The Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a superlative revenue performance for the 2025 fiscal year, surpassing Federal Government’s projections by 10per cent to net a total of N7.28trillion. This is against the N6.5 trillion revenue target set by the government, which represents a 10 per cent growth rate.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, speaking on behalf of the Federal Government has commended the Service for the feat. The Minister also reaffirmed the support of the government to the several reforms by the current management in order to further strengthen revenue generation, national security and trade facilitation.

Speaking at the just concluded World Customs Day held in Abuja, Comptroller General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, also disclosed that in addition to the superlative revenue performance, the Service also recorded giant strides in terms of border security and anti-smuggling operations, which led to the seizure of 16 containers of prohibited goods worth over ₦10 billion in a single operation at the Apapa Port in Lagos.

It was gathered that some of the items loaded in the 16 containers included expired pharmaceuticals and concealed firearms, among others.

The CG also disclosed that officers of the Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport also in Lagos intercepted over 1,600 exotic birds being trafficked without Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CITES permits, stopping a wildlife crime operation that would have harmed both biodiversity and Nigeria’s international obligations.

“This performance represents a significant year-on-year growth and reflects the impact of disciplined enforcement, improved compliance, process automation and sustained engagement with the trading community.

“Beyond revenue, the Service intensified efforts to protect society through intelligence-led operations, leading to thousands of seizures of prohibited and harmful goods, including narcotics, illicit pharmaceuticals, arms, ammunition, wildlife products, and substandard consumer items.

“These interventions were aimed at safeguarding public health, protecting the environment and strengthening national security, while ensuring that legitimate trade was not hindered.”

“The NCS remains committed to striking the right balance between facilitation and control, ensuring that lawful trade flows seamlessly without compromising security or revenue”, the CG further assured.

The Minister, who also spoke at the WCO Day celebration, commended officers and men of the Service for sustaining professionalism under increasing public and economic expectations.

She said: “The Federal Government recognises Customs as a strategic partner in the implementation of fiscal, monetary and structural reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Efficient border management remains central to economic stability and growth.

“Nigeria Customs Service has demonstrated that revenue assurance, trade facilitation and border security can be pursued simultaneously when institutions are guided by integrity, data-driven decision-making and strong leadership.”

The Minister assured stakeholders that the Federal Ministry of Finance would continue to provide policy direction and institutional support to strengthen Nigeria Customs’ capacity, improve transparency and modernise operations across the country’s ports and border formations.