Nigeria Customs Cuts Smuggling by 19.70%, Posts N1.75 Trillion in Q1

Nigeria Customs Reduces Smuggling Rates by 19.70%, Posts N1.75 Trillion in Q1

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday announced that it has recorded a significant drop of 19.70% in smuggling activities during the first quarter of 2025, compared to Q1 2024.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this information at a quarterly press briefing held at the agency's headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.

He stated that the achievement was complemented by a notable 78.41% increase in the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seized goods, rising from ₦4,315,162,568.35 in the final quarter of 2024 to ₦7,698,557,347.67 in Q1 2025.

According to Mr Adeniyi, the success demonstrated the agency's heightened operational effectiveness.

He attributed the percentage drop in smuggling to improved compliance through sustained stakeholder engagement and the deterrent effect of the agency's enforcement activities.

Adeniyi also revealed that rice remained the most prevalent commodity among the 298 illicit goods seized, with 159 cases involving 135,474 bags valued at ₦939,309,698.00.

"Petroleum products followed with 61 seizures totaling 65,819 liters (₦43,336,160.81 DPV). Of particular note were 22 narcotics interceptions valued at ₦730,748,173.00, reflecting our intensified focus on combating drug trafficking.

 "The Service also recorded three high-value wildlife product seizures with a remarkable ₦5,653,522,600.00 DPV, underscoring both the lucrative nature of this illegal trade and our commitment to environmental protection under international conventions," he stated.

Highlighting other notable seizures made, he listed 13 cases of textile fabrics with a DPV of ₦134,219,330.00 DPV); 5 cases of retreaded tires, having a DPV of ₦104,599,000.00; and one case of pharmaceuticals with ₦17,188,000.00 DPV. 

"These comprehensive results demonstrated the Service's vigilance across all categories of prohibited and restricted goods," he added.

Speaking further, the CGC noted that the seizure trends highlighted several strategic priorities including: Continued emphasis on intercepting high-volume items like rice and petroleum products through enhanced border surveillance.

• Specialized operations targeting high-value wildlife trafficking, building on existing collaborations with UNODC and other international partners
• Sustained focus on dangerous narcotics and pharmaceutical smuggling
• Implementation of advanced non-intrusive inspection technology to improve detection rates.

"From rice to wildlife, these seizures show our targeted approach. While these results indicate progress in curbing smuggling activities, the Service recognizes the evolving nature of illicit trade. We remain committed to refining our enforcement strategies through intelligence-led operations, technological advancement, and strengthened interagency cooperation to protect national revenue and security," Adeniyi reiterated.

On Revenue Performance, the Agency successfully exceeded its first quarter proportional benchmark of ₦1,645,000,000,000.00 by ₦106.5 billion.

This achievement represents 106.47% of its quarterly projection, with a total collection of ₦1,751,502,252,298.05. Against its annual target of ₦6,580,000,000,000.00, this performance is notable.

The CGC explained that the outstanding performance represents a substantial 29.96% increase compared to the same period in 2024, where ₦1,347,705,251,658.31 was collected.

“Our month-by-month analysis reveals even more encouraging details of this growth trajectory. January's collection of ₦647,880,245,243.67 not only surpassed its monthly target of ₦548.33 billion by 18.12%, but also showed a remarkable 65.77% year-on-year growth. February's ₦540,105,439,535.18 exceeded its target by 1.3% while achieving 19.97% growth over 2024 figures. March maintained this positive trend with ₦563,516,567,519.20, delivering 2.7% above target and an 11.22% improvement over March 2024.

“These results substantiate our effective measures to curb revenue losses while streamlining compliant trade. The 29.96% annual increase and steady monthly collections confirm our strategy is working. We'll maintain this momentum through rigorous enforcement and strengthened partnerships,” he pledged.

Adeniyi further informed that the Service processed a total of 327,928 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) for imports, handling goods with a total mass of 4,910,640,283.33 kilograms and a Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of ₦14,807,960,201,235.00 during the first quarter of 2025.

“This represents a 5.28% increase in the number of import transactions compared to the 311,492 SGDs processed in Q1 2024, reflecting growing confidence in our trade facilitation measures.

