Nigeria Customs Service Hosts High-Level Roundtable on Operational Best Practices

By Lod Onyeji 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently convened a high-level roundtable discussion on operational best practices for government-owned companies, bringing together key stakeholders from the military, paramilitary, and financial sectors.¹ Held on February 6, 2025, at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama Abuja, the event aimed to foster collaboration and share expertise on enhancing efficiency and profitability in government-owned enterprises.

Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the significance of corporate governance, financial autonomy, and operational efficiency in managing government-owned enterprises. He highlighted the NCS's own experience operating four companies, each contributing to economic growth, job creation, and service delivery.

Expert speakers, including Rear Admiral Suleiman Abdullahi and Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Umar (Rtd.), provided valuable insights into the establishment, management, and challenges faced by government-owned companies. The discussions focused on the delicate balance between government oversight and business autonomy, as well as the importance of understanding the legal and structural frameworks of such companies.

The roundtable discussion was timely, given the current efforts to enhance efficiency and profitability in government-owned enterprises while aligning with broader governance structures. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring government-owned enterprises remain viable contributors to national economic growth.

As the NCS Director of Legal Services, Smart Akande, Esq., noted in his vote of thanks, the event provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to share perspectives and expertise, ultimately enriching the understanding of operational best practices for government-owned companies.