The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully integrated the Form M process into the B’Odogwu Trade Portal through a pilot scheme across three commands.
The pilot scheme was implemented at Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), Tin Can Island Port, and Apapa Area Command.
Spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.
He explained that these sites were selected to enable strategic testing, close monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and effective performance evaluation.
During the pilot, 544 Form M entries were processed. Out of these, 283 were registered, 10 validated, and 26 stored for future action.
Also, 41 entries were submitted, 120 returned for corrections, 11 queried, 14 had PAARs locked, and 39 were recommended for approval.
Maiwada said the figures show strong testing and learning across all participating commands during the pilot exercise.
He added that 37 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs) were generated from the Forms M processed during the pilot.
Of these, seven PAARs were registered, 12 had their SGDs processed, and two were fully approved.
Eight PAARs were recommended for further review, four submitted for processing, and four were queried.
He said the outcome confirms B’Odogwu’s capacity to support complete trade documentation during live operations.
Maiwada noted the initiative marks a major milestone in the NCS’s tech-driven reform agenda to modernise trade processes.
He stated that the Form M pilot success indicates the start of a nationwide shift in Customs operations.
According to him, the transition aims to simplify documentation, improve transparency, and reduce cargo clearance timeframes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following the pilot’s success, carriers are now advised to begin transmitting manifests to the B’Odogwu platform.
“To enhance trade facilitation, NCS urges all carriers, including shipping lines and airlines, to adopt the new platform,” Maiwada stated.
He emphasised the need for stakeholder readiness, particularly among banks and traders, ahead of full implementation.
Maiwada described the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, as a forward-thinking leader focused on strategic service automation.
NAN also reports that the Trade Modernisation Project introduced the B’Odogwu platform.
The platform automates trade operations and enables traders to track transactions from initiation to final delivery. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has recorded a total of 69 currency declarations with the deployment of its Electronic Currency Declaration Form (e-CDF) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The spokesman of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, announced this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
‘During the pilot period, the e-CDF system recorded a total of 69 currency declaration transactions.
“Outbound declarations accounted for 51 transactions with a total declared value of $1,200,281.22
“ Inbound declarations stood at 18 with a total declared value of $177,786.88,” he said.
Maiwada described the deployment as part of NCS’s ongoing digital transformation and modernisation initiatives aimed at strengthening border controls and enhancing transparency in financial disclosures.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NCS had stated it would deploy e-CDF as part of its anti-money laundering measures for travellers carrying cash into and out of Nigeria.
According to the spokesman, the implementation of the pilot scheme started on April 9 without issues, demonstrating the system effectiveness.
“It showcased the system’s effectiveness in digitally capturing both inbound and outbound currency declarations, offering a more secure, efficient, and accountable process for cross-border travellers,” he stated.
The epokesman explained that the e-CDF platform was developed to align with the best international practices in anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) protocols.
He highlighted that the form provides real-time data that supports intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation.
Maiwada stated that the NCS was determined to leverage on technology to enhance its operations and ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s borders
“The NCS under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi , remains committed to leveraging technology to improve compliance, facilitate legitimate travel and trade, and ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s borders.
“Following the success of this pilot phase, plans are underway to replicate the deployment of the e-CDF system at other international airports and border posts across the country,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has called for stronger collaboration among customs administrations in West and Central Africa (WCA).
Adeniyi made this appeal during the Cultural Night-Out and Dinner at the fourth World Customs Organisation – WCA Donor Conference held on Thursday.
He said the WCA region must embrace greater cooperation, collaboration, and mutual understanding to achieve shared goals.
According to him, this united effort will boost economic growth across the region and enhance the welfare of its people.
He noted that African nations share cultural values, stating that their dances and traditions highlight the continent’s uniqueness and foster unity.
Adeniyi said Africa should focus more on what unites its people rather than on divisive issues.
“Those things that unite us are more important than those that separate us,” he emphasised.
He added, “It is vital that we now focus on the elements that bring us together.”
He warned against external influences that create division within the region, urging unity instead.
The NCS boss said the Cultural Night celebrates more than culture — “it promotes regional integration essential for customs, security, and economic cooperation,” he said.