“The significant 40.14% increase in the mass of imports processed (from 3,504,173,117.33 kg in Q1 2024) demonstrated robust growth in import volumes, while the 26.72% increase in CIF value (from ₦11,685,677,810,129.00 in Q1 2024) indicates a shift towards higher-value goods.

“In Q1 2025, the Service processed 8,153 export shipments (SGDs), representing a 6.4% decrease from Q4 2024 (8,710 SGDs) and a 24.4% decline from Q1 2024 (10,786 SGDs). Despite fewer transactions, export mass reached 5.03 billion kilograms - a 10% reduction from Q4 2024's 5.58 billion kg but a remarkable 348% increase from Q1 2024's 1.12 billion kg. The CIF value stood at ₦21.51 trillion, showing a 19% increase from Q4 2024's ₦18.07 trillion while remaining stable compared to Q1 2024's ₦21.58 trillion.

“This data clearly suggested Nigeria's accelerating shift towards bulk commodity exports, with significantly larger shipments being processed through fewer transactions, while maintaining consistent total export value - reflecting both changing trade patterns and improved processing efficiency in our export systems.

"The total trade value handled by the Service in Q1 2025 amounted to ₦36,317,925,576,290.00, demonstrating Nigeria's substantial participation in international trade despite global economic challenges," he stated.

However, despite the comprehensive victories recorded, the Service encountered several challenges during the quarter which impacted its operations and performance. These include- exchange rate volatility, which continued to affect trade patterns and customs valuation. 

The Customs Chief stated that during Q1 2025, the Agency recorded 62 changes in the exchange rate, ranging from a minimum of ₦1,477.72 to a maximum of ₦1,569.53 per USD, with an average rate of ₦1,521.59.

This volatility, according to him, though was slightly moderated compared to the previous quarter (Q4 2024) which saw rates as high as ₦1,688.28, but continued to create uncertainty for traders and affects the predictability of import costs. "We have been working closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Finance to implement measures aimed at stabilizing the exchange rate for import declarations.

"Another significant challenge was the implementation and subsequent suspension of the Financial Customs Service Operation (FCSO), also known as the four percent FOB. This development created temporary operational adjustments for both the Service and our stakeholders.

"In March, we also faced uncertainty regarding the 14% Reciprocal tariff imposed on Nigerian exports by the United States of America. This development has potential implications for our export trade and requires strategic diplomatic and policy responses.

"Non-compliance, particularly in the form of smuggling, remains a persistent challenge despite our enhanced enforcement efforts. We continue to adapt our strategies to combat increasingly sophisticated smuggling networks, leveraging technology and intelligence-led operations to tackle this threat to our economy and security," he noted.

Customs FOU 'C' Decorates 49 Promoted Officers

...records Seizures worth over N5 Billion in 2023

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Federal Operations Unit, Zone “C” of the Nigeria Customs Service has decorated 49 promoted officers in the zone. 

The Zone also recorded seizures worth Five Billion, Three Hundred and Fifty-one Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety naira (N5,351,826,390.00) Duty Paid Value in the 2023 fiscal year. 

In a statement signed by the Zone’s Public Relations Officer who is also among five newly promoted Officers to Chief Superintendent of Customs, CSC Jerry Attah, three (3) officers were promoted from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) to the rank of Assistant Comptroller (AC); Five (5) from Superintendent of Customs (SC) to Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) and three (3) from the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC) to SC. 

“Also, two (2) officers from Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I) to DSC; six (6) from ASC II to ASC I; seventeen (17) from IC to ASC II; eight (8) from Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC) to IC and one person from Customs Area I (CA I) to AIC. 

“Among those promoted were the Zone’s Public Relations Officer, Jerry ATTAH, who was promoted from Superintendent of Customs (SC) to Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC).” 

While decorating the newly promoted officers on Wednesday, Zone ‘C’ Comptroller, Kayode Kolade charged them to live above board and continue to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Service. 

He also thanked the Comptroller-General, Bashir Wale Adeniyi MFR for his continued support and fatherly disposition which has resulted in the promotion of officers and eased up the activities of officers. 

Comptroller Kolade further described seizures made in 2023 as the output of hard-work, resilience, dedication to duty and commitment of his men and officers. 

