Representative of the CGC, Comptroller C.C. Nwokike (2nd from left), Secretary, Customs Consultative Forum, Chief Eugene Nweke (4th from left), Publisher, Shipping World Magazine, Elder Asu Beks, Deputy Comptroller General of Customs rtd. and book reviewer, Dera Nnadi mni (5th from left) the two authors of the book; Francis Ugwoke and Tomothy Paul Okorocha (6th & 7th from left) respectively shortly after the unveiling of the book in Lagos, Thursday.

The Nigeria Customs Service has attributed its growing revenue profile under the current management to the increased deployment of digital customs processes, with the attendant reduction in manual interventions and loopholes as well as improved monitoring, transparency, compliance and stakeholder engagement and enlightenment.

The Service also listed the introduction of intelligence-driven anti-smuggling and enforcement operations, which brought about a shift from the old system of random enforcement to intelligence-driven targeting, while also deploying modern tools that brought about better risk assessment and profiling of high-risk shipments, among others.

Recall that the Service had in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, recorded a revenue profile of N7.28trillion, which is the highest ever in the history of the Service. It had recorded N6.1trillion and N3.2trillion in the two previous years (2024 and 2023), respectively.

Speaking in Lagos, Thursday at the presentation/seminar of a book entitled: “Customs Operational Revolution and Maritime Development under President Tinubu” authored by two media practitioners; Timothy Paul Okorocha, publisher of This Page Newspaper and Francis Ugwoke, publisher of Shipping Day Online and Magazine, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, noted that the growing revenue was due to a combination of factors.

These factors, according to him, include the decision of the management to embrace technology and automation under which it increased the deployment of digital customs processes, thus reducing manual interventions and loopholes, introduction of improved monitoring, transparency, and compliance.

The management also adopted the intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations, which is a clear departure from random enforcement to intelligence-driven targeting, better risk assessment and profiling of high-risk shipments, enhancing more effective anti-smuggling operations with fewer resources.

It also undertook a policy of robust stakeholder engagement, which engendered stronger collaboration with importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and licensed customs agents with the attendant regular consultations that improved compliance and reduced disputes.

Represented by the Customs Area Controller in charge of Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command, Comptroller C.C. Nwokorie, the CGC said: “As a critical agency within this ecosystem, the Nigeria Customs Service has embraced the vision of the administration through a series of transformative reforms and innovations.

Under the current leadership, the Service has intensified efforts towards modernisation and digital transformation. We have witnessed remarkable progress in the deployment of technology to simplify customs procedures, improve transparency, reduce human contact, and facilitate legitimate trade.

The implementation of innovative customs solutions, the expansion of automation processes, and the strengthening of stakeholder engagement mechanisms have significantly improved service delivery. These initiatives are designed not only to enhance efficiency but also to align Nigeria’s customs operations with international best practices.

On the secret of our improved revenue generation which is our another notable achievement, I must say, is not a secret because we are all in it together. Together we’ve through strategic reforms, improved compliance measures, intelligence-driven operations, and enhanced accountability, the Service has consistently recorded impressive revenue performance while maintaining its core responsibility of facilitating trade.”

The CGC lauded the efforts of the authors in documenting the reforms, arguing that documentation is critical to institutional growth.

According to him, when reforms are properly documented, future generations can learn from them, policymakers can build upon them, and stakeholders can objectively assess their impact. He argued that the publication is not only timely but also valuable to the nation’s development discourse.

“Let me congratulate the management of This Page Newspaper and Shipping Day Online/Magazine for organising this book launch and seminar. I also commend the authors, Chief Timothy Paul Okorocha and Mr. Francis Ugwoke, for undertaking the important task of documenting the transformation taking place within the Nigeria Customs Service and the broader maritime sector”, the CGC said.

A highpoint of the event was the official unveiling of the book to the admiration of industry stakeholders, who equally commended the authors for a job well done, as the book will further enhance research and development projects in the industry.