The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a significant increase in revenue following the assumption of office by Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun as Acting Customs Area Controller late last year.
Since taking charge, Adigun has introduced stricter operational discipline, strengthened enforcement and enhanced trade compliance measures, resulting in what officers describe as all-time high revenue collections for the command.
Adigun, who previously served as Deputy Comptroller of Revenue at the Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne, is credited with plugging revenue leakages and improving duty assessment processes. At KLT, his strategy has focused on tightening controls while ensuring that legitimate trade is facilitated.
“The command is recording higher revenue because processes are now more disciplined and compliance-driven,” a senior officer said. “Loopholes are being closed and officers are more accountable.”
Beyond revenue generation, Adigun has reinforced enforcement operations through intelligence-led strategies aimed at curbing smuggling and illicit trade. He has consistently stressed that revenue growth must go hand in hand with compliance.
“We cannot allow revenue gains to be eroded by non-compliance,” Adigun said during a recent briefing, emphasising the need to balance enforcement with efficient trade facilitation.
Stakeholders say the impact of the reforms is already noticeable. A freight forwarder operating at the terminal noted that although enforcement has become tighter, clearance procedures are now smoother.
“There is more structure now. The balance between control and facilitation is improving,” he said.
Adigun has also prioritised engagement with port operators, freight forwarders, clearing agents and sister agencies to improve operational efficiency at the command. According to him, effective customs administration must be built on collaboration as well as regulation.
“Customs is not just about enforcement; it is about collaboration with port operators, freight forwarders and other agencies to build a system that works,” he said.
Despite the gains recorded, structural challenges persist. KLT currently relies largely on cargo diversions from Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, a situation that limits its growth potential. Clearing agents have therefore called on the Customs leadership to attract direct vessel calls to the terminal.
“We cannot continue to depend on goodwill diversions,” a stakeholder said. “Direct vessel calls to KLT will reduce pressure on Apapa and Tin Can ports and give importers more options.”
Adigun has acknowledged the concern and disclosed that efforts are ongoing to increase direct vessel traffic to the command. He is also reviewing infrastructure requirements, as growing cargo volumes are placing pressure on existing facilities.
“Sufficient space, better equipment and smarter processes are required to match revenue growth with operational excellence,” he told stakeholders, adding that the Comptroller-General of Customs’ administration is exploring expansion and modernisation options.
Officers at the command say staff morale has improved under the new leadership, driven by clearer targets and stronger accountability.
“Revenue has gone up, enforcement is stronger and everyone is more alert,” a junior officer said.
Stakeholders have also described Adigun’s appointment as timely and strategic. A freight forwarder referred to him as “a round peg in a round hole,” noting that the ongoing reforms are giving the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command a stronger operational identity.
Adigun’s approach aligns with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ broader modernisation agenda, which prioritises efficiency, transparency and revenue optimisation across the service.