According to him, some of the items seized were pangolin scales, foreign parboiled rice, cannabis sativa (AKA Indian hemp), fake pharmaceutical products, tramadol, used vehicles, used tyres, used clothing and explosive raw materials among others. 

The Comptroller emphasized how interventions of his officers in checkmating activities of fraudulent agents at the seaports, lots of revenues, hitherto lost, have led to the recovery of One Hundred and Fifty Two Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Fourteen Naira (N152,492,214.00) only. 

His words, “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi MFR and his management team through the Board of the NCS for this privilege and promise our determination and zeal to perform even more as we wear our new ranks.

“New rank comes with new and more responsibility and we must deliver on our mandate. 

“One thing that is constant in life is change. Due to the recent promotion, there will be changes in our roster and we must justify our relevance in duty assignments. We need to improve our performance this year to meet the target of N5.7 trillion set by the Service and I believe we can do it.”

 

 

Nigeria Customs Partners Joint Tax Board to enhance Effective Tax Management

The collaborative efforts between the two entities underscore both organizations' commitment to fostering synergy in addressing crucial issues related to tax management and system integration.

ZAINAB JUNAID 

In a bid to enhance effective tax management in Nigeria, Mr. Olusegun Adesokan, the Secretary of the Joint Tax Board, has solicited collaboration with Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

The robust collaboration is meant to resolve crucial matters which includes system integration and the finalization of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Joint Tax Board.

While on a visit to the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday January 16, 2023, Mr. Adesokan highlighted the need for a robust partnership between the Tax Board and Customs. The issues of system integration and the pending MOU between the two agencies were emphasized, with discussions touching on a proposed technical training session to strengthen the collaboration further.

Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders in achieving effective tax management. Stressing the collaborative imperative, he acknowledged that no entity can handle such matters in isolation. The CGC expressed his commitment to liaise with the Human Resources Department to explore the proposed technical training session. Additionally, he directs the legal teams to hasten the processes that will lead to the actualization of the MOU. 

Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernization Kikelomo Adeola, in her briefing, highlighted the advancements in integration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The integration aims to register only those vehicles that have paid the correct customs duties, contributing to efficient tax management.

Compt. Nnadi Declares 2024 “Year of Stakeholders”

as TinCan Command Generates 89.3% of it's 2023 revenue

…Says Customs management allocates N1.130 Trillion revenue target to TIPC for 2024

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Customs Area Controller, TinCan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, has declared year 2024 “Year of Stakeholders” for their positive impact in realising about 89.3% of the Command’s 2023 revenue target, that is Seven Hundred and Sixteen Billion, four hundred and seventy nine million, seven thousand, five hundred and seventy six naira, seventy four kobo(N716,479,007,576.074k) out of the allocated eight hundred and one billion, one hundred and forty million, two hundred and ninety seven thousand, four hundred and seven, sixty six kobo(N801,142,297,407.66k).

This indicates an improvement in revenue by N142,093,937,901.34k from 574, 385,069,657.40k revenue generated in the preceding year 2022.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Command’s headquarters on Tuesday, January 16, 2023, to review the Command’s performance in 2023 and also disclosed it’s new revenue target for 2024, the Area Controller said despite the economic hardship experienced in the first half year 2023, the feat was realizable due to the timely payment of duties by importers and agents.

Comptroller Nnadi said as part of reciprocating stakeholders gesture, the Command is willing to engage in more robust engagement with them by introducing a reward system for those that embrace genuine declaration.

According to him, "the Command will continue to provide a conducive environment for trade through continuous engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders and regulatory agencies of government, especially those that always have genuine declaration. Nevertheless, the Command will not hesitate to deal with those who are not willing to comply with the law."

Speaking on revenue target for 2024, Comptroller Nnadi disclosed that Customs Management allocated one trillion ,one hundred and thirty billion,seven hundred and sixty eight million, fifty one thousand, eight hundred and eighty one naira, twenty nine kobo(N1,130,768,051,881.29) revenue for 2024 which translates to a monthly collection of 94,230,670,990.11; weekly collection of 21,662,223,216.12 and daily average of 4,332,444,643.22.

In view of the new revenue target which is 27% of the whole Nigeria Customs Service allocated revenue of about 5.079 Trillion by the Federal Government, Comptroller Dera allayed fears out of Officers of the Command and encouraged them to engage in activities that will help enhance productivity.

