The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has addressed stakeholders and officials at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Conference in Abuja.
Under the theme “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” Adeniyi highlighted both accomplishments and pressing challenges within the Customs Service over the past year, emphasizing the NCS’s mission to foster stronger partnerships and modernize operations.
Reflecting on last year’s commitments made in Lagos, Adeniyi noted that 2023’s “Continental Declaration” laid the foundation for transformative changes.
He outlined significant strides, including streamlined cargo alerts, updated ICT infrastructure, and expanded scanning capabilities, all aimed at creating a more efficient and transparent Customs operation.
“The achievement of these goals has been made possible through the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, our dedicated Customs team, and constructive engagement with stakeholders,” he stated.
“Together, we’ve fostered a business-friendly trading environment that aligns with President Tinubu’s economic transformation agenda.”
Adeniyi announced a remarkable revenue milestone: NCS met its 2024 revenue target of NGN 5.07 trillion a month early, with collections totaling NGN 5.08 trillion by 12 November.
This achievement, expected to surpass the target by 10%, is a testament to the NCS’s partnership-focused approach, he said, underscoring that the milestone reflects not just revenue figures but strengthened collaboration and modernized systems.
The NCS’s commitment to trade facilitation has also earned accolades, with the agency moving up 33 places in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings and earning a top-five position in trade facilitation.
This progress, Adeniyi explained, extends beyond import operations, supporting exporters and promoting small and medium enterprises.
The NCS also marked Nigeria’s first export under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), solidifying the country’s commitment to regional trade integration.
The service’s modernization efforts included the pilot phase of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) scheme, processing 31 Advanced Ruling requests, launching 24-hour cargo clearance, and implementing Nigeria’s first Time Release Study to monitor and enhance operational efficiency. Enforcement operations in 2024 yielded NGN 28.1 billion worth of seizures, with a notable crackdown on illicit pharmaceutical items and narcotics at major ports.
However, Adeniyi acknowledged significant challenges, including misconceptions about Customs’ role in monetary policy changes, non-compliance among traders, and high leadership turnover.
NCS is tackling these issues through intensified stakeholder engagement and a comprehensive Human Resource Development Plan, which includes establishing a Customs University to strengthen talent pipelines.
The Comptroller-General outlined ambitious goals for 2025, such as reducing physical inspections, deploying e-customs infrastructure, expanding the AEO program, and enhancing regional border cooperation.
He emphasized that the success of these objectives relies on stronger partnerships with both government and private sector stakeholders.
In his closing remarks, Adeniyi thanked President Tinubu, partners, and Customs officers for their support and dedication. He invited guests to join the NCS Awards Night on Friday, celebrating exceptional achievements despite a challenging operating environment.
The conference’s sessions are expected to address revenue collection, trade facilitation, partnerships, and compliance, contributing to the NCS’s long-term vision of a modern customs administration that balances trade facilitation, revenue collection, and security.
