Nigeria Customs Service Rakes in ₦1.75 Trillion, Seizes Contraband Worth ₦7.7 Billion in Q1 2025

Nigeria Customs Service Rakes in ₦1.75 Trillion, Seizes Contraband Worth ₦7.7 Billion in Q1 2025

Abuja, April 22, 2025 — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a strong performance in the first quarter of 2025, generating over ₦1.75 trillion in revenue and seizing smuggled goods valued at ₦7.7 billion, signaling a robust start to the year amid ongoing reforms and modernization efforts.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed these figures during a quarterly media briefing held at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja. He stated that the results reflect the dedication of officers across Nigeria’s borders and ports, alongside growing effectiveness in customs enforcement and trade facilitation.

Revenue Performance Surpasses Target

The Service collected a total of ₦1,751,502,252,298.05 in Q1, surpassing its quarterly target of ₦1.645 trillion by 6.47%. This figure marks a 29.96% increase compared to Q1 2024, with monthly collections consistently exceeding targets — a 65.77% rise in January, 19.97% in February, and 11.22% in March.

“The steady revenue growth confirms our strategies are working — we are streamlining trade while reducing revenue leakages,” said Adeniyi.

Enforcement: Over ₦7.7 Billion in Smuggled Goods Intercepted

The NCS recorded 298 seizures in Q1 with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦7.7 billion — a 78.41% jump from Q4 2024. Items seized include:

• 135,474 bags of rice (₦939.3 million DPV)

• 65,819 liters of petroleum products (₦43.3 million DPV)

• Narcotics valued at ₦730.7 million

• Wildlife products worth ₦5.65 billion

• Other items like textiles, retreaded tires, and pharmaceuticals

“These results reflect our targeted approach in tackling major smuggling threats, including drugs and wildlife trafficking,” the CG said, adding that technological tools and intelligence-led operations have boosted effectiveness.

Trade Facilitation: Import Growth, Export Volume Surge

The Service processed over 327,000 import declarations representing 4.91 billion kg of goods worth ₦14.8 trillion — a 5.3% increase in transaction volume and 26.7% rise in value compared to Q1 2024.

Exports, though fewer in transactions (8,153 declarations), saw a massive increase in cargo weight — over 5 billion kg, a 348% jump year-on-year. The CIF export value stood at ₦21.51 trillion, indicating a shift toward large-scale, high-value commodity exports.

“This reflects Nigeria’s evolving export structure — fewer transactions, but bigger shipments and steady value,” Adeniyi explained.

Modernization and Milestones

Key developments in Q1 include:

• Expansion of the B’Odogwu Platform, an indigenous customs clearance solution, across more commands

• Launch of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme, recognizing compliant businesses and offering them trade incentives

• Rollout of ‘Customs Cares’, a social impact program supporting schools, healthcare, and community development. Over 2,000 students and 1,000 community members have already benefited

• Import duty exemptions on key food items such as maize, rice, and sorghum, contributing to a 12-18% decline in food prices

“These aren’t just policies — they’re delivering results, from quicker clearances to better food affordability,” he emphasized.

Challenges and Outlook

Exchange rate instability remained a major issue, with 62 adjustments recorded in Q1, ranging from ₦1,477.72 to ₦1,569.53/USD. Also noted were temporary setbacks from the suspension of the Financial Customs Service Operation (FCSO) and trade uncertainties with the U.S. over reciprocal tariffs.

Despite these challenges, the NCS is optimistic. “We’re focused on aggressive modernization and improving service delivery. Our goal is a fully digital, efficient customs system that drives Nigeria’s trade and development,” Adeniyi assured.

Conclusion

In closing, the Comptroller-General praised officers for their commitment and stakeholders for their cooperation. He thanked the media for their vital role in keeping the public informed and reaffirmed NCS's dedication to transparency, national security, and economic growth.

“The numbers show we’re delivering. We’re building a customs service that works — for the people, for the economy, and for the future.”