For the first quarter of 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reported collecting N1.75 trillion in revenue.
In comparison to the ₦6.58 trillion aim set for 2025, this revenue exceeded the quarterly target by ₦106.5 billion, reaching 106.47 percent of the projected goal, according to NCS Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi.
₦1.65 trillion was the anticipated benchmark for the first quarter.
He pointed out that compared to the ₦1.35 trillion collected in Q1 2024, this outstanding result represents a notable rise of 29.96 percent.
In terms of monthly performance, January’s collection of ₦647.88 billion showed a remarkable year-over-year gain of 65.77 percent, surpassing its monthly target of ₦548.33 billion by 18.12%.
In addition to surpassing its goal by 1.3%, February’s income of ₦540.11 billion was a 19.97% increase over 2024 levels.
With a collection of ₦ 563.52 billion in March, the service maintained this encouraging trend. This was 2.7% above the goal and an 11.22% improvement over the same time in 2024.
“The figures we’re releasing today demonstrate tangible outcomes from the reforms implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and under the guidance of Mr. Olawale Edun, the coordinating minister of the economy and minister of finance,” the CGC stated.
These outcomes validate our successful efforts to reduce revenue losses and streamline compliant trading. Our strategy is working, as seen by the consistent monthly collections and the 29.96% annual increase.
“We’ll keep this momentum going by enforcing the law strictly and fortifying our partnerships.”
He added that the United States of America’s reciprocal duty of 14% on Nigerian exports is creating uncertainty for the service.
Adeniyi indicated that this situation could have significant implications for the country’s export trade and necessitates strategic diplomatic and policy responses.
Consequently, he announced that stakeholders will convene this week to formulate a suitable and coordinated response to the tariff, emphasising that diplomacy is the most effective approach to resolving these issues.
Adeniyi expressed concern that, despite the current successes, the service has encountered numerous challenges during the quarter, which have adversely affected its operations and performance.
He noted that fluctuations in the exchange rate continue to influence trade patterns and customs valuation, reporting that the service experienced 62 changes in the exchange rate, with values ranging from a low of ₦1,477.72 to a high of ₦1,569.53 per US dollar, and an average rate of ₦1,521.59 during the review period.
He said, “This volatility, though slightly moderated compared to the previous quarter (Q4 2024), which saw rates as high as N1,688.28, continues to create uncertainty for traders and affects the predictability of import costs.
“We have been working closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Finance to implement measures aimed at stabilising the exchange rate for import declarations.”
Adeniyi further disclosed that the NCS maintained robust anti-smuggling operations during Q1, recording 298 seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦7.70 billion. Representing a significant 78.41 per cent increase compared to ₦4.32 billion recorded in Q4 2024, demonstrating heightened operational effectiveness.
However, when compared to ₦9.59 billion recorded in Q1 2024, the service observed a 19.70 per cent reduction in DPV, Adeniyi stated.
He attributed the development to improved compliance through sustained stakeholder engagement and the deterrent effect of our enforcement activities.
He said rice remained the most prevalent seized commodity, with 159 cases involving 135,474 bags valued at ₦939.31 million.
Petroleum products followed with 61 seizures totalling 65,819 litres valued at ₦43.34 million in DPV.
He said of particular note were 22 narcotics interceptions valued at ₦730.75 million, reflecting the service’s intensified focus on combating drug trafficking.
The service also recorded three high-value wildlife product seizures with a remarkable ₦5.65 million DPV, underscoring both the lucrative nature of the illegal trade and customs’ commitment to environmental protection under international conventions.
According to him, other notable seizures included textile fabrics (13 cases valued at ₦134.22 million, retreaded tires (five cases valued at ₦104.60 million, and pharmaceuticals (one case, worth ₦17.19 million.
He said, “These comprehensive results demonstrate the service’s vigilance across all categories of prohibited and restricted goods.”
He also disclosed that NCS’s duty exemptions on food imports have contributed to recent food price reductions, with effects seen both immediately and over time.
He said in Q1, waivers on maize stood at (₦45.3 billion FOB value), rice (₦751.6 million), and sorghum (₦2.3 billion) also contributed to lowering prices by 12-18 per cent this year.
He said, “At the same time, the larger exemptions from 2024 on rice (₦45.9 billion FOB) and wheat (₦2.8 billion) are now showing their full effect after taking time to work through the supply chain.
“This combination of current and past exemptions helps explain the steady improvement in food affordability. The 2024 measures initially faced delays in reaching markets but eventually increased supplies, while the 2025 waivers provided additional support.
“Together, these policies have helped stabilise prices by improving availability at different times, showing how customs adjustments can influence food costs both in the short term and over longer periods.
“This pattern, where the benefits of duty relief emerge gradually but add up to make food more affordable, is reflected in the NBS price data.”
Nigerian Customs’ 2025 Plans
According to him, the NCS will prioritize two main areas in 2025: ongoing modernization, specifically the extension of the B’Odogwu platform; the deployment of sophisticated risk management systems; and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies into its operations.
“Let me reiterate that every statistic we present today is a testament to the diligent efforts of our customs officers, who prevent illicit goods from entering our borders, facilitate legitimate trade, and secure essential government revenue,” he said.
While we’ve achieved significant successes this quarter, we’ve also encountered challenges that have provided valuable lessons for our ongoing operations.
“I want to be clear about our approach: we believe the public has a right to know how their customs service is performing. That’s why we’re here today – to give you the facts, answer your questions, and maintain the trust Nigerians place in our institution.”
He also said the non-compliance, particularly in the form of smuggling, remained a persistent challenge despite enhanced enforcement efforts by customs.
He said, “We continue to adapt our strategies to combat increasingly sophisticated smuggling networks, leveraging technology and intelligence-led operations to tackle this threat to our economy and security.”
He said implementation and subsequent suspension of the Financial Customs Service Operation (FCSO), also known as the four per cent FOB, further presented a significant challenge to revenue collection.
The CGC said the development created temporary operational adjustments for both the service and its stakeholders.
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