ZAINAB JUNAID
Since the beginning of the year 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has continued to make significant strides, driving national development and economic growth, expanding Nigeria’s continental and global influence, while aligning its efforts with the Presidential 8-Point Agenda.
Under the visionary leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the Agency ensures its policy framework support the Federal Government’s vision for a prosperous and developed Nigeria.
Its operations focused on multiple areas, including food security, economic diversification, good governance, industrialization, and strategic objectives aligned with open governance, collaboration, and structural reforms mandated by the government.
It also target boosting connectivity, trade exports, and integration across Africa, thus positioning Nigeria as a key player on the continental and global stage.
Food Security
Through its efforts, the Service has contributed to food security by facilitating the importation of essential food items with zero duty rate and preventing smuggling.
Foods classified under this category include Husked brown rice, grain sorghum, Millet, Wheat and Beans, all of which are exempt from duty rate to reduce cost and address food insecurity in the country.
Revenue Generation and Trade Facilitation
Notably, in line with the agenda’s focus on economic diversification, NCS has streamlined customs procedures and reduced clearance times for non-oil exports. This has boosted the competitiveness of Nigeria businesses in the global market, leading to increased exports and revenue generation.
The trade facilitation tools introduced include: Time Release Study, Advance Ruling, Authorized Economic Operator, Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) Indigenous B’Odogwu platform among others.
As shown in its first quarter scorecards, NCS exceeded its quarterly revenue target in Q1 2025, generating N1.75 trillion, which is N106.5 billion more than the target of N1.645 trillion. It also recorded a 349% increase in Q1 2025 exports over Q1 2024, with a total export value of N136.65 trillion.
Social Responsibility
In addition to its economic initiative, the Agency has also launched a landmark Customs Social Responsibility (CSR) program tagged ‘Customs Care’ demonstrating its commitment to giving back to the community and promoting national development.
Good Governance and Industrialisation
NCS prioritizes good governance, promoting transparency and accountability in its operations. It leverages digital solutions, such as the Trade Facilitation Platform, to enhance the ease of doing business and reduce opportunities for corruption. The Service is also supporting industrialization by facilitating the importation of machinery and raw materials for local industries, thus creating jobs, increasing capacity utilization, and boosting economic growth.
The diagram above depicted that the strategic objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service aligns with the principles of open governance, collaboration, and structural reform. By working closely with stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, NCS has been able to leverage expertise and resources to drive development.
Regional Connectivity and Cooperation
The key highlights of the Service’s achievements is the launch of the Nigeria -East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor, improving regional connectivity and trade, and the rollout of the Interconnected System for the Management of Goods in Transit (SIGMAT) pilot, which demonstrated the Agency’s commitment to regional integration and smarter border management across West and Central Africa.
Nigeria Customs Service has also advanced the Interface of Customs engagement in Afreximbank’s trade and investment conversations across Africa; mobilizing Customs role in regional development.
Conclusion
Through initiatives such as trade facilitation, revenue generation and good governance, NCS under the exemplary leadership of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has continued to play a vital role in supporting Nigeria’ s economic growth and development by aligning its efforts with Presidential 8- Point Agenda.
As it is enhancing trade efficiency, increasing revenue and promoting transparency, the Service is helping to drive the nation’s progress and create a better future for its citizens.
