Customs

Freight forwarders grieve over N12 trillion Customs revenue target for 2025.

–— lament target projection will kill trade facilitation, encourage smuggling, run agents out of business

Funso OLOJO

An air of melancholy has enveloped a cross section of freight forwarders who are plying their trade at the Lagos ports over the N12 trillion revenue target imposed on the Nigeria customs service by the National Assembly.

It could be recalled that recently, while presenting the 2024 performance of the agency, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, had announced an impressive revenue haul of N6.105 trillion by the service in 2024, surpassing that year’s target of N5 .079 trillion by 20 percent.

Consequent on this, the service set N6.5 trillion as revenue target for 2025.

However, the National Assembly Joint committee on Customs thought differently.

Led by its Chairmen, Senator Sani Musa and James Faleke, the committee believed that the revenue projection of N6.5 trillion was conservative and encouraged the Customs to aim higher by generating a whooping sum of N12 trillion in 2025.

However, a cross section of freight forwarders who spoke to our reporter were alarmed by the humongous revenue target which they believed was not only unrealistic under the present sluggish Nigerian economy but said the target was a recipe for disaster.

In their unanimous opinions, the 12 trillion imposed on the customs by the National Assembly Joint committee will kill trade facilitation, run customs brokers out of business,scare away importers from Nigerian ports and create irresistible incentives for smuggling.

Alhaji Mukaila Abdullaziz, the former Secretary General of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents(ANLCA) decried the new revenue target which he believed was an ” open cheque for Customs to kill trade facilitation and go for maximum revenue” believing that smuggling will thrive as a lot of importers will be pressured by customs into resulting to the illicit trade.

” As a stakeholder, I do know that the issue of revenue and trade facilitation is the decision of each country. Each country determines what it really wants.

” It is very obvious that Nigerian government has shown that trade facilitation is not part of its programme.

” By fixing high revenue target, the government has clearly given a blanket cheque to Customs to kill trade facilitation and go for maximum revenue collection even when global trade stipulates that you don’t resort to the rule of the thumb to determine value of foods”

Alhaji Baba Usman, the Managing Director of Lungu Nigeria Limited and

a Customs broker who plies his trade in Tin Can Island Port believed the high revenue target is a way to send many freight forwarders out of business.

“What they did is a way to send everyone of us(freight forwarders) out of the market( business) because the rate of importation is very low, so where will customs get that kind of money?

” The duty they( customs) are imposing on the importers and their agents is too much.

” How can a 40 footer container be paying between 18 million to 10 million?

” They don’t even know what they are doing because they don’t want importers to import again and they don’t want agents to do their job.

“Again, as far as I am concerned, it is also the fault of the Customs because they will go to the Presidency and National Assembly and brag that they can collect so much revenue and this will automatically put pressure on the importers” the freight forwarder lamented.

Alhaji Usman however advised importers to mobilize themselves through their association and go to the National Assembly and the Ministry of Finance to complain about this high revenue target and let them realize how it will adversely affect import trade.

Otunba Olasupo Komolafe, another frontline freight forwarder and the Managing Director of Alkos Star Nigeria Limited also based in Tin Can Island Port, believed that Customs has the capacity to meet the N12 trillion revenue target only if the customs exchange rate comes down.

” But with the present Customs duty exchange rate of about N1, 541 or thereabout to a dollar, where will Customs get that amount of revenue from?

Otunba Komolafe noted that the high exchange rate has depressed the import business as fewer cargos are now coming in .

” But if the Central Bank of Nigeria( CBN) brings down the rate to, say, N1,000 to a dollar, I assure you that Customs will meet that target because importers will bring in high volume of cargo.

” But presently, because of the high exchange rate, an importer who used to bring in 10 containers has now reduced the numbers to three” the freight forwarder claimed.

Dr Segun Musa, the Vice President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders( NAGAFF) believed that the high revenue target set by the National Assembly for the Customs was a sad reflection of the poor perception of Nigerian leaders about the Nigerian economy.

He noted that developed economies do not lay much emphasis on revenue from imports to fix their economy more than internally generated revenue, saying high revenue from imports is a sign of sinking economy.

” The target is ridiculous. It is the developing economies that use such target as a barometer to measure revenue.

“No advanced economy will think of import duty target.It is ridiculous.

” Giving such ridiculous revenue target is an indication that government is lazy and cannot think outside the box by creating economy that could be sustained with internally generated revenue.

” By implication, they are going to further kill the economy because it means the economy is based on importation which does not encourage production,

manufacturing.

” By giving customs this high revenue target, the government is asking the Customs to frustrate exportation and create more opportunities for revenue from importation.

” There is no economy desirous of growth that still depends on import duty.

“Any economy that wants to grow depends on internally- generated revenue through production, manufacturing.

” In a civilized country, if government declares high revenue from import duty, the citizens will burst into tears because that suggests that the economy has nose- dived.

