The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a remarkable revenue milestone, collecting ₦1.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, representing a significant increase from the ₦600 billion collected during the same period in 2023. This remarkable achievement is attributed to a series of transformative reforms implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. These reforms, spearheaded by Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, focus on leveraging technology, enhancing port operations, tightening enforcement against revenue leakages, and fostering a renewed culture of accountability throughout the Customs commands. The surge in revenue collection is not due to increased import volumes, which have actually decreased due to foreign exchange constraints, but rather to improved efficiency, transparency, and stricter enforcement measures within the NCS.
A key driver of this transformation is the forthcoming E-Customs Modernisation Project, a $3.2 billion initiative aimed at digitizing cargo processing, surveillance, and payment systems across all Nigerian ports and borders. This project is expected to revolutionize the NCS by transitioning from a manual, paper-based system to a fully digital service. The anticipated benefits of this project are substantial, with projections indicating a potential $250 billion in cumulative revenue over the next 20 years. This digital transformation aligns with global best practices in modern customs operations and promises to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the NCS.
Further enhancing trade facilitation is the newly launched Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, which streamlines processes for pre-vetted, compliant importers. This program grants these businesses faster processing times through “green-lane” treatment, reducing port congestion and promoting seamless trade. The emphasis on trust and efficiency within the AEO program mirrors international standards for modern customs systems, fostering a more conducive environment for legitimate businesses.
The NCS has also intensified its anti-smuggling operations, resulting in the recovery of over ₦64 billion from previously under-assessed or undervalued imports in the last nine months. This crackdown on smuggling activities extends to dismantling major smuggling rings at key border points like Seme, Idiroko, Katsina, and Sokoto. The establishment of joint border patrol task forces, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and Police, has further strengthened these efforts. The strategic use of data, surveillance drones, and port intelligence enables real-time action against smuggling, effectively plugging systemic revenue leakages.
In a bid to streamline trade procedures and reduce associated costs, the NCS is expediting the rollout of the National Single Window, a digital portal that will integrate all government agencies involved in cargo clearance. This platform will eliminate the need for manual interaction with multiple agencies, significantly reducing clearance time and costs for businesses. The initial impact of this initiative is already evident at Apapa and Tin Can Ports, where clearance timelines for compliant importers have been reduced from 21 days to 7–10 days. This streamlined process will improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria and contribute to a more efficient trading environment.
Recognizing the importance of promoting non-oil exports, the NCS has introduced fast-track lanes for agro-exports and is collaborating with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to streamline outbound cargo processes. This initiative aligns with the government’s focus on diversifying the economy and boosting non-oil revenue. The NCS recorded a 38% increase in exports of solid minerals and agro-commodities through formal channels in the previous year, reaching over ₦340 billion, and aims to surpass this figure in 2025.
Internal capacity building within the NCS is also a priority. Over 1,800 officers have received training in advanced data analytics, risk profiling, and artificial intelligence, equipping them with the necessary skills to operate in a modern, intelligence-led customs environment. This shift from primarily physical inspection to a data-driven approach aligns the NCS with global best practices and enhances its effectiveness in revenue generation and trade facilitation. The overarching goal is to implement the President’s directive to block revenue leakages, facilitate trade, and increase revenue without placing undue burdens on Nigerian citizens, demonstrating a commitment to both economic growth and citizen welfare.
