ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has celebrated International Customs Day on Monday 27, January 2025 at its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, highlighting the Service’s achievements and commitments.
During the event, Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi emphasized the NCS’s alignment with the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) theme for 2025, “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity, while delivering his speech.
He noted that the theme perfectly encapsulates the foundational mandates of the NCS, which include facilitating legitimate trade, securing national borders, and fostering economic growth.The Comptroller-General highlighted the NCS’ significant strides in modernizing its processes and procedures.
CGC Adeniyi cited the successful implementation of the Advanced Ruling System and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, which have reduced clearance delays and disputes.
Adeniyi also announced the indigenous development and deployment of the NCS’ customs clearance platform, ‘B’Odogwu’.
On security, Adeniyi noted that the NCS has focused on critical risk domains identified by the WCO. These include anti-money laundering, cultural heritage protection, drug trafficking, and environmental protection.
He reported that the NCS achieved 105 seizures of narcotics and illicit drugs in 2024, as well as 76 seizures of animal/wildlife products valued at ₦5.93 billion.
The NCS demonstrated exceptional fiscal performance in 2024, collecting ₦6.1 trillion in revenue, which exceeded targets by 20.2%. Adeniyi attributed this success to the Service’s strategic vision, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s policy direction and global customs best practices.
Looking ahead, Adeniyi said the NCS will continue to rely on the support of its stakeholders and international partners to achieve and surpass its performance targets.
He renewed the Service’s pledge to excellence in customs administration, united in its mission to forge a more secure and prosperous Nigeria through efficient service delivery.
As the NCS celebrated International Customs Day, the Service reaffirmed its commitment to pioneering excellence in efficiency, security, and prosperity. With its achievements and initiatives, the Service is poised to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
