Customs generates N3.2 trillion revenue in 2023

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) achieved a significant milestone in the fiscal year 2023, exceeding expectations by reporting a total revenue collection of N3.2 trillion. 

Comptroller-General of Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this achievement on Wednesday at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

He emphasised that this impressive figure reflects a noteworthy 21.4% increase compared to the previous year’s revenue of N2,641,616,673,501.83, underscoring the Service’s consistent upward trajectory.

Despite operational challenges such as lower transaction volumes, compliance issues, and socio-political factors, Adeniyi highlighted the NCS’s resilience in adapting to dynamic economic conditions.

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“Delays in policy implementation and major changes in government direction, including the removal of fuel subsidy and border closures, added complexity to the operational landscape,” he said. 

He mentioned that the Service experienced a revenue shortfall of N532 billion in the first half of 2023, falling short of the projected target of N1.84 trillion. However, he added that positive transformation occurred in the latter part of the year after his appointment as the Comptroller-General of Customs in July.

Emphasizing further, the CGC highlighted the merit-based reconstitution of the management team and strategic measures, including the establishment of a Revenue Review Recovery Team and dissolution of existing Strike Force Teams. These efforts contributed to exceeding monthly revenue targets by 6.71%.

Expanding on the improvements, he noted strategic reassignments of Customs Area Controllers, the creation of an ideas bank, and extensive stakeholder engagements played a pivotal role in the impressive resurgence. He reiterated that the NCS’s robust campaign against smuggling and illicit trade resulted in 3,806 seizures, with a Duty Paid Value totaling N16,049,023,262.

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“Over the last 12 months, the Service has successfully secured 52 convictions, especially in the illicit trade of Animal/Wildlife, garnering international acknowledgment for the Service’s commitment.

“Noteworthy is the international acknowledgment garnered for the Service’s efforts in combating this illicit trade in Animal/Wildlife. This steadfast commitment underscores the NCS’s dedication to protecting Nigerian society, maintaining a resolute stance against smugglers, and diligently dismantling their operations,” he explained.

Speaking on the NCS’ plans to forge ahead with its mandates in 2024, he said, “the Service has been allocated a challenging revenue target of N5.079 trillion, emphasizing the government’s confidence in its capabilities.”

“Strategic initiatives, including the introduction of the Advanced Ruling system and collaboration with international partners like the World Customs Organization, are anticipated to contribute to achieving this ambitious goal.”

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According to him, the NCS is keenly aware of various challenges and opportunities in the coming year, ranging from alignment with government policy directions to active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking about the Service’s plans to modernize its activities, CGC Bashir Adeniyi said, “Customs modernization, border management, leveraging the NCS Act, stakeholder engagement, and intensive capacity-building initiatives are on the agenda to navigate the dynamic trade environment.”