The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Bashir Adeniyi says the agency has seen impressive growth in its revenue collection, with the Service surpassing its revenue target for 2024.
At a press briefing in Abuja, Adeniyi said the NCS collected ₦6.1 trillion, marking a 90.4% increase from the previous year.
This significant achievement reflects the ongoing reforms, improved monitoring and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Finance Minister Olawale Edun, and NCS staff.
“The NCS’s revenue journey began in 1891 with ₦604.7 million in customs duties. By 1960, this figure rose to £55.9 million, and by 1990, it reached ₦9.2 billion.
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“Over the years, the Service has consistently exceeded its revenue targets. In 2017, it collected ₦1.037 trillion, surpassing its target by 34%. By 2022, the NCS had surpassed ₦2.6 trillion, missing its ₦3 trillion target by 14%. In 2023, it collected ₦3.2 trillion, falling short of the ₦3.6 trillion target by 13%.
“In 2024 the NCS continues its growth trajectory. The ₦6.1 trillion collected in 2024 includes ₦3.66 trillion from Federation Account collections, ₦816.9 billion in non-federation levies, and ₦1.63 trillion from VAT on imports.
“Despite granting ₦1.68 trillion in economic concessions, the Service’s performance reflects ongoing improvements in customs enforcement, monitoring, and reform efforts,” he said.
Trade Facilitation and Reforms
Adeniyi said the trade facilitation also saw significant advancements in 2024. The NCS processed ₦60.29 trillion in imports and ₦136.65 trillion in exports, reaching a total trade value of ₦196.94 trillion.
“Reforms such as the Advanced Ruling System and the Authorized Economic Operator program has helped to streamline clearance times. “Additionally, the digital platform “B’Odogwu” has shown positive results, improving the efficiency of trade operations.
“The NCS also strengthened its partnerships with various stakeholders, including improving the clearance of medical goods with the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria.
“The Service supported small and medium enterprises under the African Continental Free Trade Area and earned recognition in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council rankings for its contributions to improving the business climate”, he explained.
Anti-Smuggling Efforts
The Comptroller General said: “The anti-smuggling operations have been a key focus for the agency in 2024. The Service reported ₦35.29 billion in seizures, up from ₦17.56 billion in 2023.
“Among the items seized were firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs, counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and wildlife products. Additionally, the NCS intercepted rice, textiles, vehicles, and 1.7 million litres of diverted petroleum products.
“NCS has enhanced its border security efforts by deploying advanced geo-spatial technology to combat rising smuggling tactics while ensuring the facilitation of legitimate trade”.
Infrastructure and Facility Development
According to him, the agency began the process of relocating to its new Corporate Headquarters, which is expected to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2025.
He stressed that other major developments include the approval of a Customs University in Badagry and the introduction of new scanning equipment at major ports to enhance operational efficiency and streamline customs processes.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Stakeholder Engagement
Adeniyi said, beyond its core mandate the agency has continued to engage in Corporate Social responsibility, CSR, efforts to support community initiatives across Nigeria.
“In 2024, the Service worked closely with host communities, fostering cooperation through local projects and activities.
“In 2025, the NCS plans to launch a CSR programme aligned with President Tinubu’s priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, aiming for measurable impacts on both national and local development”, the CGS explained.
2025 Outlook
He said the agency has set its sights on even greater achievements in 2025.
“The Federal Government has set a ₦6.58 trillion revenue target for the Service, underscoring its confidence in the NCS’s growing capabilities.
“To meet this target, the NCS plans to roll out the B’Odogwu platform, implement the Authorized Economic Operator programme, and enhance risk management with advanced technology.
“The Service is also working on additional projects, including the completion of its new Corporate Headquarters, installation of more scanning systems at ports, and continued digital transformation efforts involving artificial intelligence and improved surveillance.
“The Federal Government has expressed confidence that, with ongoing support, the NCS will not only meet but exceed its 2025 targets, while enhancing service delivery across all its operations,” said Adeniyi.
He commended President Tinubu, Minister Edun, and all NCS officers for their dedication in 2024. He also paid tribute to fallen heroes and called for continued collaboration with stakeholders to achieve the ambitious goals set for 2025.
Crediblenewsng.com
