By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded an improved achievement in revenue collection for the first quarter of 2025, with a total of ₦1.75 trillion collected. This represents a significant 29.96% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing at the NCS Corporate Headquarters in Abuja. He stated that the revenue collection exceeded the quarterly projection by ₦106.5 billion, achieving 106.47% of the target. Adeniyi attributed the outstanding performance to effective measures to curb revenue losses and streamline compliant trade. The NCS also maintained robust anti-smuggling operations during the quarter, recording 298 seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦7.70 billion.This represents a significant 78.41% increase compared to the previous quarter. The Service also recorded notable seizures of rice, petroleum products, narcotics, and wildlife products, demonstrating its commitment to protecting national revenue and security.
Trade Facilitation According to Adeniyi, the NCS processed a total of 327,928 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) for imports, handling goods with a total mass of over 4.91 kilograms and a Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of ₦14.81 trillion.This represents a 5.28% increase in the number of import transactions compared to the same period in 2024.The NCS boss noted that the Service achieved several significant milestones in its modernization and institutional development agenda during the quarter. These include the expansion of the B’Odogwu platform, the launch of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) Programme, and the implementation of a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, tagged “Customs Cares. ”Despite the achievements, the Service encountered several challenges during the quarter, including exchange rate volatility, the implementation and subsequent suspension of the Financial Customs Service Operation (FCSO), and non-compliance, particularly in the form of smuggling. Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025, Adeniyi said the NCS will focus on continuous modernization and service delivery enhancement.
According to him the Service will accelerate the aggressive modernization of its processes and procedures, implement advanced risk management systems, and integrate emerging technologies into its operations. The Service’s achievements in the first quarter of 2025 are a testament to its dedication and hard work. As the NCS continues to modernize and improve its operations, it is expected to make even greater contributions to Nigeria’s economic development and security.
