Nigeria Customs generates N1.75trn in Q1 2025 — CG Adeniyi

By Matthew DenisThe Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a total revenue generation of N1.75 trillion for the first quarter of 2025, marking a 29.96 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

This achievement, disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a press briefing at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, exceeded the quarterly target of N1.645 trillion by N106.5 billion.



Adeniyi attributed the impressive revenue performance to the ongoing reforms initiated by the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the oversight of the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun.He explained, “Monthly collections for Q1 2025 stood at N647.

88 billion in January, N540.11 billion in February, and N563.52 billion in March, each surpassing the monthly targets and demonstrating consistent year-on-year growth across key performance indicators.

”The Customs boss also underscored the success of the Service’s enforcement operations. During the period, 298 seizures were recorded with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N7.7 billion.

These included 135,474 bags of rice, 65,819 litres of petroleum products, 22 narcotics-related cases valued at N730.7 million, and three wildlife trafficking cases worth N5.65 billion.

Responding to questions from journalists, the Comptroller-General pointed out a gradual reduction in petroleum product smuggling over the past two years, although he noted that no specific commodity communication or disaggregated figures were available. The NCS had instead relied on aggregated import and export data to assess trends.He explained that price disparities between Nigeria and neighbouring countries continued to drive smuggling activities, stating, “In several Nigerian border communities, petrol is sold between N850 and N900 per litre, while in the Niger Republic and Benin Republic, the price can be as high as N1,600 to N2,000 per litre.

This significant price gap encourages smuggling, despite our intensified enforcement efforts.”To address the issue, the NCS launched Operation Whirlwind, initially intended as a short-term intervention. However, the operation has evolved into a sustained enforcement strategy due to its effectiveness, though it requires significant resources.

On the topic of foreign currency smuggling and financial crimes, Adeniyi revealed the NCS had made significant strides in combating cross-border money laundering. Major interceptions occurred at airports, seaports, and land borders, including $1,264,900, €170,660, and 135,009 Saudi Riyals. Two convictions have been secured in connection with these seizures, with a third case approaching its conclusion.

The Comptroller-General emphasised that securing convictions remained a key priority for the NCS, noting, “Beyond the value of seizures, convictions serve as a deterrent and enhance the credibility of our enforcement efforts.”In terms of Nigeria’s global standing, Adeniyi stated that the NCS is working closely with other government agencies to remove the country from global watchlists for currency and cross-border smuggling. He added that progress had been made and the NCS would continue its efforts to improve the nation’s international reputation.

Regarding trade facilitation, the NCS processed 327,928 import declarations and 8,153 export transactions, with a total trade value of N36.32 trillion. While the number of export transactions was lower, the high volume and value of these exports indicated a growing trend in bulk commodity exports.

Adeniyi also pointed to recent innovations such as the expansion of the B’Odogwu clearance platform, the introduction of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme, and the “Customs Cares” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The CSR programme has already benefitted over 2,000 students and 1,000 residents in local communities, with plans for further expansion.Reaffirming the NCS’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and operational excellence, Adeniyi assured stakeholders that the Service is well on track to exceed its 2025 targets in revenue generation, enforcement, and service delivery.

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