He stressed the importance of collaboration, given that customs services face shared responsibilities in trade, security, and revenue generation.
Amadou Konate, Vice President of the WCO/WCA region, praised the cultural displays, noting they reflect the region’s shared values.
Konate expressed optimism that discussions at the conference would strengthen customs operations across WCA countries.
He said the gathering also allows for reflection on reforms and opportunities for deeper partnerships to address common challenges.
Konate noted that countries in the region are learning from Nigeria’s customs reforms and modernisation strategies.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference seeks to raise awareness of development partners’ initiatives in the region.
It also aims to coordinate regional and national projects, and secure funding for their implementation. (NAN)
The Comptroller-General (C-G) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has identified inadequate digital infrastructure as one of the several technical challenges impeding customs operations across West and Central Africa (WCA).
Adeniyi made the disclosure at the opening of the fourth World Customs Organisation (WCO) Donors Conference for the West and Central African region on Wednesday in Abuja.
The C-G said that the digital gap was affecting seamless processing of declarations and risk management in their operations, while limited interconnectivity between national customs systems was obstructing effective information exchange.
According to him, insufficient technical capacity to implement advanced customs procedures, such as post-clearance audits and authorised economic operator programmes, is also among the technical challenges the region is experiencing.
“We (WCA) have challenges in effectively implementing technical aspects of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Rules of Origin and other trade facilitation instruments.
“Technical barriers to implementing coordinated border management with other regulatory agencies, fragile borders and the fast-paced evolution of e-commerce,” he said.
He noted that the technical challenges were impeding effective trade facilitation and revenue collection but could be addressed with the right technical support and partnerships.
The C-G stated that Nigeria has made significant progress in addressing these challenges through its various interventions.
“Our experience offers valuable insights into the impact of targeted modernisation initiatives.
“We have successfully deployed the indigenously developed B’Odogwu platform, enhancing our digital capabilities for customs processing.
“We have established technical interfaces with other government agencies involved in trade, facilitating coordinated border management.
“We are deploying advanced scanners at our major ports, significantly enhancing our non-intrusive inspection capabilities,” he said.
According to the C-G, the NCS has trained more than 5,000 officers in specialised technical areas such as valuation, classification, rules of origin, and post-clearance audit.
He stated that the interventions had yielded measurable results: reduced clearance times, a 90 per cent increase in revenue collection (exceeding targets by 20 per cent), and improved compliance rates.
Building on the NCS’s experience and the WCO’s regional needs assessment, the C-G highlighted five priority initiatives that warrant support, including regional interconnectivity and a competency-based human resource management system.
Others include technology-driven illicit trade detection, AfCFTA implementation support, and regional single-window integration.
According to him, the technical challenges faced by customs operations in WCA require a collaborative approach.
The C-G urged all participants at the conference to identify practical, scalable solutions that could be sustained through local capacity building as they engaged in discussions at the conference.
He described the theme of the conference ‘Partner mobilisation around the priority projects of the WCO’s WCA Region: A genuine pledge to meet the modernisation goals and performance targets of member customs administrations’ as apt.
He said that the theme reflected a shared commitment to transforming customs operations through strategic technical interventions, supported by development partners.
In his remarks, Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, highlighted that the conference aligns with the government’s efforts to mobilise resources for programmes and activities aimed at enhancing customs operations within the region.
The conference, he said, provided a valuable platform for the region to not only highlight its needs but also reinforce its commitment to the effective and transparent use of donor resources.
Edun urged all participating customs administrations to engage actively in the discussions, clearly articulate their strategic priorities, and be ready to implement the resulting recommendations with dedication and accountability.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the WCO, Mr Ian Sanders, said that the primary objective of the conference was to strengthen the network and dialogue between the WCO customs administrations and development partners.
Represented by the Deputy Director of the Capacity Building Directorate, Mr Ebenezer Tafili, Sanders added that the conference also aims to raise awareness within the region’s customs administrations on the priorities, initiatives, and approaches of the development partners operating in the region.
