Customs

Hike in duty exchange rate threatens Customs’ N5.1 trillion revenue target, as agents lament impact on import business

The Eyewitness Reporter

The latest hike in the Customs duty exchange rate by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has thrown the freight forwarding business into disarray as the practitioners are presently reeling under the heavy impact of the increase.

It would be recalled that the trading public woke up Friday, February 2nd, 2024 to the shocking news that the CBN, once again and for the umpteenth time, has jerked up the Customs duty exchange rate from N951.941 to N1, 356.888 per dollar.

The announcement, which came like a bolt out of the blue, jolted the trading public, especially the customs brokers and importers, who were still smarting from the last increase done shortly before last Christmas.

The latest hike has thrown the customs brokers into a pensive mood as they watch the gradual decline in their business.

“This is one hike too many ” a notable Customs broker who ply his trade in Apapa port but craved for anonymity, lamented.

“It is now clear that this government is determined to ruin and run us out of business.

“When we are yet to get over the effect of the last hike in December, coming with this new one barely one month after, is a killer punch” he declared with a tinge of pain in his voice.

“Who could afford to pay between N10 million to N14 million customs duty on 40 footer container as a result of the latest hike?” he asked rhetorically.

” Even, if you manage to pay, the consumers will bear the brunt as the importers will automatically pass on the buck” he noted.

Prince Ozo Chukwurah, the Vice Chairman, the Board of Trustees of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), aligned with the position of the anonymous respondent.

“As of October 2023, the duty rate on 40 footer container was in the region of N5 million. We were then trying to cope with that.

“Now, you will need more than N9 million to clear the same container with the latest increase and the exchange rate will continue to go up” the ANLCA chieftain lamented.

Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim, the Coordinator of the 100 percent compliance team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders(NAGAFF) spoke with similar pain in his voice.

” Even if you import shit( faeces) in a 40-foot container, you will pay nothing less than N10 million as customs duty as a result of this latest increase. For others, you could pay between N12 million to N15 million” he stated.

” But I bet you, all these will go back to the masses because the importer will get his money back while the masses, the final consumers, will bear the brunt.” Alhaji Ibrahim said.

He expressed anger at the insensitivity of the CBN whom he accused of raising the exchange rate for customs duty at the drop of the hat.

” My anger is that anytime the exchange rate rises in the forex market, the CBN will quickly raise the rate for Customs duty but will not bring it down when there is a fall in the exchange rate in the foreign exchange market” he lamented.

He disclosed that there is a massive hunger in the land.

” It is even fair in Lagos because of its status as the commercial capital of the country but go to other towns and cities, especially in the rural areas where people are suffering. “

” Could you imagine that a bag of beans in the North where it is produced is now about N80,000?

“How much will it sell in Lagos when it gets there” he asked rhetorically.

However, all the respondents believe that the rising exchange rate for duty will affect the realisation of the N5.1 trillion revenue target of the customs.

They said the situation will lead to a drastic drop in importation as many importers will either abandon their cargo at the ports for those whose consignments are caught in the web of the latest hike or refuse to bring in goods due to the increase.

“There will be less importation because of the scarcity of dollars and the hike in the exchange rate for customs duty.

“This will have a negative impact on the revenue target of customs”

” Even if they manage to collect it, the amount will be worthless in the face of the rising inflation in the country. It won’t have much impact on the economy” Chukwurah noted.

Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim said importers will cease importation to study the situation because the foreign exchange market is volatile and highly unpredictable.

” This rate will keep rising. I heard that in a little while, the CBN will still increase the customs duty exchange rate to N1,500 per dollar based on its penchant to respond to the increase in the forex market” he claimed.

The respondents were therefore unanimous in their views that it would be an uphill task for the customs to meet its revenue target this year due to the harsh operating environment at the Ports

” Revenue targets are proposals and the Customs don’t have to kill themselves and the clearing agents in their efforts to meet them,” Prince Chukwurah said.

” I am very sure the Customs officers too don’t like what is happening because they too are Nigerians who are not immune against the hardship in the country.

” We all go to the same markets” Alhaji Ibrahim, the NAGAFF chieftain observed.

Customs

Apapa Customs records major breakthrough in anti- smuggling operations.

– intercepts 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals, other contraband goods worth N6.38billion

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a huge success in its relentless war against traders of illicit products when its officers intercepted 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals and other contraband goods.

Unveiling the contraband goods at the APM Terminals,Apapa port on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the intercepted consignments are worth over N6.38 billion.

Adeniyi, while speaking with Journalists, revealed that the interception and seizures were made possible through intelligence-driven operations supported by cargo scanning technology and targeted physical examination.

He explained that officers detected irregular cargo profiles during routine scanning procedures, prompting detailed physical inspections that uncovered several prohibited and falsely declared consignments.

According to him, among the seizures was a 40-foot container loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, including Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, Chloroquine injections and Diclofenac tablets.

Customs officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers filled with unregistered pharmaceutical products, including Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate.

In another discovery, a 20-foot container carrying 800 cartons of codeine was found carefully concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware.

Other pharmaceutical seizures included cartons of Artesunate injections, while a separate container was discovered to contain restricted security equipment such as bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies and tactical torches imported without the required End User Certificates.

The Service also uncovered multiple containers loaded with expired food items, including muffin cookies, 36,000 cans of expired energy drinks, and large quantities of expired tomato paste brands.

