The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded one of its strongest revenue performances in recent years, generating N7.281 trillion in 2025 and surpassing its annual target by a wide margin.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while speaking at the 2026 World Customs Day celebration. According to him, the figure exceeded the Service’s approved revenue target of N6.5 trillion by N697 billion, representing a positive variance of more than 10 per cent.
Adeniyi said the performance reflects the growing impact of internal reforms, technology deployment, and improved stakeholder engagement across the trade value chain. He added that the result also represents a significant year-on-year improvement compared to the N6.1 trillion collected in 2024.
“Ladies and gentlemen, even as we protect society and reform procedures, we must also sustain the financial health of the state,” the Comptroller-General said. “I am pleased to report that in 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service collected a total of N7.281 trillion, exceeding the target with a positive variance of N697 billion.”
Providing further insight, Adeniyi explained that the 2025 revenue increased by about N1.18 trillion over the previous year, translating to roughly 19 per cent growth. He stressed that the surge was not driven by aggressive enforcement or pressure on traders but by more efficient systems and better compliance.
“When compared to 2024 collections, total revenue rose from N6.1 trillion to N7.28 trillion, an increase of approximately 19 per cent year-on-year,” he said.
The Customs boss was, however, quick to downplay any sense of self-praise, noting that the figures were presented as evidence that the Service’s reform agenda is producing measurable results.
“We present these figures not as self-congratulation, but as proof that reform is yielding tangible outcomes,” Adeniyi stated.
He emphasised that the improved revenue was achieved without stifling legitimate trade, a long-standing concern among importers, exporters, and manufacturers. According to him, the gains came from improved data utilisation, digital tools, enhanced compliance, and disciplined enforcement rather than arbitrary actions.
“The gains did not come from burdening legitimate traders. They came from better compliance, smarter use of data, digitalisation, and closer collaboration with the private sector,” he explained.
Adeniyi also noted that the Service maintained a balance between revenue generation and trade facilitation, particularly in line with Nigeria’s commitments under regional and global trade agreements.
The Nigeria Customs Service remains one of the Federal Government’s key non-oil revenue agencies, with responsibilities spanning revenue collection, trade facilitation, border security, and the suppression of smuggling. Analysts say the 2025 performance further underscores Customs’ growing role in strengthening government finances amid efforts to diversify revenue sources.
