In an unprecedented achievement underscoring the power of modernization and inter-agency collaboration, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reached its 2024 revenue target, generating NGN 5.07 trillion as of November 12, with nearly two months left in the fiscal year.
The revenue generation, totaling NGN 5,079,455,088,194.38, is expected to exceed the target by at least 10%, a testament to the Customs Service’s reform-driven approach.
“Our pledge was comprehensive and ambitious,” said Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale. “We set out to transform our customs operations, and today’s result showcases the impact of those efforts. This achievement is not merely about numbers; it’s about demonstrating how a modernized, transparent, and collaborative customs system can deliver real value to Nigeria’s economy.”
The Customs Service embarked on this transformation with a series of strategic initiatives, including the creation of a one-stop cargo alert solution and the implementation of advanced ICT infrastructure to streamline examination procedures. The agency has also enhanced automation and expanded its scanning capabilities, significantly improving the efficiency and integrity of its operations.
The modernization effort included a shift towards greater collaboration with local and international partners, allowing NCS to expand its influence beyond Nigeria’s borders. As part of this strategy, the Customs Service strengthened existing partnerships and forged new alliances, opening doors to fresh opportunities in trade facilitation.
This partnership-focused approach has yielded remarkable results across the agency’s statutory responsibilities, especially in revenue collection. A rise of 33 positions in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings now places NCS among the top five agencies in trade facilitation, reflecting the impact of these reforms. This improvement is particularly significant as it highlights the Customs Service’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and exporters. Recent initiatives under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement further solidified NCS’s role in continental trade integration, culminating in Nigeria’s first shipment under the agreement.
NCS has also successfully implemented its Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) scheme, benefiting six companies in its pilot phase, and issued 12 rulings under its Advanced Ruling system. The introduction of 24-hour cargo clearance at major ports has reduced dwell time considerably, and the recent completion of Nigeria’s first Time Release Study now provides essential data to drive operational efficiency.
Beyond revenue generation, NCS has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to its enforcement mandate. The agency’s enforcement strategy led to significant seizures of illicit goods in 2024, totaling NGN 28.1 billion. The seizure of wildlife items, arms and ammunition, narcotics, and prohibited pharmaceutical products highlights the Customs Service’s focus on safeguarding the nation’s health and security. A significant milestone in this effort was the declaration of a state of emergency at key ports, resulting in the interception of 48 containers of illegal pharmaceuticals and narcotics.
Also, a collaborative enforcement operation, dubbed “Operation Whirlwind,” conducted in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), successfully addressed petroleum smuggling issues, showcasing the power of inter-agency cooperation.
“These successes in enforcement, trade facilitation, and modernization illustrate the strength of working with shared goals,” noted Bashir Adewale. “When agencies collaborate with a common purpose, we multiply our effectiveness, ensuring that we do not only protect but also advance our nation’s economic interests.”