According to him "the Command will continue to put in more effort towards better performance and is optimistic that with the content of digitisation of all customs processes and procedures based on the modernization agenda of the Service and the recent introduction of 24 hour work operations and optimization of the non-intrusive technology such as scanners, we would be able to achieve more in our core responsibilities. 

"Our projection will include improved performance in the areas of revenue collection, facilitation of legitimate trade, enhance the capacity and skills of officers and men of the Command as we continue to work in line with the CGC’s agenda to Reform, Restructure and Increase Revenue collection."

He also expressed gratitude our appreciation for the support and clear sense of direction from the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi MFR and the Management of Nigeria Customs Service for their relentless effort towards strengthening the capacity of the Service to perform its statutory responsibilities in line with international best practices.

Customs Boss Considers Establishing Customs Polo Club

...as Officers emerge Victorious in Tournament

"The tournament was organized to celebrate army remembrance Day"-Major-General Adamu 

"Officers' fitness and health status will translate to the performance of the Service in areas of revenue generation, facilitating trade, and suppressing smuggling,"- CG Adeniyi 

- 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Comptroller-General of Customs  (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has stated that he will continually support and encourage Officers and Men of the Service who show interest in sports activities as part of his efforts to maintain Customs' dominance in the sports circle.

The CGC made this disclosure on Sunday, January 15, 2024, when he attended the Polo Tournament between Customs Players and the Nigeria Army, along with the unveiling of the Nigeria Customs Service's Polo Shirt at the Nigeria Army Polo Resort in Abuja.

He reiterated, “We will consider officers who have expressed interest in the Polo game here to be the nucleus of our team — and we will give similar encouragement to other Officers to engage in the game.”

Commending the NCS' representatives at the match, CGC Bashir Adeniyi said, “I am quite impressed with what I have seen, and this will mark the beginning of the resurgence of Polo Games development in Customs.

In reference to the outstanding performance of the NCS Players during the tournament, CGC Bashir Adeniyi urged Officers and Men of the Service to maintain their fitness and watch their health, as it will translate to the performance of the Service in the areas of revenue generation, facilitating trade, and suppressing smuggling.

He said, “Our job is a very serious one: generating revenue, facilitating trade, fighting against smuggling — and these are serious callings. It requires us to be physically and mentally fit, as doing so will help maintain a delicate balance between the requirements of our work and the need to stay fit.”

Also, the Chairman of the Nigerian Army Polo Association (NAPA), Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, said the main idea behind organizing the tournament was to celebrate Army Remembrance Day and to honor CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

“We are organizing the game to remember our fallen heroes, those who spent their lives in the cause of defending our country. Additionally, we organized this match to celebrate our Armed Forces and appreciate the sacrifice that they have made,” Major General Laka said.

He urged other security agencies to follow suit and imbibe the culture of engaging their staff in Polo activities, as the Nigeria Customs Service does. He added, “The easiest way to do that is to invite the big men to come and appreciate their players like CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.”

Major-General Laka, who recalled how Polo game was first introduced to Nigeria by Colonial Masters in the 60s, expressed happiness that the Nigeria Customs Service has now considered establishing its own club.

The maiden match, which ended with several chukkas, showcased the prowess of the Nigeria Customs Players who emerged victorious. Following their impressive performance, the players were honored with major trophies in a ceremony concluding the tournament. Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, the Chairman of Nigerian Army Polo Association, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of Voice of Nigeria, Jibril Baba Ndace, and Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in-charge Headquarters Olaniyi Alajogun, among others, presented the well-deserved awards.

Chief Superintendent of Customs, Jamilu Haruna Funtua, and Superintendent of Customs Aminu Labaran Kago, representing NCS at the tournament, expressed gratitude to the CGC for gracing their match. They maintained that his presence throughout the game served as a morale booster, promising to redouble their efforts to enhance their performance in upcoming matches and bring more trophies to the Service.

Oyetola, Alkali, Adeniyi, Okhiria Converge to strengthen

operational efficiency in Nigeria Seaports 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Acknowledging the pivotal role of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) in actively decongesting ports, the meeting entrusted the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, with the mandate of championing and prioritizing cargo scanning over traditional physical examination methods.

