Okorocha/Ugwoke’s book valuable to nation’s development discourse – CGC Adeniyi
...there is no secret behind Customs revenue improvement
By Gboyega Oni
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has stated that the publication of a book, titled Customs Operational Revolution & Maritime Development Under President Tinubu, is not only timely but also valuable to the nation’s development discourse.
The book, which was unveiled during a seminar on Thursday, 18 June, 2026 at Ikeja, Lagos, is authored by two longstanding maritime journalists – Chief Timothy Paul Okorocha, publisher of This Page Newspaper, and Mr. Francis Ugwoke, publisher of Shipping Day.
The theme of the seminar was “3 Years After Marine and Blue Economy Ministry: How Far, How Well?”
Speaking at the book launch/seminar, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi reiterated the need for knowledge acquisition, describing knowledge as the key that gives one an edge.
Adeniyi, represented by Comptroller CC Nwokorie, the Customs Area Controller of Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, congratulated Chief Timothy Paul Okorocha and Mr Francis Ugwoke for undertaking the important task of documenting the transformation taking place within the Nigeria Customs Service and the broader maritime sector.
According to Adeniyi, “Documentation is critical to institutional growth. When reforms are properly documented, future generations can learn from them, policymakers can build upon them, and stakeholders can objectively assess their impact. Therefore, this publication is not only timely but also valuable to the nation’s development discourse.
“Knowledge is key! Knowledge is power! Knowledge is what you know that gives you an edge, that’s why it’s called know-ledge.
“If you don’t know your past, you may never now the pathway to your future! The experience of yesterday is the lesson for today in preparation for tomorrow challenges!
“This book will help to navigate a successful pathway for the younger and upcoming ones in the industry. You know you see clearer and farther when you stand on the shoulder of those who have been ahead of you!”
On the revenue improvement, he stated categorically that there was no secret at all behind improvement in the revenue collection by the Service but the improvement is based purely on technology and automation, intelligence-led operations, stakeholder engagement, leadership and accountability, and inter-agency collaboration.
Adeniyi described the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a strategic decision by President Tinubu, aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s maritime potential for economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development.
He, therefore, called continue investing in infrastructure, deepen digital transformation, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, eliminate operational bottlenecks, and promote policies that enhance competitiveness for the country to fully realize her maritime potential.
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The book is rich in industry content context – Nnadi
Reviewing the book, DCG Dera Nnadi mni (Rtd), described the work as “rich in industry content context, and a veritable reference material for scholarly engagement,” recommending it as a useful companion for customs personnel and stakeholders across the maritime sector.
Nnadi emphasized that the book goes beyond reportage, documenting milestones and policy initiatives that have significantly shaped the industry in the past three years.
According to him, “Customs Operational Revolution and the Development of the Maritime Industry under President Tinubu” by Timothy Okorocha and Francis Ugwoke is a timely and consequential work that chronicles the transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service within Tinubu’s reform era. Drawing on deep institutional memory, the authors situate today’s modernization drive in a historical continuum, from colonial revenue collection to digitized enforcement — showing Customs as a pillar of Nigeria’s fiscal sustainability and trade competitiveness.
“The book highlights the symbolic and transformative leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasizing reforms in meritocracy, human capital development, staff welfare, and stakeholder engagement. It underscores digital transformation as a strategic necessity, linking Customs modernization to maritime efficiency, port competitiveness, and Nigeria’s positioning in AfCFTA.
“While celebratory in tone, the authors also invite critical reflection, noting persistent challenges such as port congestion, logistics inefficiencies, and infrastructure deficits. Ultimately, the book stands as both documentation and debate material — a reminder that Customs reform is central to Nigeria’s economic future.”
Our book is conceived based on our experience – Okorocha
Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Timothy Paul Okorocha, the co-author, stated that the book was conceived based on their experience as maritime journalists who have spent decades covering the ports, shipping, Customs administration, trade facilitation, and national economic policy.
Okorocha said the event was not merely about launching a book but “about reflection, documentation, and thoughtful engagement with a sector that remains central to Nigeria’s economic aspirations. It is an opportunity to collectively reflect on institutional reforms, operational realities, leadership, challenges, and the evolving future of maritime governance in our country.”
He said the book was conceived based on their experience as maritime journalists who have spent decades covering the ports, shipping, Customs administration, trade facilitation, and national economic policy.
According to him, “My co-author and I have had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the transformations, struggles, reforms, achievements, and aspirations that define the Nigerian maritime industry.
“Over the years, we observed many important developments that deserved to be preserved beyond newspaper headlines and daily reportage. We felt strongly that there was a compelling need to document these institutional journeys – not merely as events of the moment, but as part of the enduring historical and intellectual record of our nation.
“It was from this conviction that the idea for this book was conceived.”
Goodwill messages from industry leaders including President of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Chief Emenike Nwokeoji, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, founder of NAGAFF, represented by Chief Uche Increase, Secretary of the Customs Consultative Council, Fwrd. Eugene Nweke and AREFFN President, Frank Obiekeze, praised the authors for going beyond reportage to document reforms that have “upscaled the basket of achievements” in recent years.
