Maryam Aminu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved record-breaking milestones in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities for the year 2024.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Service’s Corporate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, outlined the Service’s achievements in the past year, attributing the success to enhanced operational strategies, technology-driven reforms, and strategic partnerships.
The Comptroller-General revealed that the NCS collected an unprecedented ₦6.1 trillion in revenue for 2024, surpassing its ₦5.08 trillion target by 20.2%. This performance also reflects a 90.4% increase from the ₦3.2 trillion collected in 2023, marking the highest year-on-year growth in the Service’s history.
While hinting that Federation Account Collected ₦3.66 trillion from import and excise duties, fees, CET levy, and auction proceeds, he added that Non-Federation Account Levies amounted to ₦816.9 billion and VAT on Imports: ₦1.63 trillion.
“This remarkable growth underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to supporting national development and economic stability,” Adeniyi said.
The NCS also recorded significant improvements in trade facilitation. The total trade value handled by the Service surged by 179.3%, reaching ₦196.94 trillion in 2024 compared to ₦70.5 trillion in 2023.
The Comptroller General reeled out some key achievements including:
A 117.4% increase in import trade value, amounting to ₦60.29 trillion.
A 219.5% rise in export trade value to ₦136.65 trillion, indicating improved competitiveness of Nigerian products.
Implementation of the Advanced Ruling System, which streamlined clearance processes for importers and reduced delays.
Enhanced efficiency under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, achieving a 66.9% reduction in cargo clearance time.
“The NCS has not only surpassed revenue targets but has also facilitated trade in ways that enhance Nigeria’s position in global commerce,” Adeniyi added.
In the area of enforcement, the NCS recorded a 100.92% increase in the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seizures, totaling ₦35.29 billion in 2024. These include:
Arms and Ammunition: Seizure of 900 firearms and over 113,000 rounds of ammunition.
Illicit Drugs: 105 seizures of narcotics and unauthorized pharmaceutical products worth ₦3.04 billion.
Environmental Crimes: 76 seizures of wildlife products valued at ₦5.93 billion.
Food Security: Interception of over 183,000 bags of rice and other restricted items, protecting local industries.
Adeniyi highlighted the Service’s strides in digital transformation, including the deployment of the indigenously developed customs clearance platform, B’Odogwu, which processed transactions worth ₦31 billion during its pilot phase.
Additionally, the NCS partnered with local and international stakeholders, including the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), to facilitate the clearance of medical supplies, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s healthcare policy focus.
The Comptroller-General reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to sustaining its achievements and addressing challenges in 2025.
He disclosed that the plans include the full implementation of the AEO program, stakeholder sensitization on trade reforms, and continued technological advancements to enhance operational efficiency.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains dedicated to fulfilling its mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and societal protection, ensuring that Nigeria’s economy thrives amidst global challenges.” Adeniyi said