By Rosemary Ugiomoh
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has officially opened the Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytics Centre for Excellence 
at the Apapa Area Command, marking a significant milestone in the country’s customs modernization efforts.
The centre is designed to enhance data-driven operations, improve risk management, and boost operational efficiency.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on March 10, 2026, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the critical role of data in global trade and customs management, stating, “Data is the new currency of international trade, and we value data a lot because it is the backbone of our risk management engine.
” He stressed that credible data is essential for effective customs administration and encouraged officers to leverage the centre’s capabilities to drive operational outcomes.
The facility houses the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) and the Command’s clinic, reflecting the Service’s commitment to technology-driven enforcement and officer welfare. 
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, praised the initiative, saying it aligns with the Comptroller-General’s vision to leverage modern technology and analytics to combat smuggling, secure the nation, and facilitate legitimate trade.
After the ceremony, CGC Adeniyi toured the facility, inspected the scanning site, and assured compliant traders and investors of continued trade facilitation and predictability in cargo clearance processes. The centre is expected to significantly enhance the NCS’s ability to manage risks, detect anomalies, and improve overall customs operations .
