SEREC Commends Customs Boss Adeniyi, Calls For Sustained Action Against Cartels, Smuggling In Trade Sector

SEREC Commends Customs Boss Adeniyi, Calls For Sustained Action Against Cartels, Smuggling In Trade Sector

Fwdr Dr.Eugen Nweke Head,Research SEREC

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Shipping Environment and Regulatory Compliance Forum (SEREC) has lauded the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his proactive policy thrusts aimed at tackling cartels and smuggling within Nigeria’s international trade and maritime shipping space.

In a bulletin issued on Sunday, SEREC emphasized that the CGC’s focus on trade facilitation, revenue optimization, digital transformation, and stakeholder engagement has shown promising results in curbing the long-standing scourge of smuggling and cartel activities, particularly within bonded terminals.

According to the bulletin signed by SEREC’s Head of Operations, Fwdr Eugene Nweke Rff, recent high-profile seizures of illicit and unwholesome cargo have spotlighted the scale and sophistication of criminal networks exploiting the nation’s trade corridors. These cartels, the bulletin noted, often operate through deeply entrenched insider connections within regulatory agencies and bonded terminals, turning them into trafficking conduits.

However, SEREC believes that the current Customs administration’s strategic shift toward port automation and ICT-driven operations could prove to be a game-changer.
“Digital transformation reduces opportunities for cartels to exploit manual systems, while port automation enables efficient tracking of cargo, making smuggling more difficult,” the bulletin read.

The forum outlined five critical benefits of the current administration’s approach:

1. Enhanced transparency and accountability through digitized processes;

2. Streamlined customs clearance procedures promoting legitimate trade;

3. Improved revenue collection mechanisms, closing financial leakages;

4. Real-time monitoring of cargo movement to thwart illegal diversions;

5. Deepened stakeholder collaboration, fostering trust and shared responsibility.

SEREC expressed strong support for the CGC’s ongoing efforts and called for continued investment in digital systems and inter-agency collaboration. It also recommended a policy review to plug systemic loopholes that enable cartel operations.

“The sustained use of ICT trade tools and applications is already enhancing customs operations and curbing corruption,” the bulletin added, while urging all stakeholders to rally behind reforms that promote transparency and a secure trading environment.

In conclusion, SEREC reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Nigeria Customs Service to build a safer and more efficient international trade system, stating that responsible partnership and collaboration are key to overcoming systemic threats posed by cartels and smuggling.