According to him, the conference also seeks to coordinate the development of regional and national project initiatives and mobilise funding for their implementation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has waived import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) on critical raw materials essential for pharmaceutical production for a period of two years.
Its Spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Maiwada explained that the waiver aligned with the Presidential directives to enhance local healthcare product manufacturing, reduce costs of medical equipment and consumables, and stimulate local investments.
He said that the waiver was part of the comprehensive guidelines approved by Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, to actualise the objectives of the presidential directives.
According to him, this exemption covers Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, and other vital raw materials required for manufacturing essential medicines, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), Rapid Diagnostic Kits, reagents, and packaging materials.
“To ensure that these fiscal incentives are fully utilised, eligibility is limited to manufacturers of pharmaceutical products recognised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, provided they possess a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).
“This measure will ensure that the benefits directly support legitimate manufacturers committed to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.”
The NCS spokesman also said that the Service would compile quarterly reports on all importations under this policy.
He said these would include data on importers, quantities, and values of the imported items, adding that this was with a view to ensuring that the implementation aligned with its intended objectives.
According to him, the reports reflect its commitment to transparency and the effective monitoring of the policy’s implementation to ensure its success.
“The NCS remains committed to supporting government policies, while fulfilling its mandate to facilitate trade, enhance border security, and drive national development.
“Successful implementation of this policy requires collaboration from all stakeholders, including importers, manufacturers, and relevant government agencies.
“Through our collective efforts, we can achieve the shared goal of a robust healthcare sector that meets the needs of all Nigerians.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has distributed learning aids, including books, school bags, and writing materials, to 1,300 students of Government Secondary School (GSS), Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.
This event marked the official inauguration of the NCS’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) unit, Customs Cares.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCS recently established its CSR Unit, Customs Cares, to drive programmes aligned with the eight presidential priority areas and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the event on Thursday, the NCS Comptroller-General (C-G), Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised that students would not only receive learning aids but also scholarships to support their academic growth.
He further stated that the Customs Cares Initiative would focus on rehabilitating critical infrastructure at the school and other institutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as part of the NCS’s contribution to the educational sector.
“This initiative represents the first of many interventions planned across our operational areas in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“We will follow this model in other areas, ensuring regular consultations, as advised by the Minister of Education.
“In collaboration with the school, the NCS identified security gaps and has installed CCTV cameras and solar-powered streetlights to enhance safety on the premises.
“Renovation work on the school’s auditorium is also set to begin soon,” said Adeniyi.
Adeniyi emphasized that the selection of GSS Wuse Zone 3 was not coincidental, citing the NCS’s historical connection to the community.
He highlighted that the school adoption initiative was a long-term commitment and plans to extend it to one school in each Local Area Council within the Federal Capital Territory, tailoring interventions to each institution’s specific needs.
“Customs Cares is designed to foster community empowerment through a comprehensive approach to CSR, focusing on education, healthcare, social investments, environmental sustainability, food security, and the creative economy.”
He noted that the initiative would be implemented in phases, focusing on addressing critical social, educational, and infrastructural gaps in underserved communities.
“Strategic partnerships with local stakeholders, government agencies, and international organisations will help ensure the long-term success of the programme.
“The NCS has committed to earmarking 4 per cent of its annual wage bill, equivalent to 50 percent of each officer’s one-month salary, to fund the initiative.
“Additionally, numerous officers have pledged personal contributions to support various aspects of the project.”
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, lauded Customs for the initiative and encouraged collaboration with relevant education bodies to ensure tailored interventions.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, also commended the NCS for its impactful CSR efforts, recognising the role it plays in securing a bright future for the nation’s youth.
Edun said President Bola Tinubu’s administration was working diligently to secure a bright future for the younger generation through its economic reforms, particularly the deregulation of the oil sector and foreign exchange policy.
Mrs Josephine Chizoba Ugwu, Principal of GSS Wuse Zone 3, expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting that it would inspire students to excel academically and in character.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has called on Muslims to use the Ramadan period to support and empower the less privileged in the society.
Adeniyi made the call on Thursday evening in Abuja at the Al-Habibiyya Mosque breaking of fast (Iftar) and daily feeding of about 2, 500 fasting Muslims and less privileged.
