of smuggling and ensure maximum revenue generation on legally imported goods; Urge the Federal Government to recruit more personnel into border security agencies. However, major car dealers in both new and used vehicles who did not want their names mentioned for fear of backlash from government knocked the policy saying that it will have devastating impact on ordinary Nigerians and the economy. The dealers also noted that the decision was

also taken in the interest of asmall segment of the auto industry claim to be auto manufacturers but in fact are not manufacturing any cars in Nigeria. “Only Innoson is doing some level of automobile manufacturing in Nigeria. All the others are at best just fixing lights, bumpers and trunk and they call it manufacturing," they said. On the other hand, how is the patronage of these vehicles assembled in Nigeria. It is on news on how some of the states government blatantly refused to patronize Innoson motors including his state governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. CGC Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, you came, you saw and you have conquered. Your numerous visits to Seme border kept elevating the spirit of critical stakeholders at the border that a bilateral agreement on lifting the ban on importation of vehicles through the land border would take place. Vehicle importation through the land border created employment opportunities for many youths who are now on the streets causing trouble. These youths come to Seme border on daily basis and do some auxiliary jobs; they return home with some money with which they take care of their respective families. Apart from these people, there are still many artisans whose vocations connect with vehicles. Weare talking of panel beaters, rewires, mechanics, painters, drivers and others. These people were also affected by the policy because their business and their survival exist side by side. These are law-abiding citizens who always support government policies but this one should be given another look.     

FOU ZONE 'C' HANDS OVER N2.6B SEIZED NARCOTICS TO THE NDLEA

By Okey Iroegbu 

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘C’ Owerri of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)  has handedover seized prohibited and highly controlled consignments of illicit drugs comprising of Tramadol, Barcadin Codeine syrup, Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp), Ghanaian loud, Scottish loud, colos, and other illicit drugs/substances worth N2.63 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Owerri, Imo State for further and necessary action. This disclosure was contained in a press release issued, signed and made available to Media platforms on

Thursday, April 23, 2026 by the command's Public Relactions Officer, Rose Nche, a Chief Superintendent of Customs CSC. According to the statement, the handing over of the seized unregistered control drugs and other illicit drugs to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Two Billion,Six Hundred and Thirty Eight Million,One Hundred and Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty Five Naira only (N2,638,102,565.00) was conducted at the unit headquarters in Owerri, the Imo State capital, by the

Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri, Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun. The items handed over on April 23, 2026, are in these various quantities: 1,126,060 Tramadol Tablets; 21,245 bottles of Codeine syrups; 666 sacks of Cannabis Sativa; 19 wraps of cannabis sativa; three wraps of Scottish loud; 11 wraps of Ghanaian loud; five wraps of Colos and other controlled drugs. Comptroller Balogun, the Customs Area Controller of the Unit in a statement at the handing over, said that these items were intercepted through a strategic credible intelligence deployment, diligent surveillance and a high level of professionalism of Customs officers, who remain resolute in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities. He stressed that the misuse and illegal distribution of Tramadol, Codeine based syrups, and Cannabis Sativa have continued to pose a serious threat to public health, particularly among our youth and National Security. These substances, when abused, contribute to addiction, high-profile criminal activities, and social instability. “As a service, we recognize the grave implications and remain fully committed to combating this menace at all levels. Today’s eventunderscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service in safeguarding our nation from the dangers posed by illicit drugs and highly controlled substances,” he said. In line with the CGC’s policy thrust on Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation, Comptroller Balogun attributed the unit’s breakthrough in anti-smuggling operations to strong teamwork and effective collaboration with

the NDLEA and other sister agencies in pursuit of a common national goal. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, as the lead agency in Drug control and enforcement, plays a critical role in ensuring that these seized items are kept out of unregulated circulation. “This handover, therefore, is not just a procedural exercise; it is a demonstration of strong inter-agency synergy and a shared resolve to rid our society of harmful, highly controlled drugs and illicit substances. It also sends a clear message to those involved in illicit drug trafficking that their activities will not go unchecked,” he added. He commended officers of this Unit for their vigilance, dedication and integrity, and also appreciated the continued cooperation of the NDLEA and other critical stakeholders in securing the nation. Comptroller Balogun commended officers of the unit for their vigilance, integrity and commitment in sustaining pressure on smugglers, while also

applauding the NDLEA and other security agencies for their continued cooperation in securing the country. Receiving the seized items on behalf of the NDLEA, the Deputy Zonal Commander of Narcotics, Commander BM Monday, lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for the successful interception and reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to ensure the substances are subjected to further regulatory actions in line with its statutory mandate. He noted that the handover demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement efforts in disrupting illicit drug supply chains and safeguarding society from dangerous substances. He urged members of the public to support law enforcement agencies with timely information, adding that collective efforts are key to building a safer and healthier society by safeguarding the health of the nation.

