Leke Abejide Leads Customs Retreat to Strengthen Legislative Oversight, Revenue Generation and Nigeria’s Economic Growth
Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, has led lawmakers to an international retreat aimed at strengthening legislative oversight, enhancing Customs reforms, boosting revenue generation, improving border security and accelerating economic growth in Nigeria.
Rep. Leke Abejide (Middle) and Other Committee Members
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, has reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to strengthening the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) through legislative reforms, strategic oversight and capacity development aimed at boosting revenue generation, enhancing border security and driving economic growth.
Abejide made the commitment while leading members of the House Committee on Customs and Excise to the maiden International Retreat and Capacity Building Workshop organised to deepen lawmakers’ understanding of customs administration and emerging global trends in border management.
The retreat, themed “Advancing Legislative Oversight in Customs and Excise,” brought together members of the committee in what participants described as a landmark engagement designed to shape the future of customs administration and strengthen the institutional capacity of lawmakers responsible for oversight of the sector.
Speaking during the workshop, Abejide explained that the retreat was conceived to equip committee members with the knowledge and expertise required to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities, particularly in the areas of oversight, policy formulation and legislative reforms affecting the Nigeria Customs Service.
Rep. Leke Abejide Speaking at the Retreat
According to him, the programme provided a platform for lawmakers to gain deeper insights into the strategic role of the Customs Service in national development, revenue mobilisation, trade facilitation, border protection and economic stability.
He noted that a better understanding of customs operations would enable legislators to support policies and reforms capable of improving efficiency within the service and enhancing its contribution to national growth.
The lawmaker stressed that the training would expose participants to international best practices in customs administration, modern border governance systems, digital transformation strategies and emerging technologies shaping customs operations across the world.
He added that discussions at the retreat focused on building an adaptable workforce, strengthening institutional frameworks and promoting innovation that aligns with global standards.
Abejide observed that effective customs administration remains critical to Nigeria’s economic aspirations, particularly at a time when government is seeking to diversify revenue sources, facilitate trade and strengthen border security against transnational crimes.
He maintained that enhanced legislative oversight and well-informed policy interventions would help position the Nigeria Customs Service to achieve greater efficiency, increase government revenue and contribute more significantly to national development.
The House Committee Chairman further assured stakeholders that the committee would continue to work closely with the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant institutions to promote reforms that support operational excellence and global competitiveness.
He emphasized that the committee remains focused on advancing legislation that would strengthen the service, encourage innovation, improve trade facilitation and consolidate recent gains recorded in revenue generation and border management.
The retreat is expected to provide lawmakers with the tools required to support a modern Customs Service capable of meeting contemporary challenges while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.