This achievement marks a significant increase compared to the N600 billion revenue collected during the same period in 2023, more than doubling the previous figures.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a historic revenue milestone of N1.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, primarily credited to the transformative reforms implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This achievement marks a significant increase compared to the N600 billion revenue collected during the same period in 2023, more than doubling the previous figures.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted that this impressive growth is a result of the Renewed Hope Agenda spearheaded by President Tinubu, as detailed in an upcoming State House documentary celebrating the President’s two-year milestone in office. Adeniyi emphasized that strategic reforms had elevated efficiency and transparency within the customs operations.
In a statement released by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the Comptroller-General noted, “We collected N1.3 trillion in Q1 2025 alone. This increase is not due to higher import volumes, as imports have decreased due to foreign exchange challenges. What has truly changed is our enhanced efficiency and enforcement measures.”
Furthermore, the Customs Service is set to launch the E-Customs Modernisation Project, a $3.2 billion initiative aimed at digitizing cargo processing, surveillance, and payment systems across the nation’s ports and borders. “We’re laying the foundation to transition from a manual, paper-based system to a fully digital service. The E-Customs Project is central to our future, and once fully deployed, we anticipate adding $250 billion in cumulative revenue over the next 20 years,” Adeniyi stated.
The Comptroller-General also affirmed that intensified anti-smuggling operations have been instrumental in closing long-standing revenue leakages. Over N64 billion was recovered from previously under-assessed or undervalued imports in the past nine months. Significant dismantling of smuggling rings at strategic border points, including Seme, Idiroko, Katsina, and Sokoto, has been reported as part of these efforts.
“Our approach has evolved; we’re no longer just pursuing smugglers in remote areas. We utilize data, surveillance drones, and port intelligence for real-time action. Systemic leakages that once existed are now being addressed,” he added.
The introduction of a Single Window system is set to streamline processes, allowing for easier online management of transactions that previously required interaction with up to 15 agencies. This innovation is expected to significantly reduce clearance times and costs, with timelines at Apapa and Tin Can Ports dropping from 21 days to just 7–10 days for compliant importers.
In addition, the Customs agency is promoting exports aggressively, particularly in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). The agency introduced fast-track lanes for agro-exports to enhance the efficiency of outbound cargo processes, aligning with the government’s commitment to boost non-oil exports. In the previous year, Nigeria exported over ₦340 billion worth of solid minerals and agro commodities through formal channels, reflecting a 38 percent increase, with even greater targets set for 2025.
Through these continuing reforms, the Nigeria Customs Service aims to further optimize its operations and revenue generation strategies, reinforcing its pivotal role in the country’s economy.