“By realizing N6 .5 trillion by customs in 2024, it suggested that our economy has nose- dived.

” Now they want to generate N12 trillion, that means they want to kill the economy.

” It shows those who are managing our economy lacks the requisite knowledge.

” It is also obvious that people in the National Assembly don’t know what they are doing.

” They are there looking for free money to finance the economy.

” Who told them that internally -generated revenue cannot finance our budget if they are able to build capacity”

Dr Musa alleged that 40 percent of Customs revenue are collected illegally just to meet its target.

” If I want to be proved wrong, let us post- audit what the Customs has so far collected.

” Most of the value of the goods from where this revenue are being collected are value based on window – shopping prices.

The NAGAFF Chieftain alleged that Customs will just go on Internet and get window prices and fix it on all the commodity just to jack up their revenue which is illegal.

” It is criminal to use Internet value to declare revenue for government”, he alleged.

“Am just wondering if this revenue target is sustainable when the economy has nosed dive and our naira heavily devalued, where would importers get money to import and without high level of importation, where will the customs generate the revenue target” the NAGAFF Chieftain queried.

” The only way which customs can come close to meeting the target is through penalties because I know they are going to clamp various frivolous penalties on importers and their agents which I believe is unreasonable” he concluded.

Dr Boniface Aniebonam, the Founder of NAGAFF, was more concerned with transparency of customs in the value they give the goods than the 12 trillion revenue target.

” It is not about Customs having capacity to generate that volume of revenue but the issue is to what extent can people transacting business with customs could be compliant with import and export regulations?

” There is no magic about customs procedures. Under destination inspection, you are expected to make a genuine declaration for customs purposes.

” In that regard,the customs has the mandate to check your declaration and confirm whether it is appropriate or not.

” If it is ok, they will allow you to go , if not, they would address it.

” I think the only problem we are having with customs as a matter of fact is the issue of transparency.

“What I mean is that these values by Customs, which are subjective, must be make public so that the trading public will know.

“For instance, as regards vehicles, the problem has died down there because the valuation has make it known to importers and their agents what to pay.

” As regards the revenue target given to customs, I want you to know that government needs a lot of money to meet up their mandate in terms of infrastructural development.

” Even when there seems to be argument between the importers and the customs on the real amount to pay on a cargo, the customs has a procedure that will not delay the cargo while the argument goes on.

” This is by the process whereby the customs asks you to enter into a bank bond while the argument continues and the cargo will be asked to go.

” For me, am not bothered about the issue of revenue target, it is a budgetary matter.

” It is a working tool by which government drives the economy.

” But what we should be concerned about, as I said earlier, is to what extent will the importer and his agent be compliant with customs regulations.

” People should also know that Customs cannot facilitate illegitimate trade if the owner of the goods is not compliant with customs regulations” Aniebonam said.

He stated that Customs has the mandate to facilitate trade and there is a consequence for impeding trade but said government will not get the revenue due for it if people don’t come forward with their cargo.

He reiterated his stand that nobody should bother himself with the issue of revenue target as customs is doing its best to encourage trade.

Customs

Relief as Customs grants January 31st, 2026 extension for fast track operators to migrate to AEO

Funso Olojo

The Nigeria Customs Service has now extended the earlier December 31st, 2025 deadline for the migration of importers from fast track scheme to Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) to January 31st, 2026.

The extension, according to the Customs Authority, is meant to absorb more fast track operators into the AEO programme, deepen trade facilitation, secure supply chain and strengthen compliance in line with global standards.

As a result of the extension, Customs high command advised all existing Fast Track beneficiaries who are yet to complete their migration are to initiate and conclude their AEO applications through the official platform: aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng.

“The extended timeline provides operators with ample opportunity to meet programme requirements and secure AEO certification without disruption to their business operations.

” For enquiries, technical support, or guidance, stakeholders may reach the dedicated helpdesk via aeo@customs.gov.ng.

“Only companies duly certified under the AEO Programme will continue to access the facilitation privileges previously available under the Fast Track Scheme.

The AEO Programme is a globally recognised compliance-based initiative that grants trusted operators enhanced benefits such as expedited cargo release, reduced documentation, lower inspection levels, pre-arrival processing, and greater predictability in cross-border trade.

” The extension reinforces the Service’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and inclusive transition process for all stakeholders.

“This decision to fully migrate from the fast-track scheme to AEO is consistent with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and is supported by Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

To further support stakeholders and sustain ongoing sensitisation efforts, the Service will convene another comprehensive Stakeholders Engagement Forum to provide practical guidance on the migration process, demonstrate application procedures, and address compliance-related concerns.

The forum is scheduled for Thursday, 18 December 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos, from 0900hrs to 1600hrs.

“Participants will have the opportunity to interact with AEO implementation teams and obtain detailed information on programme requirements, benefits, and operational modalities.

