The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) has called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to urgently review the operations of bonded terminals across the country. The group also urged Customs to continue pushing for digital reforms and full port automation to tackle the growing problem of smuggling, revenue leakages, and corruption in the maritime and trade sectors.
SEREC made the call in its latest bulletin released in Lagos and signed by its Head of Research, Dr Eugene Nweke. The group praised the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his ongoing reforms, especially his commitment to digital transformation, trade transparency, and collaboration with stakeholders in the industry.
Dr Nweke said the reforms are crucial in breaking the grip of cartels and criminal syndicates that have taken advantage of loopholes in the system. According to him, the increasing automation of Customs processes is a “game-changer” that can disrupt illegal networks and strengthen Nigeria’s economy if sustained. He said the move to digital operations is no longer a choice but a necessity for securing Nigeria’s trade corridors.
He warned that many bonded terminals in Nigeria are now being used by what he described as “merchants of death.” He accused some of these terminal operators of collaborating with licensed Customs agents and insiders within regulatory agencies to smuggle banned goods, especially illicit pharmaceuticals, into the country while evading Customs duties.
SEREC threw its weight behind Adeniyi’s tough warning that any bonded terminal caught aiding smuggling will have its licence revoked. However, the group insisted that beyond threats, there is a need for a complete policy review and audit of all bonded terminal operations across Nigeria. This, it said, is necessary to clean up the system and restore integrity to port operations.
SEREC acknowledged the progress recorded under Adeniyi’s leadership in recent months, especially in intelligence gathering, anti-smuggling enforcement, and improved collaboration between Customs and other security agencies. The group said these efforts have boosted stakeholder confidence and led to recent large seizures of illegal goods.
The Centre identified five key areas where the Customs Service has made significant impact. First is digital transformation, where automation of processes has reduced human interference, making cargo traceable and operations more transparent. Second is port automation, which enables real-time cargo tracking and has helped in curbing smuggling. Third is trade facilitation, where Customs has reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks that used to be exploited by cartels. Fourth is revenue optimisation, which has improved government revenue and blocked leakages. Lastly, SEREC praised Customs for engaging stakeholders to build trust and foster cooperation in enforcement.
However, SEREC said that despite these achievements, smuggling cartels remain dangerous and adaptable. The group warned that reforms must continue at a faster pace to keep up with the tactics of criminal syndicates. Dr Nweke urged the Customs Service to invest more in digital solutions, real-time data analytics, and closer coordination with other government agencies.
SEREC made four clear recommendations to strengthen Customs reforms. The first is to expand digital transformation and eliminate manual operations in port processes. Second is to deepen collaboration between Customs, regulatory bodies, and intelligence agencies to fight smuggling more effectively. Third is to conduct a comprehensive review of policies guiding bonded terminals to ensure they meet international standards. The fourth is to promote transparency and accountability in all Customs activities to boost public confidence and attract investments in the maritime and trade sectors.
Dr Nweke said, “Cartels are smart and they evolve every day. Nigeria must be smarter and faster by using technology, intelligence, and policy reforms to strengthen our Customs operations. If we stay committed, we can have a Customs administration that protects the economy, stops smuggling, and attracts foreign investments.”
The Nigeria Customs Service, led by Adewale Adeniyi, has focused on trade facilitation, revenue collection, anti-smuggling, and securing Nigeria’s borders. These efforts align with the objectives of national policies like the Petroleum Industry Act and the government’s broader economic recovery agenda.
