40% of Customs management to retire in 2024- Adeniyi 

...Unveils human resource development plan

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi has expressed concern over what he described as unprecedented rate of leadership transition within the Service in recent years.

Speaking on Wednesday at the ongoing Comptroller General of Customs conference in Abuja, Adeniiyi said the Service experienced a 60% management turnover in 2022, followed by 36% in 2023.

He added that this year, the Service will experience a 76% change in its management composition with an additional 40% expected to retire in 2024.

His words, “A significant internal challenge we must address transparently is the unprecedented rate of leadership transitions within our Service. The statistics tell a compelling story: we saw 60% of our management team exit in 2022, 36% in 2023, and this year, we will experience a 76% change in our management composition. With projections indicating another 40% of our management staff retiring in 2024, we recognize the urgent need for strategic intervention.”

To mitigate the potential impact of this mass departure, Adeniyi said the NCS has launched an ambitious human resource development plan that will address both immediate and long-term needs.

The plan, according to him, includes accelerated career progression opportunities for deserving officers, ensuring that talent and dedication are appropriately rewarded as well as the establishment of a Customs University.

He said, “Most significantly, we are making a historic investment in human capital infrastructure through the establishment of a Customs University – a testament to our commitment to building a knowledge-driven service.

“These initiatives, aligned with the World Customs Organization’s focus on youth leadership development, complement our comprehensive talent management program that identifies and prepares promising officers for leadership roles, ensuring the Service’s continued stability and effectiveness.

While grappling with leadership transition, Adeniyi said the NCS has projected a reduction of physical examination of goods at the nation’s port by 2025.

He said, “This period of transition, while challenging, presents us with unique opportunities to reshape our future. Looking ahead to 2025, we have crafted ambitious yet attainable goals that build on our current momentum.

“We aim to dramatically reduce physical inspection rates through enhanced risk management systems, fully deploy our e-customs infrastructure, and expand our Authorized Economic Operator program. Our focus extends to strengthening regional integration through improved border cooperation and deepening stakeholder engagement through regular consultative forums.

“These objectives are not just operational targets; they are our vision for a modern customs administration that effectively balances trade facilitation, revenue collection, and security. The achievement of these goals, particularly during this period of leadership transition, will require even stronger partnerships with all stakeholders – from government agencies to private sector operators. ”