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

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

Customs

“You are worthy ambassador of Osun State” Oni of Ife eulogies Adeniyi’s leadership of Customs

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi II, has eulogized the sterling qualities of Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller- General of Customs, for his revolutionary leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The first class Yoruba monarch made the commendation on Thursday, 28th May 2026, during the annual Eid-el-Kabir gathering hosted by the Comptroller-General at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State.

The Oni, who cited President Bola Tinubu’s public commendation of Adeniyi as evidence of the confidence reposed in the Customs boss, described him as a good ambassador of Osun State and a source of pride to the ancient Ife Kingdom and the Modakeke community.

Oba Ogunwusi said President Tinubu’s public expression of satisfaction with Adeniyi’s performance reflected confidence in his leadership and the results being achieved by the Service.

“We are very proud of him and the work he is doing. When Mr President publicly expressed satisfaction with his performance, it was not a casual statement.

” It reflects trust in his capacity and the results he is delivering. What he is doing in the Customs Service and in the community shows that he is a unifier.”

Reaffirming the support of the Ife Kingdom for the Comptroller-General, the monarch declared:

“He brings people together, and that is what leadership is about. We will continue to stand by him and pray for him.”

Addressing guests, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adeniyi expressed appreciation to the Ooni of Ife, community leaders, family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers for their continued support.

He described Eid-el-Kabir as a season that reminds humanity of the virtues of sacrifice, gratitude, obedience, and service to others.

According to him, beyond the celebration, the gathering provides an opportunity to reconnect with people, strengthen relationships, and reflect on the collective responsibility of building stronger communities and a better nation.

The CGC noted that the NCS has continued to record significant progress in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, technological innovation, and corporate social responsibility initiatives in line with the economic objectives of the Federal Government.

He said the Service remains focused on supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through reforms aimed at facilitating legitimate trade, enhancing national security, improving compliance, and creating opportunities for economic growth.

CGC Adeniyi added that Customs has continued to invest in community-focused interventions across the country, including educational support programmes, healthcare initiatives, and other projects designed to improve the lives of Nigerians.

He pledged that the Service would continue to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening its operations and delivering greater value to the nation, while assuring stakeholders of Customs’ commitment to professionalism, transparency, and service excellence.

Adeniyi also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and assured Nigerians of the Service’s continued support for government policies geared towards economic prosperity and national development.

Customs

World Bank strengthens Customs capacity in post clearance Audit in two- week capacity building exercise

Gloria Odion, maritime reporter

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a two-week Technical Assistance Mission on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in collaboration with the World Bank Group under the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform (ARMOR) Programme, aimed at strengthening compliance management, revenue assurance, and trade facilitation through modern audit practices.

The workshop, which runs from June 1 to June 12, 2026, is taking place at the Service’s Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General , Babatunde Olomu, described the mission as a significant step in advancing the Service’s modernisation agenda and strengthening its capacity as a technology-driven, intelligence-led, and globally competitive customs administration.

He noted that modern customs administrations increasingly rely on intelligence-led, risk-based, and post-clearance interventions that promote voluntary compliance while supporting legitimate trade and economic growth.

According to him, the mission offers an opportunity to assess existing processes, identify operational gaps, adopt international best practices, and develop practical solutions to strengthen the Post Clearance Audit framework.

Olomu identified risk-based targeting, case management, registry management, quality assurance, standardisation, and integrated audit systems as key areas of focus.

He emphasised that effective Post Clearance Audit enables Customs to move beyond transaction-based controls to a strategic compliance management approach that enhances revenue assurance, facilitates legitimate trade, strengthens transparency, and boosts public confidence.

“This mission presents a valuable opportunity to critically assess our existing processes, identify gaps, learn from international best practices, and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our PCA framework and overall compliance management system.” he stated.

The ACG commended the Comptroller-General for his commitment to modernisation and capacity building and also appreciated the World Bank and other development partners for their sustained support for Customs reforms.

He urged participants to actively engage throughout the programme and ensure that lessons learned are translated into measurable improvements in daily operations.

Speaking at the event, World Bank Task Team Lead, Moses Kajubi, said the mission is designed to strengthen the capacity of Post Clearance Audit officers through modern customs practices, practical audit tools, and internationally recognised methodologies.

He explained that participants would be exposed to global best practices, case management techniques, and compliance management strategies that can be adapted to Nigeria’s operational environment.

Kajubi stressed the importance of leveraging technology, structured case management systems, and data-driven decision-making to improve audit quality, compliance monitoring, and trade facilitation outcomes.

“This engagement will equip participants with practical tools and global best practices that can be applied directly in the field to improve the effectiveness of Post Clearance Audit operations.”He stated.

He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen institutional capacity and contribute significantly to the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernisation objectives.

Lead Consultant for the ARMOR-P, Colonel Aloke Dutt, said the mission seeks to enhance trade facilitation, optimise revenue, and improve compliance management through a more structured and unified approach to Post Clearance Audit.

He emphasised the need for standardised audit methodologies, effective monitoring mechanisms, and the integration of data analytics into audit processes to improve accountability and operational efficiency.

Dutt also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology-driven solutions such as the B’Odogwu platform and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support a competency-based audit system across the Service.

During a technical session, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Muhammad Jubril, demonstrated the Post Clearance Audit process on the B’Odogwu platform, explaining how officers can initiate audit reviews using Harmonised Commodity codes and other risk indicators.

In his closing remarks, Comptroller Muhammad Shattima encouraged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop and apply the knowledge gained to achieve the strategic objectives of the NCS.