Customs collected N3.68trn revenue in H1 — surpassed target by 11.85%

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it collected revenue of N3.68 trillion for the first half (H1) of 2025.

In a statement on Tuesday, Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS public relations officer (PRO), said the NCS board did a comprehensive review of the revenue, which was announced at its 63rd regular meeting — chaired by Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy.

According to the statement, the figure surpassed the service’s projected revenue for the period by N390.20 billion, representing 11.85 percent above expectations.

Maiwada said the board recognised the achievement as a reflection of the success of ongoing reforms, improved stakeholder compliance, and the increased use of technology in customs operations.

“Between 1st January and 30th June 2025, the Service recorded a total revenue collection of N3,682,496,530,576,48, representing a remarkable performance above expectations,” he said.

“This figure surpassed the projected revenue for the period by N390,197,847,119.32, equivalent of 11.85%, reflecting the Service’s strengthened capacity in revenue mobilisation.

“In practical terms, this signifies that within six months, the NCS has already achieved 55.93% of its annual revenue target.”

On the trade modernisation project, the NCS spokesperson said the board acknowledged milestones recorded in the second quarter of 2025 and into July, including wider deployment of the unified customs management system (UCMS) and arrival of six scanners, including an FS6000 model, to boost non-intrusive inspection.

Other achievements also include the procurement of an electronic cargo tracking system (ECTS) equipment, the setup of the centralised image analysis system (CIAS) at customs headquarters, reinforcement of cybersecurity architecture, operationalisation of a multi-channel helpdesk, and delivery of targeted capacity-building programmes.

“The board acknowledged that these developments further align Nigeria’s clearance processes with international best practices,” Maiwada said.

NCS BOARD APPROVES APPOINTMENTS OF DCGs, ACGs

The spokesperson further disclosed that the board at the meeting approved the appointment of four deputy comptroller-generals (DCGs) and 12 assistant comptroller-generals (ACGs).

He said that the appointments were made to fill vacancies created by the recent retirement of some management members, while also strengthening equitable representation within the service’s leadership structure.

Maiwada added that the appointments were in line with the availability of positions across the six geopolitical zones and in strict compliance with the federal character policy of the government, as provided in Section 14(4) of the NCS Act, 2023.

“The newly appointed DCGs are: AB Mohammed (North-West), GO Omale (North-Central), OC Orbih (South-South), D Nnadi (South-East),” he said.

“While the new ACGs include: MP Binga (North-East), CA Awo (South-East), AB Shuaibu (North-Central). AT Abe (North-West), K Mohammed (North-West), B Mohammed (North-West), TM Daniyan (North-Central), B Oramalugo (South-East), OP Olaniyan (South-West), B Olomu (South-West), IK Oladeji (South-West), and CC Dim (South-East).”

The spokesperson said the board also approved the promotion of 3,312 senior officers across various ranks from comptroller of customs (CC) to assistant superintendent of customs II (ASC 11).

“Additionally, the NCS management during its sixth management meeting held on Friday, 29 August 2025, approved the promotion of 202 junior officers from Assistant Inspector (AIC) to Customs Assistant I (CA1),” the statement added.

“These promotions underscore the service’s commitment to merit-based career progression and recognition of outstanding performance.”

Maiwada said disciplinary matters were presented during the meeting, leading to the demotion of two officers to the next lower rank for various levels of misconduct, while also granting reinstatement to two officers.

He said Bashir Adeniyi, comptroller-general of NCS, congratulated the newly appointed and promoted officers while charging them to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Adeniyi also reaffirmed the service’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, transparency, and excellence in service delivery, while appreciating the minister of finance for his continued support and guidance.