Nigeria Customs Service Surpasses H1 Revenue Target, Collects ₦3.68 Trillion
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a significant milestone in its revenue generation for the first half of 2025, reporting a total collection of ₦3.68 trillion. This figure surpasses the Service’s target for the period by ₦390.2 billion, reflecting an impressive 11.85 percent increase and accounting for 55.93 percent of the annual revenue projection. Officials attributed this notable performance to a combination of strategic reforms, technological advancements, and enhanced compliance from trade stakeholders. According to the NCS, efforts to modernize customs operations, coupled with capacity-building initiatives, have strengthened operational efficiency and minimized revenue leakages, positioning the Service as a critical contributor to national development. Key among the factors driving this surge in revenue is the adoption of advanced technology in customs operations. The NCS deployed six non-intrusive scanners, including the FS6000 model, to facilitate faster and more efficient cargo inspections. Additionally, the implementation of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) and the establishment of a Centralized Image Analysis System (CIAS) have streamlined processes and improved transparency in revenue collection. In a bid to strengthen leadership and operational capacity, the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB), chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, recently approved the appointment of four Deputy Comptroller-Generals and twelve Assistant Comptroller-Generals. These appointments aim to ensure equitable representation across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The Service also promoted 3,312 senior officers and 202 junior officers, highlighting a commitment to merit-based career progression. Analysts note that the first-half performance demonstrates the effectiveness of the NCS’s reforms and its ability to mobilize revenue despite economic challenges. The deployment of Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) equipment and reinforced cybersecurity measures further underscore the Service’s commitment to securing trade channels and enhancing compliance. With these robust measures, the NCS is well-positioned to meet, if not exceed, its full-year revenue targets. Stakeholders and industry experts anticipate that continued technological integration, stricter enforcement of customs regulations, and active engagement with trade operators will sustain the upward trajectory in revenue collection throughout 2025. The Nigeria Customs Service’s achievement underscores the importance of modernized systems, strategic leadership, and efficient operational practices in driving national revenue growth and supporting economic stability.
