By Peace Udugba
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its strong revenue performance, technological transformation and ongoing reforms aimed at facilitating international trade.
Oyedele gave the commendation on September 2, 2026, during his inaugural board meeting and facility tour at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
The minister praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and officers of the Service for the progress recorded in modernising Customs operations, improving cargo processing and strengthening revenue collection.
According to Oyedele, the NCS generated ₦4.03 trillion in revenue during the first half of 2026, while a further ₦1.38 trillion was recorded in July and August, bringing the total revenue generated within the first eight months of the year to about ₦5.41 trillion.
He said the performance placed the Service on course to achieve its ₦11 trillion annual revenue target, attributing the progress to increased automation, intelligence-led operations, technology investments and improved trade facilitation measures.
The minister also expressed satisfaction with the modern intelligence tools and technological infrastructure deployed by the Service, describing Customs’ progress as a strong foundation for Nigeria to assume a leading role in regional and global trade.
“Results are precisely what should propel us to do more,” Oyedele said, stressing the need for the NCS to build on its achievements by establishing world-class standards in port efficiency, transparency, cargo clearance and revenue integrity.
He added that Nigeria must demonstrate leadership through measurable performance rather than rhetoric.
Oyedele further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for the Nigeria Customs Service, assuring the agency of continued access to modern technology, operational equipment and policy backing.
He said the support was aimed at strengthening the capacity of the NCS to sustain its reforms and position Nigeria as a leading trade-facilitation hub in Africa.
The minister’s remarks come as the Customs Service continues to pursue digital transformation and institutional reforms under the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi, with greater emphasis on automation, efficiency, transparency and revenue optimisation.
