Customs 2024: Record Revenue, Trade Growth, Smuggling Crackdowns

These achievements were unveiled during a press briefing at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

Record Revenue Performance

The NCS collected ₦6.1 trillion in 2024, surpassing its ₦5 trillion target by 20.2%. This represents a historic 90.4% increase from the ₦3.2 trillion revenue of 2023. October 2024 saw the highest monthly collection ever at ₦603.2 billion.

Revenue components included:

₦3.66 trillion for the Federation Account (import/export duties, CET levies, and auction proceeds).

₦816.9 billion from Non-Federation Account levies.

₦1.63 trillion in import-related VAT.

These milestones were achieved despite ₦1.68 trillion in duty waivers and concessions aimed at stimulating economic growth and industrial development.

In 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service facilitated an unprecedented ₦196.94 trillion in total trade, a 179.3% increase from 2023. Highlights include:

Imports: ₦60.29 trillion in value, representing a 117.4% increase.

Exports: ₦136.65 trillion, a 219.5% surge, driven by a 234% rise in export volume to 12.35 billion kilograms.

Notable trade facilitation measures included the launch of an Advanced Ruling System for pre-arrival customs decisions and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, which reduced cargo clearance time by 66.9%.

Anti-Smuggling Success

The Nigeria Customs recorded 3,555 seizures in 2024, a 100.92% increase in Duty Paid Value to ₦35.29 billion. Confiscated items included:

900 firearms and 113,472 rounds of ammunition.

175,676 unauthorized pharmaceuticals, valued at ₦3.04 billion.

183,527 bags of rice and 3,785 bales of textiles, aimed at protecting local industries.

Operation Whirlwind, targeting fuel smuggling, seized 1.7 million liters of petroleum products.

Modernization and Capacity Building

The NCS advanced its digital transformation with the “B’Odogwu” customs clearance platform, processing ₦31 billion in transactions during its pilot phase. Over 5,700 officers were promoted, while strategic training programs prepared personnel for modern customs challenges.

Infrastructure development included the phased relocation to a new headquarters and the establishment of the Nigeria Customs Service University in Badagry, Lagos.

Recognition and Future Plans

The Nigeria Customs Service received accolades for trade facilitation reforms, advancing 33 places in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings. Looking ahead, the Service aims to implement full AEO operations, expand recruitment, and deploy cutting-edge surveillance technologies.

“Aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision, we remain committed to enhancing revenue collection, supporting economic growth, and safeguarding national security,” Adeniyi emphasized.

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By Fikunmi Sokoya