Nigeria Customs Service Hosts Transformative Conference, Surpasses 2024 Revenue Target

Nigeria Customs Service Hosts Transformative Conference, Surpasses 2024 Revenue Target

Abuja, Nigeria — November 13, 2024: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), led by Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, gathered prominent stakeholders for the annual Customs Conference under the theme “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.” Held at the prestigious Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the event highlighted the agency’s achievements, reform milestones, and forward-looking goals.

In his keynote, Adeniyi celebrated Abuja’s role as the “Center of Unity,” symbolizing the collaborative essence of the NCS’s mission. Reflecting on the “Continental Declaration” made in Lagos last year, Adeniyi affirmed that promises to modernize the Customs Service had evolved into concrete results. Notably, the NCS achieved its 2024 revenue target of NGN 5.07 trillion a month ahead of schedule, with revenues totaling NGN 5,079,455,088,194.38. Adeniyi credited this milestone to partnerships that emphasized transparency, efficiency, and technological advancement.

**Milestones in Modernization and Trade Facilitation**

The Comptroller-General outlined the agency’s ambitious strides in streamlining operations. Innovations included an advanced ICT infrastructure, improved cargo inspection processes, and the rollout of 24-hour cargo clearance at major ports. In recognition of these efforts, the NCS leaped 33 places in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings, positioning it as one of Nigeria’s top five trade facilitation agencies.

Expanding on trade facilitation, Adeniyi noted that the NCS had actively supported exporters and SMEs, culminating in Nigeria’s first shipment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The NCS’s reform-driven agenda has also drawn international acclaim, with the AfCFTA Secretariat inviting Nigeria to share its customs innovations at the Biashara Afrika forum in Kigali last month.

**New Initiatives and Collaborative Enforcement Efforts**

The NCS introduced several key initiatives, including the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) program, with six companies currently in its pilot phase. Adeniyi reported successful implementation of a 24-hour cargo clearance system and noted significant improvements from Nigeria’s first Time Release Study, which aimed to quantify efficiency at various stages of the customs process.

On the enforcement front, the NCS seized NGN 28.1 billion in contraband goods in 2024, tackling illicit trade in arms, narcotics, and wildlife products. The NCS’s commitment to national security was underscored by "Operation Whirlwind," a collaborative anti-smuggling operation that disrupted petroleum product smuggling. These efforts, Adeniyi stressed, reflect the NCS’s evolving focus on inter-agency cooperation for broader economic and security impact.

**Preparing for Future Leadership Challenges**

Adeniyi candidly addressed internal challenges, notably the NCS’s high rate of leadership turnover. To counterbalance this, the agency is investing in human capital through a new Customs University and a comprehensive talent management program. “This institution will build a knowledge-driven service that aligns with the World Customs Organization’s emphasis on youth leadership development,” Adeniyi stated, emphasizing the importance of long-term stability within the service.

**Setting the Stage for 2025**

Looking ahead, Adeniyi outlined strategic goals for the NCS in 2025, including reducing physical inspections through improved risk management and expanding the AEO program. To achieve these goals, he called for stronger partnerships across government and the private sector, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches in managing today’s complex trade environment.

The conference will continue with in-depth sessions on revenue collection, trade facilitation, partnerships, and compliance. Friday night will conclude with an Awards Night, celebrating the dedication and excellence of NCS officers and stakeholders.