Ibadan, Nigeria – June 11, 2025 – In a renewed drive to streamline trade logistics and ease cargo movement across the country, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has embarked on a strategic inspection of the Ibadan Rail Terminal and the adjoining bonded warehouse facilities in Oyo State.
The visit, which comes amid efforts by the Federal Government to decongest seaports and strengthen inland dry port operations, focused on assessing the readiness of the Ibadan terminal to handle increased volumes of imports and exports via rail transport.
During the inspection, CG Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with the ongoing infrastructural upgrades and noted that the rail terminal has the potential to become a major hub for customs-cleared goods destined for the South-West and Northern Nigeria.
“What we are seeing here in Ibadan aligns with the national trade facilitation agenda. Once fully operational, this terminal will not only ease pressure on Apapa and Tin Can ports but also reduce turnaround time and cost of doing business,” he stated.
The Customs boss also visited the Ajoda New Town Bonded Terminal, where he held discussions with stakeholders on improving operational efficiency, enhancing cargo security, and deploying digital tools to reduce delays in cargo clearance.
According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service is collaborating closely with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and private terminal operators to fully integrate rail transport into the customs clearance system, thereby accelerating goods movement across the country.
Adeniyi emphasised that the Customs Service under his leadership is committed to promoting regional trade and improving revenue generation by plugging leakages and embracing technology-driven customs operations.
He was accompanied on the inspection by top Customs officials from the South-West Zone, terminal managers, and representatives of freight forwarders and licensed customs agents, who applauded the CG’s visit as a sign of the administration’s hands-on approach to solving logistics challenges.
Trade experts say the revitalisation of rail terminals like Ibadan is crucial to diversifying Nigeria’s transport architecture and boosting non-oil exports in line with the Federal Government’s economic diversification policy.