ACG Babandede Pledges Renewed Push For Customs Reform, Digital Modernisation

By Roland Ekama 

The Assistant Comptroller‑General and Western Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Muhammad Babandede, has dedicated his Excellence Platinum Award to Nigerians and officers under his command while renewing his commitment to fast‑tracking customs reform and digital modernisation across the Service.

Babandede spoke on Thursday in Lagos after receiving the “Most Outstanding Zonal Coordinator/Assistant Comptroller‑General of the Year 2026” award from the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC), led by National Coordinator Chief Osita Chukwu.

Thanking the coalition for the recognition, he said the honour would strengthen efforts to implement Comptroller‑General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s reform agenda, with priority on modernising customs operations, embracing digital platforms, and deploying technology‑driven border management systems to improve efficiency, transparency and revenue mobilisation.

“I dedicate this award to Nigerians and the officers whose dedication underpins our achievements in the Western Zone,” Babandede said.

“We will continue to institutionalise digital solutions, enhance process automation and strengthen integrity to facilitate legitimate trade and secure our borders.”

However, Babandede received the award plaque and reiterated that the NCS remains committed to reforms that modernise customs administration, promote trade competitiveness, safeguard national security and sustain economic growth under Comptroller‑General Adeniyi’s leadership.

Earlier, while presenting the award, the National Coordinator of SNFFIEC, Chief Osita Chukwu, said the coalition selected Babandede following what it described as a comprehensive assessment of his leadership, operational standards, and commitment to customs modernisation.

SNFFIEC boss said it selected Babandede after a rigorous assessment of his leadership and operational impact, praising his advocacy for transparency, digitalisation and technology adoption in customs processes.

The coalition citation highlighted initiatives in trade facilitation, strengthened border security, knowledge management and human capacity development that have supported revenue targets and improved service delivery.

The group leader stressed that the honour was based strictly on merit and careful evaluation of his performance, adding that the award carried no monetary value but was conferred in recognition of his outstanding service and contributions to the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation’s economic development.