The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has sought the support of customs officers for the ongoing amendment of the Nigeria Customs Act 2023.
Chairman of the committee, Mr Leke Abejide, confirmed this on Thursday during an oversight visit to the Murtala Muhammed Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He clarified that the media misquoted the committee, claiming they proposed a four-year tenure for the Comptroller General of Customs. He said that was untrue.
Abejide explained that during the 9th assembly, they proposed that the president appoint a career officer, not below assistant comptroller general, for four years.
He said customs officials modified the proposal, stating it contradicted civil service rules, which led to its exclusion from the final version.
He added that the police service retained their amendment, which the president eventually signed into law without issue.
Abejide confirmed that the committee would revisit and reintroduce the provision into the current amendment of the Act.
He noted that appointing an assistant comptroller as comptroller general could force senior officers to retire, creating unnecessary exits from the service.
He stressed the need for amendment, saying an officer appointed today but retiring tomorrow would still serve a full four-year term.
He called for customs officers’ support to help the committee meet its objectives and align customs practices with other paramilitary agencies.
Abejide stated the ongoing review was constitutional, adding that Section 18, Subsection 89, empowers the house to verify customs records.
He said Mr. Michael Awe’s tenure was extended by the President for one year, based on performance and nomination from the South-West.
In his remarks, Awe, who is the area controller of the Murtala Muhammed Command, said the command generated N181 billion in 2024, up from N90.3 billion in 2023.
He reported a revenue of N45.7 billion in Q1 2025, slightly higher than the N45.2 billion generated in the same period of 2024.
Awe highlighted major anti-smuggling achievements in 2024, including several significant seizures across multiple categories.
Seized items included Tramadol Hydrochloride (250mg & 225mg), 50 rounds of 9mm live ammunition and various military gear and equipment.
Other items included drone packages, Canadian Cannabis Sativa, dried sea cucumber and dried donkey genitals.
Awe described the 2024 seizure of 55 Jojef Tomahawk Semi-Automatic shotguns as the year’s most notable.
The shotguns were concealed in shower faucet packages. Their Duty Paid Value brought a total of 2024 seizures to N10.6 billion.
Awe said the command continued its strong performance in anti-smuggling activities in 2025.
Recent seizures included Nigeria Immigration camouflage uniforms, walkie-talkies, a Colorado CAT leaf and a Tippmann Semi-Automatic paintball marker.
With support from the Wildlife Justice Commission, the command carried out two operations in Lekki, Lagos State.
These led to the arrest of five suspects and seizure of 3,765kg of pangolin scales, worth N772.3 million in Paid Value.
He said investigations were ongoing and further arrests may follow, with total seizures now valued at N904.8 million.
Awe stated the command maintained strong partnerships with stakeholders, sister agencies and other collaborators.
He cited stakeholder collaboration as key to completing the new Sports Arena and the remodelled Quarter Guard Post.
Despite successes, Awe outlined operational challenges, including frequent network downtimes that hinder trade facilitation.
He added that the lack of scanners impedes efficient cargo inspections and examinations.
We also noted limited heavy lifting equipment, which delays cargo processing at terminals.
He said insufficient office space and barracks for officers remain key issues affecting the command.
Awe expressed hope that legislative support, policy reform and adequate funding would resolve many of these challenges.