“The NCS urges all fast-track beneficiaries to take advantage of the extension period, participate actively in the engagement forum, and complete their transition to the AEO Programme.

” This proactive involvement not only ensures compliance with applicable regulations but also enhances the supply chain’s effectiveness and sustainability, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits all parties.

“The Service remains committed to driving trade efficiency, enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness, protecting national revenue, and promoting a predictable, transparent, and secure cargo clearance ecosystem that supports legitimate business” the agency declared.

Customs

Again, Customs, NDLEA Collabo intercepts 2,374 packages of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port

– Comptroller Oshoba warns illicit traders against daring resolve of Customs Officers at Yuletide season

Funso OLOJO

For the second times in a week, the impregnable wall of surveillance mounted by the combination of the Apapa Customs and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against the exit of illicit drugs from Apapa Port has interdicted a 20- foot container marked FCIU 6369526 laden with 2,374 packages of cannabis concealed in 55 bags with a total weight of 1,187kg.

This interception, the product of a credible intelligence, came barely 5 days both agencies uncovered 25.5kg cocaine in a Brazilian flagged vessel.

The latest seizure was suspected to be

Canadian Loud, an expensive strain of cannabis concealed inside an imported vehicles.

Both agencies, in the course of joint examination, discovered the seizure which has been taken into the custody of the NDLEA.

A breakdown of the drugs indicates that they were packed in 500 grams per sachet

Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, commended the robust synergy between the NCS and NDLEA while reiterating the service zero tolerance for smuggling.

” Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements.

“No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and economy for any form of trade.

“While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle eyed officers are activated to be alert at all times.

” Let me warn, once again for the umpteenth time, any trader- importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond ,will face the full wrath of the law.

“Investigations are ongoing on this seizure and we shall bring the perpetrators to book” Comptroller Oshoba said.

Customs

Comptroller Aliyu vows to sustain onslaught on smugglers as he assumes duties at FOU A

Funso OLOJO

Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, the new controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU ) A of the Nigeria Customs Service, has expressed his determination to sustain the ongoing stranglehold on smugglers and other illicit traders within the Zone

Comptroller Aliu make this pledge on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 when he assumed duties as the helmsman of the Zone A anti- smuggling unit.

He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the opportunity to serve in the unit.

The new controller also commended outgoing Controller of the Unit, Muhammed Shuaibu, who has been elevated to an Assistant Comptroller General for his outstanding service, achievement and pledged to consolidate on them for greater success.

“I assure you that we will consolidate on these achievements for even greater successes.

“The FOU Zone A plays a critical role in enforcing compliance, suppressing smuggling and safeguarding the economic integrity of our dear nation.

” I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come from this position especially within a zone as strategic, dynamic and challenging as Lagos and its environment.

“However, I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant officers and men of this command , we will continue to fulfill this mandate diligently.”

Aliyu, who until his new disposition, was the Customs Area Controller of Oyo/ Osun Command, outlined other key areas of focus that will guide the unit under his watch to include professional conduct and discipline among officers, stakeholders engagement as well as capacity building and welfare of officers.

He said, “High standards of ethics, discipline and integrity as well as accountability will remain non-negotiable.

” Every officer must ensure that their actions reflect the core values of the service.

“We will deepen collaboration with sister agencies ,community leaders and the trading public to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade.

“The motivation and welfare of officers will be prioritized to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness.”

Aliyu assured stakeholders and the trading public that justice, equity and fairness will guide the unit’s actions at all times.

He added that the unit’s operations under his watch would be underpinned by three cardinal objectives including management change, compliance management, and reputation management.

He called on all officers and stakeholders to join hands with him in this new role, promising to operate an open door policy.

Earlier, in his valedictory speech, outgoing Controller, ACG Shuaibu, highlighted the unit’s major successes during his seven-month tenure, which began on April 23, 2025.

He stated that the unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions, comprising 761 seized items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N10.151 billion.

Some of the notable seizures listed included: 23,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailers).

98 ‘tokunbo’vehicles, 2,350 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, and 1,820 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Others are 15 assorted rifles and 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two industrial drones, 25 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and 4 cylinders of Russian-made explosives (each weighing 50kg), seizure of $30,000 and 110 CFA, totaling N31 million, which has been secured as final forfeiture to the Federal Government.

Additionally, he said the unit within the review period arrested 38 suspects and handed over eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5 billion to NAFDAC, among other items.

Beyond enforcement, ACG Shuaibu stated that the unit recovered a total sum of N419,202,458.85 through demand notices issued on questionable declarations and undervalues, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.

He attributed the successes to the unwavering support of stakeholders and dedicated officers, urging them to extend the same level of cooperation to Comptroller Aliu.

“I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. Our shared objective remains to sustain prudent stewardship and strengthen the fight against smuggling.

” To my successor, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your appointment. I wish you great success and have no doubt that your leadership will usher in new perspectives and further advancement in these pivotal roles, ” he said.