...As Presidency Applauds Customs for Record ₦1.3 Trillion Revenue in Q1 2025
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has attributed the Nigeria Customs Service’s record-breaking revenue of ₦1.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2025 to the far-reaching economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that the performance reflects a new era of efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the Service.
His remarks were echoed by the Presidency in a statement issued on Saturday, May 24, 2025, by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The statement, released ahead of a State House documentary marking the President’s second anniversary in office, applauded the Service’s role in driving non-oil revenue and supporting national economic stability.
According to the statement, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, credited the milestone to sweeping operational reforms, enhanced enforcement strategies, and the use of modern technology across Customs formations. He noted that the performance, which more than doubled the ₦600 billion collected in Q1 2023, was achieved despite declining import volumes due to foreign exchange constraints.
“This is not due to an increase in imports. In fact, import volumes have dropped. What has changed is our operational efficiency, transparency, and a reinvigorated approach to enforcement,” CGC Adeniyi stated. The Customs boss pointed to the implementation of the NCS Trade Modernisation Project as a game-changer that is transforming the service's operation.
He further highlighted the rollout of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, which allows pre-vetted and compliant importers access to fast-track cargo clearance through green-lane treatment.
“That’s the direction of modern customs operations globally,” he added.
Beyond trade facilitation, the CGC disclosed that over ₦64 billion has been recovered from under-assessed or undervalued imports in the last nine months. He also confirmed that major smuggling syndicates operating at key borders such as Seme, Idiroko, Katsina, and Sokoto have been dismantled, thanks to data-driven surveillance and strategic partnerships with other security agencies.
“We are not just chasing smugglers in the bush anymore. We're using data, surveillance drones, and port intelligence to act in real time. Once systemic leakages are now being plugged,” he said.
In a bid to further streamline cargo clearance, CG Adeniyi announced that the Service is in tune with the Federal Government's drive for the deployment of the National Single Window. This digital platform integrates all government agencies involved in cargo clearance.
The Customs CG also underscored the Service’s contributions to export facilitation, noting that over ₦340 billion worth of solid minerals and agro-commodities were exported through formal channels in 2024, a 38% increase over previous records.
“We have introduced fast-track lanes for agro-exports and are working with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council to streamline outbound cargo clearance. We’re targeting even more in 2025,” he added.
To support the ongoing transformation, over 1,800 Customs officers have been trained in data analytics, risk profiling, and artificial intelligence as part of efforts to reposition the Service as an intelligence-led organisation.
“Customs is no longer just about physical inspection. It's about precision and speed. We are transforming into a modern, tech-driven agency,” the CG stated.
“The President gave us a clear mandate to block leakages, facilitate trade, and raise revenue without burdening Nigerians. That is exactly what we are doing, and the results are beginning to speak for themselves.” He concluded.
