The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has met its 2024 revenue target of N5.07 trillion, collecting N5,079,455,088,194.38 and made seizures of N28.1billion as at 12th November, 2024 .The service is working towards exceeding its target by 10% before the year runs out and this validates its partnership driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who made this known during the opening ceremony of the CGC Conference, 2024 in Abuja on 13th November , 2024 themed “The Power of Collaboration: Nigeria Customs Service Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose” affirmed that the achievement is not merely about numbers but it demonstrates how enhanced stakeholder collaboration, improved processes, and modernized systems can deliver tangible results for Nigeria’s economy.
He stated that the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation has garnered significant recognition and yielded measurable results as the momentum of its modernization initiatives continues to build, yielding immediate benefits for stakeholders.He emphasised that these achievements were made as a result of the cooperation of sister agencies.
“The Service’s leap of 33 places upward in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings, placing us among the top five agencies in trade facilitation, reflects the impact of our reform initiatives. We have expanded our focus beyond traditional import operations to actively support exporters and nurture small and medium scale enterprises. The AfCFTA Secretariat’s recognition of our innovative approaches led to an invitation to share Nigeria’s experience at the prestigious Biashara Afrika forum in Kigali last month. This recognition culminated in a historic milestone – Nigeria’s first shipment under the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, marking our country’s practical commitment to continental trade integration.
“The seizures span critical areas of national concern – from wildlife items and arms and ammunition to narcotics and pharmaceutical products. A 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. 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 shared purpose, we multiply our effectiveness in safeguarding national interests.”
The CGG revealed that the NCS has launched an ambitious Human Resource Development Plan that addresses both immediate and long-term needs. He said it includes accelerated career progression opportunities for deserving officers, ensuring that talent and dedication are appropriately rewarded and the establishment of a Customs University.
“A significant internal challenge we must address transparently is the unprecedented rate of leadership transitions within our Service. The statistics tell a compelling story: we saw 60% of our management team exit in 2022, 36% in 2023, and this year, we will experience a 76% change in our management composition. With projections indicating another 40% of our management staff retiring in 2024, we recognize the urgent need for strategic intervention.
“Most significantly, we are making a historic investment in human capital infrastructure through the establishment of a Customs University – a testament to our commitment to building a knowledgedriven service. These initiatives, aligned with the World Customs Organization’s focus on youth leadership development, complement our comprehensive talent management program that identifies and prepares promising officers for leadership roles, ensuring the Service’s continued stability and effectiveness”
The Customs Boss disclosed that the Service aims to dramatically reduce physical inspection rates through enhanced risk management systems, fully deploy e-customs infrastructure, and expand the Authorized Economic Operator program.
” Our focus extends to strengthening regional integration through improved border cooperation and deepening stakeholder engagement through regular consultative forums.
“These objectives are not just operational targets; they are our vision for a modern customs administration that effectively balances trade facilitation, revenue collection, and security. The achievement of these goals, particularly during this period of leadership transition, will require even stronger partnerships with all stakeholders – from government agencies to private sector operators.”
He expressed his profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support of the Service’s modernization initiatives.He also appreciated both traditional and new partners of the Service for their collaboration which has been instrumental in the Service’s achievements.
Adeniyi praised the hardworking officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly those who have served and those preparing to take up new leadership roles.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu said his administration is enhancing trade facilitation, modernising the nation’s port infrastructure, and streamlining business processes to reduce barriers to trade.
The Presidency noted that in responding to the administration’s call for enhanced trade facilitation and economic growth, the Service has introduce
d 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.”
Tinubu confirmed that the results of the Service’s initiatives across the Service’s core mandates has been encouraging.He assured that his administration remains committed to supporting the Nigeria Customs Service in its modernization and reform initiatives.
“We will continue to provide the necessary policy backing and enablement required to strengthen the Service’s capacity to deliver on its mandates. This includes support for technological advancement, infrastructure development, and capacity building programs that align with global best practices.” He said.
