The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated ₦7.18 trillion in revenue for the 2025 fiscal year, surpassing the previous year’s target of ₦6.5 trillion by ₦697 billion (10.46%), the Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, announced on Monday in Abuja during International Customs Day 2026. The event was themed: “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment.”
Adeniyi attributed the achievement to ongoing reforms that are transforming the NCS into a modern, intelligence-driven institution, capable of protecting society while facilitating lawful trade. He also officially launched the Nigeria Time Release Study (TRS), describing it as a milestone in creating a Customs administration that is efficient, predictable, and globally competitive.
The NCS collected ₦6.1 trillion in 2024, making the 2025 figure an increase of roughly ₦1.18 trillion (19%) year-on-year. Adeniyi emphasised that the growth reflects enhanced compliance, digital tools, disciplined enforcement, and better data utilisation, rather than arbitrary measures or burdens on legitimate traders.
Adeniyi highlighted that vigilance must coexist with trade facilitation, explaining that the TRS would provide evidence-based insights for improving efficiency at ports, airports, and land borders. “A modern Customs administration must detect high-risk consignments without suffocating legitimate trade,” he said.
The CGC noted that protection goes beyond revenue, citing major seizures that prevent harm to society. In 2025, officers intercepted:
16 containers of prohibited goods at Apapa Port, including narcotics, expired pharmaceuticals, and concealed firearms valued at over ₦10 billion.
Over 1,600 exotic birds trafficked without CITES permits, halting a major wildlife crime.
Numerous narcotics, counterfeit medicines, arms, ammunition, substandard consumer goods, and petroleum products across land borders.
In total, the Service recorded over 2,500 seizures nationwide, with a combined value exceeding ₦59 billion, preventing narcotics abuse, unsafe treatments, violent crimes, environmental degradation, and treaty violations.
Adeniyi outlined a three-pronged strategy to sustain NCS’s dual mission of protecting society and enabling prosperity:
1. Intelligence-led, technology-driven enforcement using risk management, non-intrusive inspection, post-clearance audits, and data analytics.
2. Institutional reforms to reduce clearance times and eliminate bottlenecks.
3. Strengthening partnerships with government agencies, private sector operators, financial institutions, and international bodies such as the World Customs Organization (WCO).
He emphasised that protecting society through vigilance and commitment is a long-term philosophy, asserting that safety and prosperity are not mutually exclusive. Adeniyi commended the support of President Bola Tinubu, the WCO, the UK Government for supporting the TRS programme, and the dedication of Customs officers working in challenging environments.
The 2026 International Customs Day highlights NCS’s commitment to efficient trade, national security, and societal protection, demonstrating the Service’s central role in Nigeria’s economic growth and security infrastructure.