CUSTOMS: FOU, ZONE C, OWERRI, INTERCEPTS OVER ONE MILLION TABLETS OF TRAMADOL WORTH MORE THAN A BILLION NAIRA

By Okey Iroegbu 

The Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has remained the final bus stop for economic saboteurs and smugglers in illicit drugs meant for the Southeast. In an information reaching this media from the command announced a major

breakthrough in the fight against illicit drug trafficking. Comptroller Bishir Balogun, the Customs Area Controller of the command disclosed that, through strategic intelligence and coordinated enforcement, operatives intercepted a truck loaded with over 1 Million tablets of Tramadol and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin Codeine syrup (100ml each) on March 15, 2026, along theOkada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City, Edo State. "When flagged down, the driver attempted to evade officers but

eventually parked, jumped out, and fled into nearby bushland. A subsequent search revealed the drugs cleverly concealed among legitimate goods to evade detection. The seized drugs has a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of One Billion and Fifty-Six Million Naira Only (N1,056,000,000.00)," the report reads.The Customs Area Controller emphasized that the operation reflects the Service’s intensified crackdown on the trafficking of prohibited and controlled substances, particularly

Tramadol and Codeine, which have been linked to rising cases of drug abuse and criminal activities across the nation. He reiterated the need to cut down on this illicit trade because of the negative effect it has on the profoundly the youths who are more vulnerable to the dangers of taking them. The seizure underscores the Service's unwavering commitment to curbing the smuggling of these prohibited substances which fuel drug addiction and crime nationwide. He therefore warned smugglers and criminal networks to abandon their illegal activities, as the Nigeria Customs Service will continue deploying intelligence-led strategies to safeguard public health and national security. The command is doing everything possible to get to the root of the organized smuggling in this dangerous drugs. It is for this reason that the seized consignment is in custody, with investigations underway to apprehend those responsible, the report confirms.

KAILA RETURNS TO A FAMILIAR TERRAIN

By Okey Iroegbu 

On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Seme Border Command of Nigeria Customs Service had a change of leadership as the erstwhile Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga exited the command, handing over the mantle of leadership to Comptroller Shuaibu Kaila. It could be noted in retrospect that the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone 'A', on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, decorated 239 senior officers recently elevated to higher ranks at a colourful ceremony held at the Customs Training College, Lagos. The Zonal Coordinator, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, described the mass promotion as a reward for

diligence, discipline, and integrity, crediting it to the visionary leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD. It could be noted that the Zonal Coordinator himself and Comptroller

Shuibu Kaila are also beneficiaries of the recent promotion windfall. Comptroller Kaila Shuibu might look invincible to many of the maritime media practitioners for now

because of his former areas of operation. He cut his professional teeth in anti smuggling war under retired Comptroller Gidado Mahmud who was then an Assistant Comptroller and Officer-in-charge at the restive Gbaji Bridge checkpoint under Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone 'A', Ikeja. Gidado made his debut in taming the restive youths and smugglers at this notorious

Gbaji Bridge some years ago and cannot be forgotten in a hurry. At Gbaji where he worked closely with the then CSC Shuibu Kaila now a Comptroller who was before now sighted at Eleme, Rivers State under Zone 'C' of

National border Drill, gave these smugglers bleeding nose.  The then CSC Kaila‘s air tight operation at Gbaji Bridge has remained in the annals of the unfortunate smugglers at that period. Working as the OC Operations under Gidado tamed the restiveness of the notorious Gbaji Bridge Boys at Seme/Lagos Expressway.

