The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported an unprecedented revenue collection of N1.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2025. This represents an increase of over 100% compared to the N600 billion collected during the same period in 2023. Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi attributed this surge to transformative reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to Adeniyi, the revenue growth is a result of improved technological deployment, enhanced port operations, stricter enforcement against revenue leakages, and a renewed culture of accountability across Customs commands. He clarified that this increase was not due to higher import volumes, which have instead dropped due to foreign exchange constraints. The focus has been on enhancing efficiency, transparency, and enforcement.

The NCS is preparing to launch the $3.2 billion E-Customs Modernisation Project, which aims to digitize cargo processing, surveillance, and payment systems across Nigeria’s ports and borders. Adeniyi projected that this project would add $250 billion in cumulative revenue over 20 years, transitioning the NCS from a manual, paper-based system to a fully digital service.

The newly launched Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme is now onboarding pre-vetted importers, providing compliant businesses with faster processing and reduced port congestion. This initiative focuses on trust and efficiency, offering green-lane treatment to compliant businesses, aligning with modern customs systems globally.

The Customs CG confirmed intensified anti-smuggling operations, resulting in the recovery of over N64 billion from previously under-assessed or undervalued imports in the last nine months. Major smuggling rings at the Seme, Idiroko, Katsina, and Sokoto borders were dismantled. New joint border patrol task forces, established in coordination with the Nigerian Army, DSS, and police, have also yielded positive results. These efforts include using data, surveillance drones, and port intelligence to act in real-time and plug systemic leakages.

To ease trade and reduce business costs, the NCS is fast-tracking the roll-out of the National Single Window, a digital portal integrating all government agencies involved in cargo clearance. This system aims to reduce the need to deal with up to 15 agencies manually, streamlining the process online and slashing clearance time and costs. Clearance timelines at Apapa and Tin Can Ports have already been reduced from 21 days to 7–10 days for compliant importers.

Adeniyi mentioned the introduction of fast-track lanes for agro-exports and collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to streamline outbound cargo processes. Last year, Nigeria exported over N340 billion worth of solid minerals and agro commodities through formal channels, marking a 38% increase. The NCS is targeting even higher figures in 2025.

The Comptroller-General highlighted the internal transformation of the customs service, with over 1,800 officers trained in advanced data analytics, risk profiling, and artificial intelligence. This shift aims to transform Customs into an intelligence-led organization. Adeniyi reiterated that the NCS is focused on blocking leakages, facilitating trade, and raising revenue without burdening Nigerians, aligning with the president's directive.