BSHIR ADEWALE ADENIYI ‘MFR’
BY GODWIN OBI
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has responded to a heated confrontation at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Cargo (MMAC) NAHCO Shed on March 6, 2025, after a miscommunication sparked a dramatic showdown between officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and NCS officers.
According to sources, the dispute erupted over a mix-up involving the movement of equipment and seating arrangements, which escalated quickly, drawing the attention of senior authorities. This incident, though isolated, has highlighted the ongoing need for greater collaboration between agencies working in the aviation and logistics sectors.
In a statement, the NCS emphasized its unwavering commitment to upholding the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) Safe Framework of Standards, which stresses the importance of Customs-to-Customs, Customs-to-Other Government Agencies (OGAs), and Customs-to-Businesses partnerships. The Service reiterated that fostering seamless communication and operational harmony between agencies is not just a priority—it’s crucial for boosting trade, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving the nation’s economic growth.
“The NCS remains fully dedicated to cultivating a cooperative and constructive environment in which all stakeholders can work together toward the greater good of the country,” the statement reads. “Our goal is to ensure smooth, efficient trade facilitation, while also maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.”
As part of this renewed focus, the NCS highlighted that both the NAHCO and SAHCO Import & Export Warehouses, which operate as licensed Customs Bonded Warehouses, are in full compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, particularly Section 122. According to Section 127, these warehouses remain under the exclusive control of the NCS.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the NCS continues to take steps to prevent further incidents and strengthen inter-agency protocols, ensuring the smooth operation of Customs-controlled areas at all times.
The NCS further stressed the importance of mutual respect and adherence to due process, urging all stakeholders involved to work together, putting the nation’s interests and economic growth at the forefront of their operations.
With the incident now under review, the NCS stands firm in its resolve to prevent any recurrence, maintaining that a unified approach is vital to safeguard the integrity of the nation’s logistics and customs processes.
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2025-03-07