The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, says it is on course to meet its ₦11 trillion revenue target for 2026 following major reforms in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and border security.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this in a compendium exclusively obtained by The Globe Now, attributing the gains to automation, intelligence-led enforcement, and strong
”Modernisation within the Service is aimed at replacing officers’ discretion with standardised rules, risk-based systems, automated valuation references, and data driven targeting to reduce vulnerability in Customs operations. We removed human discretion, deployed technology, and built trust with compliant traders. When you do that, revenue will grow exponentially without hurting business,” Adeniyi explained.
Key reforms driving the growth include the Unified Customs Management System, the B’Odogwu platform, 24-hour port operations, Advanced Ruling, and the Authorised Economic Operator, AEO programme.
The Service is also using Time Release Studies to measure and improve cargo clearance times.
On security, Adeniyi said Customs is working with the Army, Navy, DSS, EFCC and NFIU to tackle smuggling, illicit financial flows and wildlife trafficking, including pangolin scales and ivory
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the transformation, noting Adeniyi’s recent unanimous re-election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council as proof of Nigeria’s growing influence in global trade.
“His leadership has been marked by bold initiatives that have improved revenue generation, strengthened border security, facilitated legitimate trade, and modernised customs operations. I am confident that his second term at the WCO will further deepen international collaboration, promote secure and efficient global trade, and bring even greater honour to our country,” President Tinubu said.
According to CGC Adeniyi, “The Nigeria Customs Service is not just about collecting duties. We are facilitators of trade, generators of data for national planning, and gatekeepers against smuggling… Our job is to ensure that Nigeria’s borders work for Nigeria – for revenue, for security, and for prosperity”.
