Importers, Freight Forwarders, Laud Customs CG for the Suspension of 4 per cent FOB on Imports
By Nifemi Coker
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been widely commended for persuading the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the 4 per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports.
The decision has been hailed as a major relief for importers and licensed Customs agents, mitigating potential disruptions in the maritime sector.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony of the Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year Award 2024 in Lagos, former National President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu JP, lauded Adeniyi’s instrumental role in securing the policy suspension.
Shittu, who chaired the occasion, described the CGC as a true leader of both Customs officers and licensed agents, recalling how Adeniyi’s counsel was invaluable during his tenure at ANLCA.
He congratulated the CGC on receiving an award from maritime journalists, whom he referred to as the sector’s watchdogs.
Chairman of the Customs Consultative Council, Alhaji Hakeem Olanrewaju, also extolled Adeniyi’s leadership qualities and congratulated him on his recognition by the maritime media. Olanrewaju urged licensed Customs agents to adapt to the evolving industry landscape by embracing positive attitudinal changes.
In a similar vein, ANLCA Vice President, Prince Olusegun Oduntan, praised the CGC for his grassroots approach to leadership, emphasizing his responsiveness to stakeholders’ concerns. He reaffirmed ANLCA’s commitment to collaborating with the NCS under Adeniyi’s stewardship.
National President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, provided personal insight into Adeniyi’s character, recalling their days in university. He described the CGC as a natural leader, deeply patriotic, and exceptionally humble, highlighting his continued engagement with longtime associates despite his high-ranking position.
Representing maritime journalists, Mr. Oke Ibeke commended Adeniyi for his outstanding performance, crediting him with reshaping Customs operations in revenue generation, anti-smuggling measures, and trade facilitation.
He noted that this was the first time journalists across multiple media outlets had collectively chosen to honor a head of a government agency—a testament to Adeniyi’s impactful leadership.
Ibeke further remarked that President Bola Tinubu must have recognized Adeniyi’s exceptional administrative abilities before appointing him as CGC, stressing that he has not disappointed in his role.
He stated the crucial role of Customs in national economic development and called on the Federal Government to grant the Service greater authority and political backing to enhance its effectiveness.
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