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Customs

Tinubu lauds Customs’ contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth 

– as the service meets N4.07 trillion 2024 revenue target in 11 months.
Funso OLOJO 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Nigeria Customs Service to the nation’s overall economic growth, lauding the service’s capacity to realign with his administration’s transformative agenda.
Expressing his admiration and commitment to enhancing the service’s efficiency, Tinubu said Customs’ performance represents a laudable example of how government agencies must align their functions and programmes with the federal government’s overall vision.
Declaring open the 2024 CGC conference in Abuja on November 13th, 2024, the President, represented by his Chief Security officer(CSO), Nuhu Ribadu, gave a pat on the back of the service for its modernisation programme, trade facilitation, enforcement of compliance by traders and improved revenue generation.
“Agencies needed to demonstrate initiative in identifying opportunities within their mandates that would best serve and advance our national aspirations.
“I am pleased to note that the Nigeria Customs Service is one of the agencies that has risen to this expectation, demonstrating how government institutions can effectively contribute to our economic transformation agenda while fulfilling their core mandates.
“​This alignment is clearly demonstrated in the Service’s comprehensive modernization agenda.
” In responding to our administration’s call for enhanced trade facilitation and economic growth, the Service has introduced significant reforms including the Advanced Ruling system and the Authorised Economic Operator Program.
” These initiatives, which align with global best practices, show how agencies can innovatively implement solutions that advance our national economic objectives while meeting international standards.
“Such reforms not only enhance trade facilitation but also create a more predictable business environment that supports our broader economic goals.
“​The results of these initiatives across the Service’s core mandates have been encouraging. The Nigeria Customs Service has shown remarkable progress in revenue generation, enhancing government’s capacity to fund critical national development projects.
” Through strategic reforms, the Service is strengthening Nigeria’s position as a trade-friendly nation, particularly in the areas of export promotion and port efficiency.
“This has contributed significantly to our improved global ranking in the ease of doing business. The Service has also demonstrated that effective trade facilitation can coexist with strong regulatory compliance, as evidenced by its enhanced border security and anti-smuggling operations.
” These achievements affirm our administration’s belief that public institutions, when properly aligned with national objectives, can effectively drive transformative change” President Tinubu noted.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service has generated the princely sum of N5.079 trillion about six weeks before the end of 2024.
This revenue performance meets its 2024 revenue target of N5.07 trillion with a high probability of surpassing the target by the end of the year.
An elated Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who announced this feat to his august guests at the 2024 CGC conference in Abuja, exuded confidence that the service will brush aside the 2024 revenue target by at least 10 percent at the close of the year.
While delivering his welcome address at this year’s conference with the theme “NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE: ENGAGING TRADITIONAL AND NEW PARTNERS WITH PURPOSE” Adeniyi attributed this rare feat to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the stakeholders, synergy with relevant government agencies and the commitment of his men and officers.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that yesterday(Tuesday )12 November 2024, at exactly 13:10 Hrs, the Nigeria Customs Service hit its 2024 revenue target of NGN 5.07 trillion, collecting NGN 5,079,455,088,194.38 with more than a month remaining in the fiscal year.
“This exceptional performance – projected to exceed our target by 10% – validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation.
” The achievement is not merely about numbers; it demonstrates how enhanced stakeholder collaboration, improved processes, and modernized systems can deliver tangible results for our nation’s economy” he noted.
He took his audience through the audacious transformative programmes of his administration which have helped to transform and reposition the service.
Apart from revenue generation, Adeniyi disclosed that the service recorded N28.1 billion worth of seizures of illicit goods during the period under review.
The CGC also disclosed that the deployment of new trade facilitation tools such as the Advance Ruling system and Authorized Economic Operators(AEO) have combined to help facilitate trade within the stringent enforcement of compliance environment.
“The momentum of our modernization initiatives continues to build, yielding immediate benefits for our stakeholders.
“With your support and collaboration, we have successfully implemented several key reforms. Our Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) scheme now has six beneficiaries in its pilot phase, carefully selected based on stringent compliance criteria.
“The Advanced Ruling system has processed 31 requests, with 12 rulings issued -notably, 75% of these were completed in October following our stakeholder sensitization efforts.
“Additionally, the introduction of 24-hour cargo clearance at major ports has significantly reduced dwell time; the completion of Nigeria’s first Time Release Study now provides us with empirical data to measure and improve our efficiency; our enhanced risk management systems are streamlining operations; and the deployment of non-intrusive inspection equipment is accelerating cargo examination while maintaining robust controls.
“In fulfilling our enforcement mandate, we have achieved unprecedented success in protecting both our citizens and economy. The scale of our intervention is reflected in seizures valued at NGN 28.1 billion and counting in 2024 alone.
” These seizures span critical areas of national concern – from wildlife items and arms and ammunition to narcotics and pharmaceutical products.
“An important moment in our enforcement strategy was the declaration of a state of emergency at our major ports, which led to the interception of 48 containers of illicit pharmaceutical items and narcotics, significantly disrupting the flow of potentially harmful products.
” Through strategic operations, we continue to intercept and seize prohibited items that pose direct threats to public health and safety.
” Our enforcement activities have been particularly impactful in addressing items that could worsen our current economic challenges.
“A standout example is Operation Whirlwind, launched in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
“This joint initiative to combat petroleum product smuggling demonstrates how inter-agency cooperation can effectively protect our national resources and economic stability.
” The success of these operations underscores a crucial lesson: when agencies work together with a shared purpose, we multiply our effectiveness in safeguarding national interests” the CGC declared.
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Customs

