The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has advocated the full adoption of a “Nigeria First” policy to strengthen cross-border trade and enhance national security.
Adeniyi made the call while delivering the keynote address at the annual conference of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA), held in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
Speaking on the topic “Cross-Border Trade and Security Implications on the Nigerian Economy: Taking Advantage of Global Trade Dynamics”, the CGC underscored the importance of aligning trade facilitation efforts with national security strategies. He revealed that Nigeria’s trade volume reached ₦196.94 trillion in 2024—a 179.3% increase from the previous year—despite ongoing security concerns across various regions.
“Nigeria’s economic growth depends on our ability to strike a balance between enabling trade and ensuring security,” he said.
Highlighting the performance of the Customs Service, Adeniyi disclosed that the agency collected ₦6.1 trillion in revenue in 2024, surpassing its target by 20.2%. He described the achievement as evidence of the Service’s adaptability and innovation amid a challenging operational landscape.
Adeniyi also provided a regional breakdown of security threats affecting trade. In the Northeast, insurgency continues to undermine established trade corridors. However, international collaborations like the World Customs Organisation’s Project SPC++ are helping to establish alternative trade routes in conflict zones.
In the Northwest, he pointed to the disruptive effects of banditry and kidnapping on mining activities, and flagged cattle rustling as a major blow to the livestock industry and its associated value chains, including meat and leather production.
Addressing the Southeast, the CGC noted that secessionist-related unrest has had a damaging effect on commercial centers in Aba, Onitsha, and Nnewi. Meanwhile, in the Southwest, the smuggling of fuel, arms, and prohibited goods remains a major concern. He disclosed that contraband valued at ₦35.29 billion was seized in 2024, with another ₦7.7 billion worth intercepted in the first quarter of 2025.
“These challenges present us with a choice: to remain reactive or to convert our experience into strategic advantage within the AfCFTA framework,” he said.
Adeniyi explained that the Nigeria First initiative is already being implemented within the Customs Service, particularly through the exclusive procurement of locally assembled vehicles for operations in 2025—a move aimed at supporting local industries and conserving foreign exchange.
He outlined a three-phase strategy to secure and optimise Nigeria’s borders. Short-term plans include the ongoing modernisation of major border posts like Seme-Krake (Benin), Jibia-Maradi (Niger), and Mfum-Ekok (Cameroon). Medium-term goals focus on establishing secure trade corridors with surveillance and emergency response features. Long-term strategies aim to create Special Economic Zones in border communities to stimulate local economies.
The CG of Customs also commented on global trade disruptions, referencing the recent 14% retaliatory tariff imposed by the United States on Nigerian non-oil exports. He described the move as a call for Nigeria to diversify its trade markets and embrace African trade platforms like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which facilitates intra-African transactions using local currencies.
“With deliberate implementation of these principles, Nigeria can become the secure trade gateway to West Africa, leveraging our security investments to gain competitive advantage in both regional and global markets,” Adeniyi concluded.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; and the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire.
