Nigeria Customs Collects ₦1.7tn in Revenue, Seizes Smuggled Goods Worth ₦7.6bn

Nigeria Customs Collects ₦1.7tn in Revenue, Seizes Smuggled Goods Worth ₦7.6bn

Abuja, Nigeria 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a significant achievement in its revenue collection and anti-smuggling efforts, generating a total of ₦1.7 trillion in revenue in the first quarter of 2025. The service also seized contraband goods valued at ₦7.6 billion, reinforcing its ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s economy and secure its borders.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed these figures during a media briefing at the NCS headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. He described the performance as a reflection of the service’s commitment to reform, transparency, and technology-driven operations.

“Our mission goes beyond just revenue generation. We are focused on protecting the Nigerian economy from illegal trade practices, safeguarding national security, and facilitating legitimate commerce,” Adeniyi stated.

Robust Revenue Collection

According to the Comptroller-General, the ₦1.7 trillion revenue figure represents a notable improvement compared to the same period in 2024. He attributed the rise to the introduction of enhanced digital processes, improved compliance by importers and exporters, and the strategic deployment of customs personnel across high-yield points nationwide.

He also noted that customs commands in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano were among the top contributors to the revenue haul, with notable increases in duties from the importation of vehicles, electronics, and industrial machinery.

The improved revenue collection is part of the agency’s broader reforms under the Nigeria Customs Service Trade Modernization Project, which aims to automate and streamline customs processes for greater efficiency.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

Crackdown on Smuggling

In tandem with revenue collection, the NCS also intensified its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling. Between January and March 2025, customs operatives made numerous high-profile seizures, disrupting smuggling networks and deterring illicit trade.

Goods seized during the period included:

• Over 50,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice smuggled through land borders.
• 35,000 liters of illegally diverted Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
• Counterfeit pharmaceuticals and expired food products.
• Concealed firearms and ammunition intercepted at ports and border posts.

Adeniyi explained that the seizures were made possible through enhanced intelligence gathering, surveillance, and collaboration with sister security agencies such as the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army, and the Department of State Services.

“Smuggling is an economic sabotage, and our resolve is stronger than ever to dismantle the criminal networks behind it. We are also urging the public to report suspicious activities and avoid patronizing smuggled products,” he said.

Push for Trade Facilitation

While enforcement remains a top priority, the NCS is also focused on improving the ease of doing business and promoting trade facilitation. With the introduction of the e-Customs platform and integrated scanning systems at major ports, clearance times have reduced significantly.

The service noted that compliant traders are now enjoying faster cargo processing, fewer delays, and reduced human contact, which has helped to curb corruption and enhance transparency.

READ ALSO: IMF warns of rising global financial stability risks from non-bank financial institutions

Economic Experts React

Economic experts have welcomed the development, describing it as a positive sign for Nigeria’s economic outlook. According to Chinedu Okeke, an economist based in Lagos, the Customs Service is playing a vital role in supporting industrial growth and stabilizing the local market.

“By curbing smuggling, customs protects local manufacturers from unfair competition. The increased revenue also provides the government with more resources for infrastructure and social services,” Okeke said.

The NCS has reiterated its commitment to sustaining the momentum throughout the year, with a promise to deploy more technology, strengthen partnerships, and remain vigilant at all ports and border stations.