ZAINAB JUNAID
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its pivotal role in boosting Nigeria’s economic recovery, as the Federal Government sets a ₦48 trillion expenditure target for 2025.
He gave the commendation on Wednesday, 18 December 2024 at the 61st quarterly board meeting of the agency held in Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.
The meeting according to a statement issued by the Service’s Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada on Sunday, followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 budget to the National Assembly, tagged “A Budget of Restoration”.
Maiwada informed that the budget projected ₦35 trillion in revenue, with Nigeria Customs Service expected to play a critical role.
He said the minister of Finance expressed gratitude to NCS and other revenue bodies for their remarkable performance in boosting the economy attributing the success to decisive reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which steers the economy towards sustainable growth.
“The minister lauded the agency for generating over ₦5 trillion in November 2024 and revealed that the government plans to secure concessionary loans, grants, and development support to fund the remaining ₦13 trillion.
“The board reviewed the NCS’s 2024 achievements, approving the recruitment of 3,927 officers and granting special promotions to top-performing personnel to bridge gaps and enhance trade facilitation.
“The NCS has excelled in suppressing smuggling and fostering trade, crucial for growth and job creation.
“Mr. Edun concluded by urging Customs officers to remain committed to national goals, emphasising the agency’s role in poverty reduction and economic growth,” the statement read.
