FG Applauds Customs Reforms as NCS Surpasses ₦7.2trn Revenue Target at International Customs Day 2026
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), commending the agency for its enhanced border vigilance, revenue performance, and role in national security and trade facilitation.
The Minister of State for Finance, Mrs. Doris Uzoka-Anite, gave the assurance on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the 2026 International Customs Day celebration held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja.
Describing the NCS as a critical institution at the intersection of revenue mobilisation, border security, and trade facilitation, Uzoka-Anite praised officers and men of the Service for maintaining professionalism amid rising public and economic expectations.
She said the Federal Government recognises the NCS as a strategic partner in the implementation of fiscal, monetary, and structural reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Efficient border management remains central to economic stability and growth. The Nigeria Customs Service has demonstrated that revenue assurance, trade facilitation, and border security can be pursued simultaneously when guided by integrity, data-driven decision-making, and strong leadership,” the minister stated.
Uzoka-Anite assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Finance would continue to provide policy guidance and institutional support to strengthen Customs’ capacity, improve transparency, and modernise operations across ports and border commands nationwide.
In his remarks, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the Service generated ₦7.281 trillion in revenue in 2025, surpassing its approved annual target of ₦6.584 trillion.
According to him, the performance reflects significant year-on-year growth driven by disciplined enforcement, improved compliance, process automation, and sustained engagement with the trading community.
Beyond revenue generation, Adeniyi said the NCS intensified intelligence-led operations to protect society, recording thousands of seizures of prohibited and harmful items, including narcotics, illicit pharmaceuticals, arms and ammunition, wildlife products, and substandard consumer goods.
“These interventions were aimed at safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and strengthening national security, while ensuring that legitimate trade was not hindered,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to maintaining a balance between trade facilitation and effective control, ensuring seamless lawful trade without compromising security or revenue.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs, Hon. Leke Abejide, called for greater recognition of the NCS within Nigeria’s security architecture and pledged continued legislative support for reforms that enhance the Service’s welfare, capacity, and operational efficiency.
Similarly, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole, commended the Customs Service for facilitating trade and securing the nation’s borders, describing it as a key partner in Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.
She noted that efficient Customs operations are vital to improving Nigeria’s competitiveness, attracting investment, and supporting industrial growth, especially as the government intensifies efforts to expand non-oil revenue.
Oduwole also emphasised the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, stressing that trade facilitation and national security must progress together to achieve sustainable economic outcomes.
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