The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) celebrated the 2025 International Customs Day (ICD) on Monday, January 27, at the Customs House in Abuja, showcasing its accomplishments in trade facilitation, border security, and economic development. Themed “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” the event highlighted the Service’s significant milestones under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi.
In his address, CGC Adeniyi announced the NCS’s historic revenue collection of ₦6.1 trillion in 2024, exceeding its target by 20.2% and representing a 90.4% increase from the previous year. He attributed this achievement to the Service’s strategic reforms, the adoption of advanced technologies, and the deployment of the indigenous B’Odogwu Customs clearance platform, which has streamlined processes and facilitated transactions worth billions of naira.
Adeniyi also emphasized the success of trade facilitation measures such as the Advanced Ruling System and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which have significantly reduced cargo clearance delays and disputes. Notably, AEO-certified companies recorded a 66.9% reduction in clearance times.
Highlighting the NCS’s contributions to national security, Adeniyi detailed its efforts in combating global risks such as drug trafficking, anti-money laundering, and wildlife protection. In 2024, the Service seized narcotics valued at billions of naira, intercepted illegal wildlife shipments worth ₦5.93 billion, and enhanced border security through geo-spatial integration and advanced risk assessment protocols.
The CGC further revealed that the NCS managed imports worth ₦60.29 trillion and exports valued at ₦136.65 trillion in 2024. To support industrial growth, the Service granted strategic concessions totaling ₦1.68 trillion, aligning its operations with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda.
“Our efforts continue to drive industrial growth, trade facilitation, and national development, in line with our commitment to efficiency and prosperity,” Adeniyi stated.
Special Guest of Honor, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, commended the NCS for its innovative approach to tackling evolving trade and security challenges. He pledged continued support from the Armed Forces in promoting national security and prosperity.
Representing the World Customs Organization (WCO), Secretary-General Ian Sanders lauded global customs administrations, including the NCS, for advancing trade facilitation, security, and sustainability. He emphasized the importance of data-driven operations, modernisation, and public-private collaboration in achieving measurable results.
Assistant Comptroller-General Dera Nnadi, head of Strategic Research and Policy, highlighted the alignment of the WCO’s theme with the NCS’s focus on collaboration, consolidation, and innovation.
The event featured senior Customs officers, stakeholders, and representatives from other security agencies. It also included the presentation of awards to outstanding Customs personnel, recognizing their contributions to the Service’s success.
The celebration underscored the NCS’s unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic development, strengthening border security, and fostering global trade partnerships.
ICD 2025: Nigeria Customs Highlights Achievements In Trade Facilitation, Security, And Economic Growth
