Nigeria Customs Service Exceeds Revenue Targets, Boosts Anti-Smuggling Efforts in Mid-Year Report

Nigeria Customs Service Exceeds Revenue Targets, Boosts Anti-Smuggling Efforts in Mid-Year Report

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has released its mid-year performance report, showcasing significant achievements in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations. The report emphasizes the NCS's dedication to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

In the first half of 2024, the NCS collected N2.74 trillion, surpassing its half-year target of N2.54 trillion by 8%. This marks a 127% increase compared to the previous year. The revenue for the second quarter alone amounted to N1.395 trillion, exceeding the target by 10% and reflecting a 131% increase over Q2 2023. Key contributors to this revenue boost include the e-auction platform, which generated over N1.34 billion, and a 90-day duty payment window for uncustomed vehicles, adding N4.37 billion.

Anti-smuggling operations have also intensified, with the NCS reporting 2,442 seizures worth NGN 25.52 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV) in the first half of the year, a 203% increase over the same period in 2023. The second quarter alone saw 1,334 seizures worth NGN 17.56 billion, marking a 121% increase from the previous quarter. Seized items include wildlife, vehicles, arms, ammunition, foreign rice, pharmaceuticals, and narcotics, with 32 suspects currently in custody.

Despite a 39% reduction in Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) compared to 2023, the NCS has implemented initiatives to streamline customs processes, such as enhanced automation, capacity-building programs, and public-private partnerships. These efforts aim to boost Nigeria's trade competitiveness and economic growth.

Challenges such as exchange rate fluctuations, lower transaction volumes, and compliance issues have affected revenue consistency. To counter these, the NCS introduced measures like real-time system auditing, post-clearance audits, and a pilot for the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) scheme. Additionally, the NCS launched the Advance Ruling System (ARS) to provide legally binding decisions on goods classification, valuation, and origin before importation or exportation.

The Comptroller-General commended NCS officers and stakeholders for their roles in achieving these results and reaffirmed the Service's commitment to supporting government policies for a better Nigeria.

Abdullahi Maiwada

Chief Superintendent of Customs

National Public Relations Officer

For Comptroller General of Customs

29 July 2024