By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has urged Nigerians to embrace unity, national service and spiritual reflection as it hosted Ramadan Iftar gatherings bringing together officers of the Service, government officials and key stakeholders.
The events, held in Abuja as part of activities marking the holy month of Ramadan, underscored the Service’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and shared values among its personnel and partners.
The first gathering took place on March 4, 2026, at Dunes Hotel Abuja, where the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, hosted senior government officials, diplomats, captains of industry, security chiefs and members of the Customs management team, both serving and retired.
Representatives of sister security agencies and senior media executives also attended the event.
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Welcoming guests, Adeniyi described Ramadan as a period of reflection, discipline and spiritual renewal, urging Nigerians to apply the lessons of the season to their daily lives and national responsibilities.
“Ramadan is a period that requires absolute dedication to faith. It is a time when we turn to God in prayer and seek guidance in all that we do,” he said.
He encouraged Nigerians to carry the spirit of the season into their relationships and professional engagements, especially in service to the nation.
The Customs chief stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends on unity and shared responsibility, noting that the commitment of all stakeholders remains essential to achieving lasting peace and economic stability.
“This period calls for total dedication to the service of the country. We must remain united in our commitment to national unity, in our pursuit of economic prosperity and in our determination to strengthen peace and progress in Nigeria,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Home Finance at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Ali Muhammad, commended the leadership of the NCS for advancing reforms aimed at strengthening trade administration and revenue generation.
He particularly highlighted the Service’s increasing adoption of technology to modernise customs processes, pointing to the indigenous digital trade platform, B’Odogwu digital trade platform, as a major step toward improving efficiency and transparency in cargo clearance.
Muhammad said the reforms align with the Federal Government’s economic recovery agenda and are expected to enhance trade facilitation, reduce bottlenecks and improve Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
In her goodwill message, the Managing Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Jummai Umar-Ajijola, also commended the Customs leadership for promoting innovation and institutional reforms within the Service.
She referenced a recent international technology conference in Abu Dhabi where the NCS showcased the B’Odogwu digital platform, attracting interest from global participants who praised the Service’s technology-driven approach to customs administration.
As part of the Ramadan activities, the management of the NCS also hosted another Iftar dinner at the Service Headquarters in Maitama on March 5, organised by Trade Modernisation Project Limited.
The gathering brought together officers and personnel of the Service in an atmosphere of unity and reflection as Muslim officers observed the breaking of their fast.
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Addressing officers at the event, Adeniyi reminded them of the significance of the season, describing it as a time for reflection, self-improvement and supplication to God.
“I pray that the Almighty will answer all our prayers. We pray that during the remaining days of Ramadan and Lent, all our supplications will be accepted,” he said.
He further urged officers to demonstrate compassion and unity during the fasting period and beyond.
“We should also be reminded that during this period, we are expected to demonstrate love and affection for each other. I want to wish you a remarkable and memorable fasting period, and may we witness many more Ramadans and Lenten seasons,” he added.
