CGC Adeniyi Commits to Strengthening Customs Presence at Snake Island Free Zone with New Command
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged to bolster regulatory oversight and operational efficiency at the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ) by establishing a dedicated Customs Area Command.
The CGC made this commitment during an official working visit to the SIIFZ on Wednesday, 30 April 2025. He commended the level of infrastructural and commercial investment on the island, lauding the operators—Nigerdock, a leading maritime and logistics firm—for their robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“We are just at the stage where we are finalising all the documentation,” Adeniyi revealed during the tour. “I am very sure that by the next time I visit this place, I’ll be received by a Customs Area Controller.”
The Customs boss emphasised that the establishment of a full-fledged Customs Command at the SIIFZ is imminent and strategic. He noted that the initiative would significantly enhance the Service’s regulatory reach, promote seamless trade facilitation, and further the federal government’s economic objectives.
Highlighting the significance of public-private partnerships, CGC Adeniyi stressed the need for closer collaboration between Customs and Free Zone operators.
“We are looking forward to a symbiotic relationship—one that will benefit the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Nigerdock as a corporate entity,” he stated.
On his part, the Managing Director of SIIFZ, Mr Semiu Akorede, expressed deep appreciation for the support consistently provided by the Nigeria Customs Service. He noted that the CGC’s visit was a major milestone for the operational evolution of the zone.
“Your coming here today is going to add a lot of value,” Akorede said. “We have enjoyed the support of Customs officers working with us here, as well as those who conduct operations at the facility. I can confirm to you that we have been working together without any rancour.”
He further emphasised the positive impact of consolidating Customs’ activities within the Free Zone. “The consolidation of the activities we are asking for is going to assist in ensuring that we have a seamless operation moving forward,” he concluded.
The establishment of a Customs Area Command at SIIFZ is expected to streamline processes, strengthen border control within the zone, and support the government’s broader agenda of ease of doing business in Nigeria.