PTML donates smart office complex to Customs for enhanced performance 

Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), Tin Can Island port, has demonstrated a rare commitment to the welfare and well being of the officers of the PTML command of the Nigeria Customs Service when the terminal operator donated a new fully furnished office complex with modern Information and Communications Technology (ICT) facilities to enhance their operations and boost their efficiency.
While handling the smart office complex to the management of the command on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, the Managing Director of  PTML), Mr Ascanio Russo, described the project as a clear demonstration of PTML’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigeria Customs Service and ensuring that officers operate in an environment that promotes efficiency, professionalism and productivity.
According to him, the new office complex reflects PTML’s broader vision of fostering stronger institutional partnerships that will ultimately benefit port users and the Nigerian economy.
“This project symbolises our enduring partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service and our collective determination to improve operational standards at the port.
“We promised to provide additional offices to Customs, to complement the existing offices, and today we are proud to fulfil that commitment with a facility designed to provide a modern, comfortable and highly functional workspace for officers.
“We firmly believe that when regulatory agencies are provided with the right work environment and support, they are better positioned to carry out their responsibilities efficiently.
“This new modern facility will undoubtedly enhance productivity, strengthen operational effectiveness and contribute significantly to the seamless movement of cargo and trade facilitation at the terminal,” Russo stated.
He further commended officers and men of the PTML Command for their dedication, professionalism and consistent efforts in sustaining cargo throughput and boosting government revenue generation despite operational challenges.
Receiving the new office complex on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, expressed deep appreciation to the management of PTML for delivering the project, which he described as timely and impactful.
Comptroller Anani noted that a conducive working environment remains critical to the effectiveness, morale and overall performance of officers, stressing that the newly renovated complex would greatly enhance administrative efficiency and operational coordination within the Command.
“This is truly a dream come true for us. I was informed that this project had been in the pipeline for quite some time, so witnessing its successful completion during my tenure gives me immense satisfaction and joy.
“PTML has demonstrated genuine commitment, responsibility and partnership through this laudable gesture.
“A modern workplace like this has a direct impact on the efficiency and motivation of officers.
“This facility will undoubtedly improve our operational capacity, create a better working atmosphere and support our mandate of facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring compliance with government regulations.
” We sincerely appreciate PTML for honouring this promise and for continuously supporting the activities of the Command,” Anani said.
Industry stakeholders at the event noted that the development will contribute positively to faster cargo clearance procedures, improved administrative processes and stronger synergy between terminal operators and regulatory authorities, all of which are essential to achieving greater efficiency within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
PTML, which is Nigeria’s leading roll-on roll-off terminal, is widely recognised for handling vehicle and container imports as well as providing integrated logistics and terminal services.
 The terminal has continued to play a strategic role in supporting Nigeria’s maritime trade through its significant investments in infrastructure, operational efficiency and technology-driven cargo handling processes aimed at improving port productivity and reducing cargo dwell time.
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Customs

Nigeria’s business community lauds Customs performance in Q1 2026, seeks improvement in service delivery 

