Senate Hails Customs Reforms, Backs Adeniyi’s Technology-Driven Modernisation Agenda

The Senate Committee on Customs and Excise has commended the ongoing reforms at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), describing the technology-driven transformation under Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, as evidence of prudent investment of public resources.

The lawmakers gave the commendation on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during a two-day retreat between the NCS and the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise in Abuja.

The retreat was convened to strengthen legislative oversight and review the implementation of the Nigeria Customs Service Act.

As part of the programme, members of the committee toured the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, where they inspected ongoing modernisation projects and received briefings on the Service’s technology-driven operations, infrastructure upgrades and institutional reforms.

Speaking after the tour, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise, Senator Isah Jibrin, said the visit provided lawmakers with an opportunity to assess the transformation taking place within the Service firsthand.

“We have heard about these reforms from afar, but today we have seen them ourselves. The transformation taking place in the NCS is remarkable, particularly in the deployment of technology, modern infrastructure and operational innovations that are repositioning the Service for greater efficiency,” Jibrin said.

The senator said the retreat had also given lawmakers greater confidence that funds appropriated to the Customs Service were being used for their intended purposes.

“When the NCS comes before the National Assembly seeking approval for capital expenditure, we now have a clearer understanding of what those resources are being used for,” he said.

“The reforms we have seen today clearly demonstrate that government funds are being invested responsibly to strengthen Customs operations, improve trade facilitation and enhance national revenue.”

Adeniyi: Technology Driving Customs Transformation.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, attributed the progress recorded by the Service to the deliberate deployment of technology across its administrative, operational and enforcement activities.

According to him, the NCS began its digital transformation by introducing technology into personnel administration, staff postings and pension management before expanding its use to core Customs operations.

“Technology helps us to work faster and more efficiently. We started by deploying digital solutions into personnel administration, postings, staff matters and pensions before extending them to our core operational responsibilities, and we will continue until virtually every aspect of Customs operations is technology-driven,” Adeniyi said.

He disclosed that the Service was also deploying advanced technology to strengthen its enforcement capabilities, including virtual shooting simulators, geospatial intelligence and digital surveillance systems.

“We are deploying geospatial intelligence to map our patrol routes and position our checkpoints more efficiently across the country. Combined with modern training facilities such as our virtual shooting range, these innovations will significantly strengthen our enforcement capabilities,” he said.

The Customs boss further noted that several of the Service’s modernisation initiatives were backed by provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act.

He listed the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Advance Ruling, Time Release Study, scanner deployment and other technology-driven initiatives among the reforms being implemented to improve Customs administration and facilitate legitimate trade.

“The law requires us to modernise our operations. Initiatives such as the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, Advance Ruling, Time Release Study, scanner deployment and other technology-driven reforms are all backed by the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act,” Adeniyi said.

“Our responsibility is to continue implementing them to support the Federal Government reform agenda.”

The Senate committee’s endorsement is expected to further strengthen collaboration between the legislature and the NCS as the Service continues its drive towards a more digital, efficient and transparent Customs administration.