The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) celebrated the 2025 International Customs Day on January 27 at its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, showcasing its record-breaking ₦6.1 trillion revenue collection and significant strides in border security and trade facilitation. The event, themed *“Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,”* highlighted the Service’s achievements and plans for further modernization.
In his address, Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, described 2024 as a landmark year for the Service. He revealed that the ₦6.1 trillion revenue represented a 90.4% year-over-year increase, exceeding the annual target by 20.2%. The NCS also facilitated imports worth ₦60.29 trillion and exports valued at ₦136.65 trillion, while providing ₦1.68 trillion in concessions to boost industrial development and economic growth.
Adeniyi attributed these successes to the Service’s focus on modernization and efficiency. He highlighted the deployment of the indigenous customs clearance platform, *B’Odogwu,* which processed billions of Naira in transactions during its pilot phase. The Advanced Ruling System and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, which reduced cargo clearance times by 66.9%, were also instrumental in enhancing trade facilitation and reducing delays.
On security, the Comptroller-General detailed the Service’s efforts to combat illicit trade, transnational crime, and environmental hazards. In 2024, the NCS recorded 105 seizures of narcotics, intercepted wildlife products valued at ₦5.93 billion, and implemented measures to protect cultural heritage and combat drug trafficking. Adeniyi credited the integration of geo-spatial technology, advanced scanning systems, and improved intelligence gathering for these accomplishments.
Looking to the future, Adeniyi outlined the Service’s strategic initiatives, including nationwide trade modernization, the enhancement of technology-driven risk management, and the establishment of the Nigeria Customs Service University for Trade and Technology. These initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy direction and global best practices, ensuring that the NCS remains a critical driver of economic growth and national security.
The Comptroller-General commended the dedication of Customs officers, the support of the Federal Government, and the collaboration of stakeholders and international partners. He emphasized the importance of maintaining excellence in customs administration to foster a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
As the NCS commemorates its achievements, it renews its commitment to delivering efficient service, securing borders, and facilitating economic growth in line with its core mandate and global customs standards.