Nigeria Customs has exceeded its 2024 revenue target of NGN 5 trillion while modernising trade operations and enhancing enforcement measures.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has surpassed its 2024 revenue target, generating an impressive NGN 5.079 trillion by mid-November.
This was announced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during the NCS Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, 13th November 2024.
Also read: Nigeria Customs Intercepts N1.18 Billion Worth of Illicit Drugs at Apapa Port
Delivering his address under the theme *“Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose”*, Adeniyi highlighted the agency’s strides in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and enforcement.
He credited the record-breaking revenue to streamlined operations and the deployment of advanced technology, surpassing the NGN 5 trillion target set for the year.
The NCS has prioritised modernisation to streamline trade. Adeniyi revealed that six entities have been approved under the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) programme, promoting trusted trade partnerships.
Additionally, the agency processed 21 requests under an advance ruling programme, expediting Customs decisions for smoother import and export processes.
To reduce delays, the Service Time Release Study has enabled 24-hour cargo clearance at ports, significantly cutting dwell times. Updated ICT systems and expanded scanning capabilities have further enhanced efficiency and transparency.
On the enforcement front, Adeniyi reported that the NCS seized contraband worth NGN 28.1 billion in 2024. These seizures included illegal arms, narcotics, and wildlife products.
He highlighted the success of *Operation Whirlwind*, a joint initiative disrupting petroleum product smuggling, which underscored the agency’s focus on national security.
“Our achievements in enforcement demonstrate the NCS’s evolving role in addressing economic and security challenges through inter-agency collaboration,” Adeniyi noted.
Looking ahead, Adeniyi outlined plans to reduce physical inspections by enhancing risk management systems.
Expanding the AEO programme and fostering stronger partnerships with government and private sector stakeholders were also highlighted as priorities.
“The support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and the dedicated NCS team has been instrumental in driving these successes,” Adeniyi stated, urging innovative approaches to address the complexities of today’s trade environment.
The NCS’s ongoing efforts signal a commitment to not only boosting revenue but also fostering economic growth and ensuring national security through its modernised approach to Customs operations.
