FG Reaffirms Support for Customs Reforms, Praises Border Surveillance Efforts
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), describing the Service as a vital institution driving revenue generation, national security, and trade facilitation.
Speaking at the 2026 International Customs Day celebration held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja, the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, applauded Customs officers for maintaining professionalism amid growing public and economic demands.
Uzoka-Anite stated that the Federal Government views the NCS as a key partner in implementing fiscal, monetary, and structural reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She stressed that effective border management remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.
According to the Minister, the Nigeria Customs Service has shown that revenue assurance, trade facilitation, and border security can be pursued concurrently when operations are guided by integrity, data-driven processes, and strong leadership. She assured stakeholders of the Ministry of Finance’s continued policy and institutional support to enhance capacity, promote transparency, and modernise Customs operations nationwide.
In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, revealed that the Service generated N7.281 trillion in revenue in 2025, surpassing its approved target of N6.584 trillion. He attributed the achievement to disciplined enforcement, improved compliance, increased automation, and sustained engagement with the trading community.
Beyond revenue generation, CGC Adeniyi noted that the Service intensified intelligence-led operations, resulting in numerous seizures of prohibited and harmful items, including narcotics, illicit pharmaceuticals, arms, ammunition, wildlife products, and substandard goods. He explained that these actions were aimed at protecting public health, preserving the environment, and strengthening national security without impeding legitimate trade.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs, Honourable Leke Abejide, called for stronger recognition of the NCS within Nigeria’s security framework. He pledged continued legislative support for reforms that enhance the welfare, capacity, and operational efficiency of the Service.
Similarly, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, commended the NCS for its role in facilitating trade and securing the nation’s borders, describing the Service as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda. She emphasized that efficient Customs operations are critical to boosting competitiveness, attracting investment, and supporting industrial growth, particularly as the government intensifies efforts to expand non-oil revenue.
Oduwole also underscored the importance of stronger inter-agency collaboration, noting that trade facilitation and national security must progress together to achieve sustainable economic outcomes.
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