The Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has held a strategic meeting with the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to diversify Nigeria’s revenue base away from crude oil dependence.
The meeting, which took place in Abuja, comes at a critical time when the government is prioritising revenue optimisation and strengthening non-oil income streams amid fiscal pressures and global economic uncertainties. The Nigeria Customs Service remains one of the country’s most significant non-oil revenue-generating agencies, making collaboration with the Ministry of Finance central to ongoing reforms.
Speaking after the engagement, Dr Uzoka-Anite praised the leadership and reform-driven approach of the Customs chief, describing his role as pivotal to national economic objectives.
“It is always a distinct honour to meet with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR,” the minister said. “I truly applaud his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to transforming the Nigeria Customs Service. His efforts remain a cornerstone in advancing the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr President for a more prosperous Nigeria.”
The meeting is understood to have focused on enhancing operational efficiency within the Customs Service, improving border management, and leveraging technology to curb revenue leakages. These areas are regarded as critical to increasing government earnings from trade, imports and exports without placing additional tax burdens on citizens.
Dr Uzoka-Anite, who was recently assigned expanded responsibilities within the Ministry of Finance, has been leading efforts to review government cash flows and improve coordination among revenue-generating agencies. Her mandate includes working closely with institutions such as the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, ensure transparency, and boost non-oil revenue collections.
Under Adeniyi’s leadership, the Customs Service has pursued reforms aimed at modernising operations, facilitating legitimate trade, and blocking smuggling routes that undermine revenue generation. Analysts say sustained collaboration between the Ministry of Finance and the NCS could significantly enhance fiscal stability and reduce Nigeria’s long-standing reliance on oil receipts.
The engagement also aligns with the broader economic agenda of the Tinubu administration, which seeks to expand the country’s revenue profile through improved tax administration, customs efficiency and institutional reforms. Officials believe that a stronger, more accountable Customs Service will not only improve government income but also support economic growth by creating a more predictable and secure trading environment.
As Nigeria continues to navigate economic reforms, stakeholders view the partnership between the Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service as a key pillar in achieving sustainable public finance and long-term economic resilience.
