The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has announced plans to establish a full-fledged Customs Area Command at the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ).
This development was revealed during his official visit to the facility on Wednesday. The move is aimed at deepening customs’ structural presence and operational efficiency within the strategic maritime zone.
CGC Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with the level of private investment and infrastructure on the island, describing Nigerdock—the operators of SIIFZ—as exemplary in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“We are just at the stage where we are finalising all the documentation,” he said. “And I am very sure that by the next time I visit this place, I’ll be received by a Customs Area Controller.”, he noted.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration between government agencies and the private sector, Adeniyi emphasized the potential mutual benefits.
“We are looking forward to a symbiotic relationship, that which will benefit the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Nigerdock as a corporate entity,” he added, signaling a new phase of regulatory engagement with the Free Zone.
Responding to the CGC’s remarks, the Managing Director of SIIFZ, Semiu Akorede, expressed optimism about the impact of the proposed Command. “Your coming here today is going to add a lot of value,” he said.
While appreciating the support of the Customs officers, Akorede concluded, “We have enjoyed the support of Customs officers working with us, and the consolidation of activities we are asking for is going to assist in ensuring that we have a seamless operation moving forward.”
