The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reported impressive performance figures for the first quarter of 2025, with a total revenue collection of ₦1.75 trillion. This is a significant achievement for the Service, which also seized ₦7.7 billion worth of smuggled goods and continued to roll out impactful trade facilitation initiatives, including the B’Odogwu platform.
Comptroller General of NCS, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, presented the figures in Abuja on April 22, detailing the Service’s continued progress and modernization efforts. He highlighted that, despite a slight dip in export activities, the Service processed 8,153 export shipments (Single Goods Declarations), down 6.4% from the previous quarter. However, the export mass reached an impressive 5.03 billion kilograms—still reflecting a remarkable 348% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of exports stood at ₦21.51 trillion, a 19% increase from the previous quarter, indicating a trend toward bulk commodity exports and a more efficient export system.
Adeniyi further explained that the Customs Service handled a total trade value of ₦36.32 trillion, demonstrating Nigeria’s robust participation in global trade, even amidst global economic challenges. This performance underscores the ongoing efforts of the NCS to modernize its operations and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.
In terms of anti-smuggling efforts, the NCS recorded 298 seizures worth ₦7.7 billion, with rice and petroleum products topping the list. This marks a significant 78.41% increase in seizures compared to the previous quarter, reflecting a sharp rise in operational effectiveness.
During the quarter, the NCS achieved several milestones in its modernization agenda, including the expansion of the B’Odogwu platform, the launch of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) Programme, and the official rollout of its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, which aligns with government food security initiatives.
Despite these successes, Adeniyi acknowledged some operational challenges, including exchange rate volatility and the suspension of the Financial Customs Service Operation (FCSO). He emphasized that the Service is working closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Finance to stabilize exchange rates for import declarations and address other challenges impacting trade.
Looking ahead, Adeniyi outlined the NCS’s plans to continue its modernization efforts, including the further expansion of the B’Odogwu platform, advanced risk management systems, and the integration of emerging technologies. These strategic priorities aim to ensure the Service remains at the forefront of global trade facilitation while continuing to secure Nigeria’s borders and optimize revenue collection for national development.
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