By Joy Enamuna
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Customs Service, describing the agency as central to revenue generation, border security and trade facilitation.
The Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, stated this on Monday at the 2026 International Customs Day celebration held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja.
Uzoka-Anite commended officers and men of the Service for maintaining professionalism amid rising public expectations, noting that Customs plays a strategic role in implementing fiscal and structural reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She said effective border management remains vital to economic stability, adding that the Service has shown that revenue assurance, trade facilitation and security can be achieved simultaneously through integrity, data-driven operations and strong leadership.
The minister assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Finance would continue to provide policy guidance and institutional backing to enhance Customs’ capacity, transparency and operational modernisation across ports and border posts.
In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the Service generated N7.281tn in revenue in 2025, surpassing its approved target of N6.584tn.
Adeniyi attributed the performance to improved compliance, automation, disciplined enforcement and sustained engagement with stakeholders, adding that Customs also intensified intelligence-led operations against prohibited and harmful goods.
He said the Service recorded thousands of seizures involving narcotics, illicit drugs, arms, ammunition, wildlife products and substandard items, stressing that the operations were carried out without disrupting legitimate trade.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs, Leke Abejide, called for stronger recognition of the Service within Nigeria’s security framework, pledging continued legislative support for reforms that enhance welfare and operational efficiency.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, described the Nigeria Customs Service as a key partner in economic transformation, noting that efficient Customs operations are critical to competitiveness, investment attraction and non-oil revenue growth.
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