Anti smuggling operations took him throughout the Southwestern zone where the heat on smuggling was very pre-eminent for some obvious reasons.  Smuggling in rice has been the major area of concentration at this zone. In the recent time, this is in return with the anti bunkering of subsidized refined fuel from Nigeria into neighbouring countries to assist their economy. This was the era of smuggling in foreign parboiled rice in very large quantity of this prohibited item in large wooden boats. Another product that was trending is Frozen Poultry products which were coming from the seaport at Cotonou, Benin Republic. It was unfortunate that these products are not in demand in Benin Republic which schooled their citizens on the dangers of consuming these products. They selfishly import and encourage the smugglers to ferry these products to the available markets in Nigeria. The battle at Gbaji was so notorious that these economic saboteurs employed every means to ferry in their illicit products. They apply voodoo with charms even to harm the officers. When such is not working for them, they resort to arms and go into open gun battle with these trained officers. The end definitely left many of them wounded or even dead.  After the series of battles to calm the smugglers who normally use unapproved routes from Owode Apa and Seme Krake axis, he was redeployed to other areas of Nigeria Customs Service commands, among which was a remarkable service at the Zone ‘C’ National Border Drill, Port Harcourt, Rivers state where he made waves.  He was also spotted at Tincan Island Port; Lagos doing what he knows how to do best. Comptroller Kaila was second-in-command to the then Coordinator of Comptroller General of Customs CGC Strike Force in Zone ‘A’, Lagos before it was disbanded. A deal was made on the entry of an emerging Tiger in the anti smuggling crusade of Nigeria Customs Service by the appointment of Comptroller Kaila as the Customs Area Controller of Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone 'D' Bauchi. The information reaching this media confirmed that following the retirement of Comptroller Abubakar Lawal Umar, the mantle of leadership of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone D of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was handed over to him. The new Controller of the Unit promised a tougher period for smugglers and other perpetrators of unlawful activities within his area of responsibility. Comptroller Kaila, who said this during a brief handover ceremony at the unit’s headquarters, said smugglers are enemies of the country who do not mean well for the generality of Nigerians. Aside evading duty payment, which compromises the nation’s revenue, he blamed smugglers for trading in unregulated items like counterfeit medication, unwholesome drugs, expired food and other products without the necessary statutory approvals from designated government agencies. Comptroller Kaila also advised members of the trading community to shun all forms of illegality while urging them to feel free to visit the command for enlightenment on government import and export guidelines as ignorance of the law will not be accepted as an excuse during enforcement. His emergence as a new anti-smuggling Czar in the Northern Zone of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone 'D' Bauchi changed a lot of narrative on the fight against economic sabotage at this zone. Barely two weeks after his emergence, Comptroller Kaila vowed to vehemently fight smugglers within the 9 states of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) at Zone ‘D’ of the Nigeria Customs Service. He has recorded major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling campaign, with seizures valued at ₦82.1 million between December 8 and 19, 2025. Comptroller Kaila reiterated that upon assumption of office, he warned the smugglers to keep off. The above success was therefore recorded within the short period following his assumption of office. He said the success of the operation was achieved following a series of coordinated anti-smuggling operations carried out between December 8 and 19, 2025. The operations led to the interception of prohibited and contraband goods with a cumulative duty paid value of N82,114,567, underscoring the Unit’s intensified enforcement posture. He noted that the relatively low cases of smuggling recorded, especially in wildlife products, controlled drugs, narcotics and PMS, were the result of intensified patrols,

intelligence led operations, and the professionalism of officers and men of the unit. He added that the unit has strengthened its operations through improved collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies, enabling effective intelligence sharing and joint operations to dismantle smuggling networks across the zone. Comptroller Kaila warned traders to desist from illegal activities, assuring that the unit would not rest until smuggling is reduced to the barest minimum, while also pledging to intensify public sensitization and media engagement to raise awareness of the economic dangers of smuggling. He commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR PhD and his management team for their support, the officers of FOU Zone ‘D’ Bauchi and the media for their commitment, and reaffirming the unit’s dedication to border security, national development and economic growth. He did not relent in his effort to tidy the Zone 'D' of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service. It was reported that the command has intercepted smuggled goods valued at ₦229,422,669 in Bauchi State, in a major anti smuggling operation carried out on January 23rd, 2026. Speaking during a press briefing, the then Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Kaila, said the operation, which spanned over three weeks, was driven by credible intelligence and meticulous monitoring of suspected smuggling routes. The effort culminated in the interception of several prohibited and contraband goods believed to have entered the country through illegal routes. According to this emerging anti smuggling Czar, the items seized during the operation included one Toyota Urban Cruiser (2026 model), two Toyota Acura Cross vehicles (2025 models), a Citroën Jumper bus, and a Peugeot Boxer, which were used as means of conveyance. Other items recovered were 14,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 283 pieces of fresh donkey skin, 102 sacks of dried donkey meat, and several bales and sacks of second hand clothing. Comptroller Kaila noted that the seizures underscored the importance of intelligence driven enforcement and inter-agency collaboration in combating smuggling. He commended the officers and men of the Unit, particularly those in Zondi and Bochi, for their dedication and professionalism in curbing illicit trade along border corridors and inland routes. He warned that smuggling poses serious threats to local industries, public health, and national economic stability, stressing that it undermines legitimate businesses and deprives the government of vital revenue needed for development.

The Customs boss urged members of the public and stakeholders to support the agency by providing credible information and cooperating with security agencies to stem the tide of illegal trade. Comptroller Kaila further handed the seized donkey skins and meat over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further investigation and disposal in line with established regulations, while investigations were ongoing to apprehend those behind the smuggling network. At all situation, Comptroller Kaila expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, and his management team for their leadership acumen and continuous support to the Service, assuring that the backing would be justified through intensified revenue generation and enforcement activities.