He described the initiative as a reflection of Islamic teachings on caring for the less privileged, while calling on other organisations to emulate the laudable gesture.
“This is an injunction of Almighty Allah. This is what we should do during fasting; care for those that are less privileged through programmes like this.
“We should have more of these in different parts of the country because many people are fasting and wondering how they will break their fast.
”It is the reality of our times, and more Nigerians should be encouraged to undertake this noble cause in a disciplined manner,” he said.
The customs boss commended Al-Habibiyya for the orderliness in the feeding programme, stressing the need for Nigerians to embrace discipline, orderliness, and structured planning in their daily activities.
“There was a time in this country when we ran campaigns about doing things in an orderly fashion.
“We need to get back to that because it helps. Imagine how easy we handled over 2,000 people in this little space because it was properly planned,” he said.
The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyya Mosque, Sheik Fuad Adeyemi, said that the feeding programme was organised every Ramadan to support the less privileged, regardless of religious belief.
“It is important that we show support to the less privileged, that is why we organise this feeding programme on a daily basis throughout the Ramadan period.
“When the less privileged are supported and empowered there will be peace and unity in the society,” Adeyemi said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by Islamic scholars, faith-based organisations and Muslims from various backgrounds. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says it has intercepted undeclared 1.1 million U.S. dollars and 135,900 Saudi Riyals at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
Its Spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Maiwada said the seizure was made recently during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
He explained that during a physical examination of the passenger’s luggage by NCS officers, the undeclared currency was found concealed within packs of palm dates.
The interception, he said, aligned with the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.
“In line with established procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign currency have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary legal action.
“Subsequently, the court convicted the defendant as charged and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government in line with provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022,” he said.
He stressed that the NCS is determined to ensure that all travelers complied with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of the country.
He stated that the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, provided clear guidelines on currency declaration.
“ Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties. The service, therefore, urges the public to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid legal consequences.
“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, the service remains resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.
“ This latest seizure highlights the service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations,” he said.
The spokesperson reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to collaborating with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.
He urged travelers and stakeholders in the financial sector to remain vigilant and always adhere to lawful financial practices.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The recently concluded public hearing on the proposed tax reform bills has sparked debates among stakeholders.
These include associations, agencies, experts, and government officials, all discussing the bills’ potential to create a more efficient tax system.
On Oct. 3, 2024, President Bola Tinubu submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly. These bills aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax administration and revenue generation framework.
The proposed bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
During the public hearing, some stakeholders argued that these reforms would align Nigeria’s tax system with global best practices.
They believe the changes would enhance transparency, accountability, and fiscal stability.
Analysts suggest that restructuring Nigeria’s tax framework could eliminate inconsistencies, reinforce macroeconomic resilience, and stimulate economic growth.
However, in spite of these expected benefits, concerns remain over certain provisions that could hinder the smooth implementation of the reforms.
Critics warn that without necessary amendments, the bills could increase Nigerians’ financial burden, discourage investment, and render some government agencies redundant.
One major agency at risk is the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Some stakeholders fear the tax reform bills could negatively impact its operations and overall relevance.
As a key revenue-generating agency, the NCS plays a crucial role in trade regulation enforcement. The proposed tax reforms could directly affect its administrative procedures and legal mandate.
Experts stress that integrating customs administration with broader tax policy requires careful assessment. They highlight potential impacts on customs procedures, trade agreements, and border management.
Stakeholders argue that certain provisions in the bills conflict with the NCS Act 2023, which could lead to policy inconsistencies within the agency.
They caution that these conflicts might create enforcement challenges, operational inefficiencies, and accountability issues for the NCS if the reforms proceed unchanged.
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) noted that implementing the NCS Act 2023 only began in 2024, after more than eight years of legislative processes.
Repealing the Act, they argue, could significantly disrupt customs operations and undermine years of effort to stabilise the agency’s activities.
ANLCA’s National President, Mr Emenike Nwokeji, emphasised that the Act was designed to address longstanding policy inconsistencies, particularly in import duty collection and levies.
