By: peace udugba -The daily torch media
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), describing the agency as a critical institution for revenue generation, border security and trade facilitation.
The Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, gave the assurance on Monday during the 2026 International Customs Day celebration held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja.
Uzoka-Anite commended officers and men of the Service for maintaining professionalism amid rising economic and public expectations, noting that effective border management remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.
She said the Federal Government recognises the NCS as a strategic partner in the implementation of fiscal, monetary and structural reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to her, the Service has shown that revenue assurance, trade facilitation and border security can be achieved simultaneously when driven by integrity, data-based decision-making and strong leadership. She added that the Ministry of Finance would continue to provide policy guidance and institutional support to strengthen Customs operations nationwide.
In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the Service generated N7.281 trillion in revenue in 2025, surpassing its approved annual target of N6.584 trillion.
Adeniyi said the performance reflected year-on-year growth driven by disciplined enforcement, improved compliance, automation of processes and sustained engagement with the trading community.
Beyond revenue generation, he noted that the Service intensified intelligence-led operations, leading to multiple seizures of prohibited and harmful items, including narcotics, illicit pharmaceuticals, arms, ammunition, wildlife products and substandard goods.
According to the CGC, the operations were aimed at protecting public health, the environment and national security, while ensuring that legitimate trade was not disrupted.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs, Leke Abejide, called for greater recognition of the NCS within Nigeria’s security framework and pledged continued legislative support for reforms that improve the welfare and operational efficiency of the Service.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, also commended the NCS for its role in facilitating trade and securing the nation’s borders, describing the agency as a key partner in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
She stressed that efficient Customs operations are vital to improving competitiveness, attracting investment and boosting non-oil revenue, while calling for stronger inter-agency collaboration to align trade facilitation with national security objectives.