Funso OLOJO,Editor 
The critical section of stakeholders in the maritime and aviation industries have expressed satisfaction with the level of performance, service delivery and discipline among officers in the Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Their commendation was based of the performances of all the commands in the Zone in the last three months
Customs Commands in Zone ‘A’ are those located across the six states of the South west geopolitical zone, at the land, airport and sea port borders.
Some of the prominent Commands in Zone ‘A’ include the Apapa  Port Command, Tincan Island Port (TCIP) Command,  Ports and Terminals Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Command, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command and the Western Marine Command.
 Others are the Ijora Export Terminal, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Murtala Mohammed Cargo Airport Command, Seme Border Command, Idiroko Border Command, Ogun State, the Oyo/Osun Command and Ondo Command.
Many stakeholders who volunteered comments on the scorecard of the NCS Commands in Zone ‘A’ within the first three months of the year, said although Customs officers needed to improve in their service delivery, they however rated their performance high within the period under review.
The assessment focused mainly on resumption time, closing time, prompt attention to, and resolution of complaints from the business community, physical appearance, trade facilitation and revenue generation.
Many stakeholders scored the NCS in the Zone high on resumption time and closing time.
According to them, in most of the Commands,  resumption time and closing time, as well as prompt response to complaints and physical appearance of officers are rated grade A.
A respondent, Uju Clifford, a freight forwarder who plies his business between the Seme Border Command and Apapa Area 1 Command, said he felt sorry for Customs officers because most of them resumed as early as 7.45 am and closed around 8 PM.
Clifford narrated a story of how his container was one day detained at the FOU for issues that related to documentation, but when he rushed to the Command in the evening to sort out the cargo, he witnessed that some officers closed by 8 PM. He said he felt sorry for the officers.
Clifford, who hinted that he normally pursues his jobs till late in the evening at the Apapa Area 1 Command, added that under the present management of the NCS led by Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,the Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs service, he has witnessed the highest level of discipline among officers.
 According to him, “They look neat and decent. They talk to us politely, not like those days when they shouted at us. I commend the leadership of the current CG”.
The NCS has continued to demonstrate resilience and efficiency in the first and second quarters of 2026, with its performance scorecard reflecting strong achievements in revenue collection, enforcement, compliance, and strategic seizures across major commands.
Stakeholders were unanimous that from the Apapa Area Command to Tin Can Island and the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command, operations have remained seamless, with service delivery running smoothly and unhindered.
At Apapa Area Command, revenue collection surged beyond projections, with recoveries from under-declarations and infractions reinforcing the Service’s vigilance.
In the same vein, the Tin Can Island Command recorded significant seizures of contraband, including restricted goods and counterfeit products, underscoring the Service’s commitment to safeguarding national security and economic interests.
Similarly, the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command maintained its reputation for precision enforcement, intercepting illicit consignments while ensuring legitimate trade flows without disruption.
The Idiroko Border Command led by Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, was scored high on enforcement drives, discipline, wellness activities and officers welfare.
Stakeholders across the maritime and aviation sectors also commended the Service’s performance.
“The Customs Service has shown remarkable consistency in revenue generation and enforcement.
“Their efficiency in Q1 and Q2 ,2026 has been a stabilizing factor for the economy,” said Mrs. Adeola Ogunleye, a maritime industry player.
Assessing the Service’s performance scorecard within the period under review, the National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr. Emmanuel Onyeme, noted that men and officers of the NCS attended to their duties with passion and commitment.
He also saluted the high-level of professionalism displayed by personnel, while encouraging management and operatives within the zone to maintain the traction.
“The reality on the ground is that the Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service in Zone ‘A’ have been very patriotic and professional in the discharge of their duties in recent months, particularly as regards  promptness to duty and attending to clearing agents with courtesy and professionalism.
“I commend the officers in the commands across the zone for discharging their duties so well.
“This shows that the high-level professionalism and patriotism of the Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is running off down the ladder.
“I also want to commend all the Customs Area Controllers in the zone for being a very good example to their officers.
“The implication of this good development will be more revenue for the government and enhanced trade facilitation, and it will boost the cordial relationship existing between Customs and the stakeholders, especially Clearing Agents and Freight Forwarders”, Onyeme said.
Mr. Chinedu Okafor, a freight forwarder at Tin Can Island, also evaluating service delivery in the cargo clearance system said: “The seizures recorded this year are proof of Customs’ vigilance.
” Beyond that, clearance procedures have become faster, and revenue recoveries are impressive.
” Why we can speak of the need for improvement across board, we must commend the Customs for taking the lead and continue to incline to its appeal for other players like us to step up.”
Also speaking, Dr. Ibrahim Musa, an aviation logistics expert, emphasized the Service’s resilience:
 “At the airport command, operations have been seamless. Revenue targets are being met, enforcement remains strong, and compliance levels are high.
” The Service deserves commendation for balancing trade facilitation with security.”
The Nigeria Customs Service posted a strong performance in Q1 and Q2 2026, surpassing revenue targets, recording billions in recoveries, and executing major seizures across key commands.
 Stakeholders have lauded the Service’s efficiency, noting its resilience in revenue collection, enforcement, and compliance.
Revenue Performance:
While Q1 2026 export earnings hit $925.84 million, a 38.68% increase compared to Q1 2025, container throughput amounted to 19,014 for Q1 2026, up 95.58% from 9,722 in Q1 2025.
In the same vein, export surcharge collections grossed ₦199.36 million in Q1 2026, with an upswing of 21.81% year-on-year.
 This is even as the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) collections amounted to ₦6.03 billion for Q1 2026, amounting to a 20.15% increase, up from ₦5.01 billion collected in Q1 2025.
Instructively, there’s a projected ₦9 trillion revenue for 2026, based on ₦7.28 trillion collected in 2025; with a projected target increase of ₦697 billion.
Enforcement & Seizures
With a total of 473 smuggling operations foiled in 8 weeks, the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Lagos seizures included 8,794 bags of rice (15 trailer loads), 22 used vehicles, 1,863 refrigerator compressors, 328 bales of clothing, and 531 cartons of frozen poultry.
Drug Interceptions records indicate that while 3,340 parcels of cannabis (1,540kg), plus 6.4kg of cocaine and methamphetamine valued at ₦2.35 billion was made within the period under review, revenue recovery by the unit amounted to ₦5.5 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV) and ₦97.7 million recovered via Demand Notices.
Command Highlights:
While Apapa Area Command surpassed revenue projections, with strong recoveries from under-declarations, Tin Can Island the second largest command recorded significant seizures of contraband and counterfeit goods, reinforcing compliance.
This is even as Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command maintained a seamless enforcement trajectory, intercepting illicit consignments, while facilitating legitimate trade.
With stakeholders affirming the Service’s credibility and efficiency, the Nigeria Customs Service continues to uphold its reputation as a cornerstone of trade facilitation and national revenue generation. Its Q1 and Q2 2026 scorecard reflects not only resilience but also a forward-looking commitment to excellence in service delivery.
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Customs