As part of the vision to actualize initiatives that would not only open up Nigerian Ports but also foster seamless cooperation and trade facilitation, a pivotal strategic meeting was held at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on Monday, 15 January 2024, by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali; Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR; Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria (Virtual Attendee) respectively.

The key focal point of discussion at the meeting was the strategic integration of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) to bolster operational efficiency in Nigerian Seaports.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of NIIT in actively decongesting ports, the meeting entrusted the Comptroller General of Customs with the mandate to champion and prioritize cargo scanning over traditional physical examination methods.

In a joint press release signed by the ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and Nigeria Customs Service-Ismail Omipidan, Media Aide to HM, Marine, and Blue Economy, and Abdullahi Maiwada, Chief Superintendent of Customs, the meeting prioritize more on cargo scanning over Physical Examination; Repair and Utilization of Scanners.

According to the release, Immediate action was endorsed to rectify and optimize all existing scanners at prominent ports such as Apapa, Tincan Island, Onne, and PTML.

 Simultaneously, the existing mobile scanners will be strategically deployed to facilitate expeditious cargo inspections.

"Rail Freight to Inland Containers Depot/Dry Ports- The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) pledged continued commitment to freight cargoes to Inland container depots/dry ports, a strategic move to alleviate congestion at major ports. Plans were unveiled for the efficient evacuation of containers from Port Harcourt to Aba, with future extensions envisaged for Onne Port.

"Bypassing Fixed Scanner during Rail Track Construction- Against the backdrop of rail track construction, the NRC concurred on a pragmatic approach by agreeing to bypass the fixed scanner at Apapa. This ensures the unhindered progression of scanning process during crucial infrastructure development.

"Public-Private Partnerships for Scanning Installation and Maintenance: The meeting advocated for exploring Public-Private Partnerships to oversee the installation and maintenance of scanning technology. This collaborative model aims to sustain efficiency and foster innovation in cargo inspection processes. 

"The collaborative synergy witnessed in this meeting underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian government to cultivate a conducive and efficient trade environment. The anticipated implementation of these resolutions is poised to positively impact port decongestion, trade facilitation, and overall operational efficiency and competitiveness," the statement read.

Comptroller Shuaibu Urges newly promoted Officers to be more conscientious in their duties

The Command was privileged to have newly promoted 3 Comptrollers of Customs including the Customs Area Controller, 9 Assistant Comptrollers, 16 Chiefs Superintendent including the Command spokesperson, among others.

ZAINAB JUNAID

Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Command, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu has urged newly promoted Officers of the Command to be more conscientious and proactive in the discharge of their duties.

While decorating the newly promoted Officers on Thursday January 11, 2023, Comptroller Shuaibu who was ably represented by the Deputy Comptroller, enjoined the officers to redouble their efforts and see their promotion as a call to higher responsibility.

The Area Controller expressed gratitude to God Almighty for the opportunity given the Command to partake and also excel in the promotion exercise.

Comptroller Shuaibu also appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and the Customs Board for finding the promoted officers worthy of promotion.

He advised the Officers  saying, “Your promotion is a privilege, many of you sat for the promotion examination but not all got promoted. You have to live up to expectations , to whom much is given much is expected.”

According to a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, who was also among newly promoted Officers to Chief Superintendent of Customs level, CSC Hammed Bukoye Oloyede, the atmosphere at the Headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko, took a different dimension as the newly promoted officers were decorated and celebrated by their fellow colleagues, families and friends.

“The newly promoted Comptroller AA Abdulkadir and former Deputy Comptroller Valuation of the Command, who graced the occasion , advised the promoted officers to do things differently from their usual ways such as dressing, communication and level of performance, among others. He also charged them to expect higher responsibilities and more tasks ahead.

“At the occasion, 4 Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSCs), 3 Superintendent of Customs (SCs), 7 Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSCs), 3 Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASCs I ) and 2 Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASCs II) were decorated with their new ranks.

“The Command is blessed with the promotion of 3 Comptrollers of Customs including the Customs Area Controller, 9 Assistant Comptrollers, 16 Chiefs Superintendent including the Command spokesperson, among others,” the statement partly read.