In addition, officers seized a 40-foot container containing 1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup concealed among luxury food flasks.

Another container was found carrying 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine hidden with electric kettles, alongside additional cartons of Co-codamol tablets.

Customs further intercepted 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing 347.57 kilograms, which were concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Adeniyi described the seizures as a major breakthrough in the Service’s ongoing crackdown on illicit trade and smuggling through Nigeria’s seaports.

He warned that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses serious risks to public health, while the smuggling of codeine-based products contributes to the growing problem of substance abuse.

The Comptroller-General emphasized that under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized goods are liable to outright forfeiture, adding that investigations are ongoing and all persons connected to the shipments will face prosecution.

He also stressed that the Service is expanding the use of Non-Intrusive Inspection (cargo scanning) to improve cargo clearance efficiency while strengthening enforcement against high-risk consignments.

According to him, Apapa Port processes thousands of containers daily, making it one of the most strategic trade gateways in West Africa.

“Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation,” Adeniyi stated.

He assured compliant traders that Customs enforcement is not aimed at legitimate business but at protecting Nigeria’s economy and citizens from dangerous and illegal imports.

Customs

Dera Nnadi bows out of Customs in a blaze of glory

Geraldine Samuel, Reporter

Dera Nnadi, a Deputy Comptroller- General of Customs(rtd), has dropped anchor of service in the Nigeria Customs and graceful bowed out of the agency in a blaze of glory.

In a commemorative retirement ceremony conducted by his appreciative colleagues at the Customs’ Headquarters, Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Nnadi was pulled out of the Service he has diligently served amidst glowing tributes.

Incidentally, his pull- out ceremony coincided with his 60th birthday.

Leading the management staff, men and officers of the service in paying moving tributes to the retiring Nnadi was the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who described DCG(rtd) Nnadi as an exemplary officer whose professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty significantly strengthened the values and operational effectiveness of the NCS.

According to the CGC, the retirement ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate a successful career but also to appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of officers who devote their lives to safeguarding the nation’s economic and border security interests.

He noted that Nnadi’s career reflects the core ideals of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in leadership, revenue generation and trade facilitation.

“Today is a moment of celebration and reflection. It is also an opportunity for us to thank Almighty God for the grace that has sustained our colleague throughout his years of service,” the CGC said.

The CGC also highlighted the personal and professional bond he shares with the retiree, noting that their relationship extends beyond official duties to family ties.

He expressed confidence that DCG Nnadi still possesses the energy and experience to continue contributing meaningfully to national development through academic and other professional engagements.

Members of the Service’s management team also paid glowing tributes to the retired DCG, commending his leadership qualities, integrity and mentorship.

Officers who served under him described him as a dependable leader who provided guidance and encouragement to younger personnel while strengthening the Service’s institutional capacity.

Responding to the honour, DCG Dera Nnadi (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, the management team, officers and Men of the Service for their support and cooperation throughout his career.

He described his years in the NCS as a fulfilling journey of growth, learning and service to the nation.

The ceremony featured the presentation of awards, gift items and commemorative photographs in honour of the distinguished officer.

Customs

Customs takes charge of implementation of National Single Window project

– rallies stakeholders for successful take-off

Funso OLOJO, Editor

As the preparations for the official launch of National Single Window(NSW) project on March 27th, 2026 gather momentum, the Nigeria Customs service may have been designated as the lead agency to drive the modernisation project.

This much was confirmed by the Director of the Project, Tola Fakolade who acknowledged the pivotal leadership of the NCS in the implementation process.

At one of the stakeholders sensitisation programmes in Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Fakolade declared “Our number one stakeholder is the NCS,”

“We have maintained a strong and constructive working relationship.

Customs’ participation and institutional experience are critical to the success of this project.” the project coordinator confirmed.

Confirming the lead role of the NCS, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, described the NSW as a major milestone in the Service’s ongoing modernisation drive.

She revealed that the NCS has been actively engaged in preparatory work for months to ensure that the framework being developed reflects operational realities and supports seamless implementation.

“This is a national project, but Customs is at the centre of its execution,” DCG Adebakin said.

“The success of the Single Window depends on collective understanding and cooperation. We must all appreciate its value because we cannot effectively promote what we do not fully understand.”

She reassured officers and stakeholders that the initiative is designed to strengthen institutional capacity rather than replace human resources, explaining that technology will enhance efficiency, transparency, and speed in cargo clearance and trade documentation processes.

Reaffirming the critical role of the service in the implementation of the NSW project, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Abuja stakeholders engagement with airlines and shipping companies held on March 4th, 2026, emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring the successful rollout of the initiative.

He noted that the support of critical stakeholders has played a significant role in the achievements recorded in the Service’s modernisation journey so far.

Adeniyi disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the Service to take a bold step forward towards a successful launch of the National Single Window, a move aimed at positioning Nigeria as a major player in global trade.

He added that airline and shipping line operators remain vital partners in ensuring a seamless transition to the new system.

He further assured stakeholders that adequate support structures are being put in place to ease the migration process.

“A help desk with well-trained personnel will be available to address any operational challenges that may arise during the rollout”, the Comptroller-General stated.

The NCS described the National Single Window as a strategic reform that aligns with Customs’ mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and inter-agency coordination.

With the NCS spearheading coordination and stakeholder engagement, the NSW project is expected to transform Nigeria’s trade environment, enhance revenue generation, and strengthen the country’s position in the global trading community.