FOU A bursts 473 smuggling operations in 8 weeks, records major seizures with N5.5billion DPV

– plans relocation to new ultra- modern Iperu headquarters 
Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
The Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone A, Lagos, has foiled about 473 major smuggling operations across its areas of coverage within the last eight week.
Making this disclosure on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 was the Comptroller of the Unit, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu while giving account of the performance of the Unit.
According to him, the operations led to the seizure of a wide range of prohibited and contraband items, including 8,794 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 15 trailer loads), 22 used vehicles, 1,863 used refrigerator compressors and  328 bales of used clothing.
Others were 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 485 used tyres, 69 cartons of foreign spaghetti, sugar and other food items, as well as 531 cartons of frozen poultry products.
In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Comptroller Aliyu disclosed that the Unit launched a special operation codenamed Operation Hawk, targeting illicit drug networks.
This resulted in the seizure of 3,340 parcels of cannabis indica, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” weighing 1,540kg.
He emphasized that the operation reflects the Unit’s resolve to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates and curb the spread of illicit substances.
In a related development, officers at the Gbaji outpost, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a vehicle along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor conveying hard drugs.
The suspect arrested with the prohibited items, a 71-year-old Nigerian, was found in possession of 6.4kg of cocaine and methamphetamine with an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion.
Several arrests were made across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo States in connection with these seizures.
Comptroller Aliyu disclosed that the seized narcotics have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution, in line with existing inter-agency collaboration frameworks.
The Unit also recorded the seizure of four cylinders of high-grade mercury, a controlled substance under the Minamata Convention, concealed in a vehicle.
The suspect and items has been transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further action.
Beyond seizures, the Unit achieved significant revenue recovery, recording a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦5,504,039,720 within the review period.
Additionally, ₦97,703,596.55 was recovered through the issuance of Demand Notices on improperly declared consignments.
Comptroller Aliyu highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize operations through the deployment of advanced technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, drone surveillance, and predictive analytics.
These tools, he noted, are enhancing intelligence-led enforcement, improving response times, and disrupting smuggling networks across the Zone.
He further disclosed that the Unit will soon commence a phased relocation to its newly commissioned ultra-modern headquarters in Iperu, Ogun State.
The facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre designed to support real-time monitoring, data analytics, and improved inter-agency coordination.
Reaffirming the Unit’s dual mandate, Comptroller Aliyu stressed that while enforcement remains a priority, the FOU Zone ‘A’ is equally committed to facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that compliant traders are not unduly hindered.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and strategic direction, as well as to stakeholders and the media for their continued support.
The Comptroller reiterated the Unit’s determination to sustain its crackdown on economic sabotage, protect national revenue, and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment.
The Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, has reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy across the South-West region.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, Comptroller Aliyu stated that the Unit has strengthened enforcement measures in line with the Federal Government’s fiscal policies and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. He noted that through enhanced surveillance, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency collaboration, the Unit successfully intercepted 473 smuggling attempts within an eight-week period.
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