“In 2023, the long-awaited Nigeria Customs Act was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, and its implementation only began in 2024.
“This is an act of parliament, yet less than 15 per cent has been implemented. Now, another tax bill is being introduced, centralising all revenue under one authority,” he stated.
He warned that without necessary modifications, the tax reform bills could create significant legal and operational conflicts with the existing customs framework.
Nwokeji urged the Federal Government to prioritise strengthening the NCS while ensuring effective coordination with other revenue agencies.
He stressed that the customs service requires specialised expertise, warning that the proposed reforms could jeopardise its critical functions.
Highlighting the financial implications, he noted that repealing the Customs Act would require significant resources to train new personnel for specialised roles.
He cautioned that it could take years to develop the expertise that customs officers have acquired through extensive experience.
In spite of his concerns, he expressed confidence that Nigeria’s government would act responsibly and preserve the NCS’s technical operations.
Customs and tax expert, Mr Okey Ibeke, reinforced this stance, stating that NCS duties extend beyond revenue collection to highly technical operations requiring expert knowledge.
He argued that the proposed tax reforms could disrupt essential customs functions if passed without appropriate amendments.
Ibeke raised concerns about the designated revenue agencies’ capacity to manage customs operations. He questioned their expertise in assessing imports and detecting misclassifications.
He warned that these agencies might struggle to identify undervalued goods, increasing the risk of inaccurate importer declarations and revenue losses.
“Customs involves classifying cargo, applying tariff regulations, and conducting valuations.
“Without trained personnel, determining duty rates and ensuring compliance will become significantly more challenging,” he explained.
He noted that NCS operations rely on Rules of Origin (RoO) to verify product sources, calculate import values, and detect fraudulent trade practices.
These complex tasks, he said, could be beyond the capacity of general tax administration systems, further jeopardising revenue collection.
Ibeke highlighted the NCS’s recent progress in modernising its operations through the Trade Modernisation Project. He warned that repealing the Act could reverse these gains.
Instead, he advocated for a balanced approach that strengthens Nigeria’s tax system without disrupting critical revenue agencies.
Similarly, the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) voiced concerns over legislative inconsistencies, operational inefficiencies, and potential economic and security risks.
The committee’s secretary, Dr Eugene Nweke, recommended maintaining the NCS’s autonomy while reforming the Customs Modernisation Project and leveraging public-private partnerships.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, acknowledged that reviewing Nigeria’s tax laws was both timely and necessary.
He stated that existing tax laws no longer adequately address modern fiscal challenges, economic shifts, and technological advancements.
Adeniyi expressed confidence that the reforms would support Nigeria’s economic growth while aligning its tax system with international standards.
However, he stressed on the need for the final legislation to align with the NCS Act to preserve the agency’s core functions and efficiency. (NANFeatures)
A News Analysis by Martha Agas, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
In 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was assigned the responsibility of generating N5.1 trillion to contribute to the projected revenue target of N18.2 trillion.
On Nov. 15, the Comptroller-General (C-G) of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, proudly announced that the service had already achieved this target, with over a month still remaining in the fiscal year.
Adeniyi further stated that, based on the current performance, the NCS was on course to exceed its target by 10 per cent by the end of 2024, potentially reaching a revenue of N6 trillion.
On Jan. 14, he confirmed that the NCS had surpassed its target, collecting N6.1 trillion, a surplus of N1.03 trillion, and a remarkable 90.4 per cent increase from the previous year’s collection of N3.2 trillion.
It is well recognised that the NCS is one of the principal contributors to Nigeria’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), a role that is pivotal to the successful implementation of the nation’s budget.
Analysts argue that, in addition to its contribution to funding the budget, the NCS plays a crucial part in reducing Nigeria’s debt burden, a necessary step for spurring development and addressing the country’s numerous challenges.
Given the NCS’s major role in revenue generation, it is imperative that the service continually evolves to meet its core responsibilities, which include revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.
Consequently, the NCS embarked on modernisation initiatives in 2024 aimed at improving its efficiency.
