The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has called for stronger data validation and broader stakeholder engagement as fiscal and regulatory reforms continue to unfold in Nigeria. He made the call on Monday, 11 May 2026, when the Nigeria Customs Service hosted the leadership of the Beer Sectoral Group at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The meeting, held in the CGC’s Board Room, brought together senior executives from major brewing companies and focused on tax administration, trade transparency and the proposed tax stamp policy currently under government consideration.
Adeniyi said policy decisions affecting major sectors of the economy must be guided by verifiable data and a clear understanding of market realities. He stressed that industry figures presented to policymakers must be credible and accurate, especially when they are used to shape reforms.
He noted that some products classified as illicit trade are legitimately manufactured in Nigeria, adding that customs administrations in other jurisdictions are already engaged in discussions on how such goods move across borders and into unauthorised markets.
The Customs chief also highlighted reforms already introduced by the Service to improve trade facilitation and reduce bottlenecks in the supply chain. These include the Advance Ruling and Authorised Economic Operator programmes, among other measures designed to support efficiency in trade.
On the proposed tax stamp policy, Adeniyi said consultations are still ongoing and no final implementation decision has been taken. He added that if the initiative is legitimate and beneficial, then all parties have a responsibility to ensure it is properly reviewed and directed.
He urged private sector stakeholders to deepen engagement with relevant government institutions to achieve a balanced outcome that protects revenue while supporting industrial growth.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Girish Sharma, said the beer industry had come to present its concerns over the proposed tax stamp framework. He said the matter has generated significant debate within the sector.
Sharma said the industry recognises the role of regulatory controls, but argued that the beer sector is already highly structured and closely monitored, with minimal exposure to counterfeiting risks.
According to him, existing systems already provide end-to-end visibility across production and distribution chains. He also warned that new regulatory burdens could have unintended consequences if they are not carefully calibrated.