Stakeholders contend that these efforts are crucial to strengthening the NCS’s role in revenue generation and ensuring adherence to best practices.
To this end, the NCS launched several programmes to enhance its operations.
One of such initiative was the pilot scheme of the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) programme.
This programme aims to improve trade facilitation, boost customs efficiency, and enhance supply chain security.
The C-G emphasised that this programme would improve the ease of doing business at Nigeria’s ports, with its formal inauguration scheduled for Feb. 14, 2025.
Additionally, the NCS introduced the Advance Ruling System, a vital mechanism that enables traders to obtain binding decisions from customs administration regarding the classification, origin, and valuation of goods before importation.
This initiative is designed to promote a more transparent and predictable business environment, providing certainty in tariff classification, which is crucial for facilitating trade.
Functions of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) Source: NCS
In 2024, the NCS also unveiled the Time Release Study, which has helped provide empirical data to assess and improve the efficiency of its operations.
The NCS also made significant progress in its enforcement activities, recording 3,555 seizures in 2024, including wildlife items, arms and ammunition, narcotics, and pharmaceutical products.
The total value of these seizures, based on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value, amounted to N28.46 billion, with a total duty of N6.83 billion.
Moreover, the NCS, in collaboration with its concessionaire, the Trade Modernisation Project Ltd, delivered on its promise to introduce the home-grown Unified Customs Management System software, named B’Odogwu.
This software aims to automate trade operations and align the NCS with international standards.
However, despite these achievements, the NCS faced challenges in meeting its revenue target.
A notable issue was the fluctuation of the duty Foreign Exchange (FX) rates, which disrupted trade operations.
The NCS’s chief reported that, in the first half of the year alone, the duty FX rates were altered 70 times, causing uncertainty, reducing importation, and sparking a price surge.
Analysts contend that for Nigeria to emerge from its current economic challenges and for the government to build on its progress, stabilising the naira exchange rate and restoring economic stability should be priorities.
Such efforts would enable the NCS to meet its 2025 revenue target of N6.58 trillion.
The 2025 budget proposal, tagged the ‘Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity’, amounts to N49.7 trillion and sets a revenue target of N36.35 trillion.
Stakeholders, such as the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, have described this goal as ambitious.
The budget is expected to build on key reforms, including duty-free food imports and tax updates, which are central to the mandate of the NCS.
The NCS, along with other key agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), will play a major role in achieving this revenue target.
Economic expert David Ambi, has expressed concern that the NCS’s new target of N6.58 trillion may stretch its capabilities.
He noted that such rapid growth expectations could be unrealistic if trade volumes or compliance levels do not increase proportionally.
Furthermore, Ambi pointed out that smuggling continues to undermine customs revenue, and corruption within the system leads to significant revenue leakages that require more stringent enforcement.
He further explained that a substantial portion of the NCS’s revenue comes from import duties.
However, fluctuations in import levels; caused by foreign exchange volatility, declining purchasing power, or restrictive trade policies—could negatively impact revenue.
Similarly, Hassan Nezifi, of the Economics Department at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, argued that meeting the revenue target will require a focused and practical approach.
He stressed the urgent need for the NCS to fast-track the full implementation of its Trade Modernisation Project, which could reduce leakages and enhance transparency.
Nezifi also suggested that the NCS should collaborate more closely with traders and stakeholders to streamline procedures and improve compliance.
Open communication and education campaigns, he added, would help build trust and ensure that businesses feel supported, rather than overwhelmed, in their interactions with the NCS.
While the target of N6.58 trillion is ambitious, Nezifi believes it is achievable if the NCS continues to modernise its operations, tackle smuggling, engage stakeholders, diversify its revenue base, and maintain transparency.
These efforts, he concluded, will not only help achieve the target but also contribute to the strengthening of Nigeria’s economy and the overall success of the 2025 budget.
As Nigerians await the appropriation of the budget proposal, public analyst Mr Bulus Dabit cautioned that the government must approach the matter of revenue generation with caution.
He suggested that the NCS should avoid imposing excessively high taxes on individuals and businesses, as this could discourage investment; an essential factor in stimulating the country’s economic growth. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
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