NSC

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a revenue collection of ₦1.75 trillion for the first quarter of 2025, surpassing its target of ₦1.645 trillion by ₦106.5 billion.

This marks a performance rate of 106.47%.

Speaking in Abuja on the agency’s performance, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to achieving its annual revenue target of ₦6.58 trillion.

“Let me summarize where we stand after Q1: We’ve collected ₦1.75 trillion despite economic headwinds, intercepted ₦7.7 billion worth of smuggled goods, and rolled out practical solutions like the B’Odogwu platform. The numbers show we’re delivering,” he stated.

He noted that this revenue represents a 29.96% increase compared to the ₦1.34 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024.

A month-by-month analysis revealed steady growth, with January generating ₦647.88 billion—18.12% above its target and a 65.77% rise year-on-year.

In February, revenue totaled ₦540.1 billion, exceeding projections by 1.3% and showing a 19.97% increase from the previous year.

March continued the upward trend with ₦563.52 billion, surpassing its target by 2.7% and reflecting an 11.22% growth over March 2024.

“The 29.96% annual increase and steady monthly collections confirm our strategy is working. We’ll maintain this momentum through rigorous enforcement and strengthened partnerships,” Adeniyi added.

On anti-smuggling efforts, he revealed that NCS recorded 298 seizures in the first quarter, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦7.69 billion.

This represents a 78.41% increase from the ₦4.31 billion recorded in Q4 2024, though it remains 19.70% lower than Q1 2024’s ₦9.58 billion.

Adeniyi acknowledged exchange rate fluctuations as a major challenge during the quarter.

“During Q1 2025, we recorded 62 changes in the exchange rate, ranging from a minimum of ₦1,477.72 to a maximum of ₦1,569.53 per USD, with an average rate of ₦1,521.59,” he explained.

He expressed appreciation for the dedication of NCS officers, emphasizing their role in the agency’s success.

“Your commitment continues to drive our achievements and reinforces our position as a critical institution in Nigeria’s economic and security architecture.

“We also acknowledge the support of the Federal Government, particularly His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, for their guidance and enabling environment that have facilitated our operations.

“To our stakeholders – the trading community, partner government agencies, and international partners – we appreciate your cooperation and constructive engagement. We remain committed to fostering these relationships as we work together to advance Nigeria’s trade interests and economic development.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a warning to the general public about the existence of fake Facebook accounts impersonating the National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada.

According to the service in a statement on Saturday, these accounts, which are not affiliated with the NCS, are being used to scam unsuspecting individuals by sharing false contact details for illegal activities.

The NCS has confirmed that the official and verified Facebook page of the National PRO is marked with a blue verification badge. However, fraudulent individuals have created fake accounts, aiming to deceive the public.

Furthermore, the NCS has been alerted to a fraudster using the phone number +234 706 301 0692 to defraud individuals using the name of the National PRO.

The service reiterates that this number does not belong to the National PRO or any official of the NCS and is not associated with the service.

The NCS urges everyone to report such fake profiles and fraudulent activities to help prevent further scams.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled the Radiological and Nuclear Detection Programme (RANDA), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at curbing the smuggling of nuclear materials. 

This strategic programme was officially announced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, during the inauguration of a 4-day capacity-building workshop organised by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) on December 12th, 2023. 

Addressing participants at the workshop, Assistant Comptroller General Malanta Yusuf noted the importance of RANDA, stating that it will equip Customs officials with the necessary expertise to effectively detect and combat the illicit trafficking of radiological and nuclear materials.

This training, Yusuf stressed, will enhance cross-border security and foster a deeper understanding of the complex challenges involved in this innovative approach. 

Furthermore, Yusuf commended the leadership of the Customs Service for its unwavering commitment to innovation, acknowledging the vital role training plays in improving overall performance.

He specifically highlighted the WCO’s contribution to equipping officers with cutting-edge knowledge and skills. 

“We are determined to ensure Officers benefit from such trainings organized by the World Customs Organization,” stated Yusuf, “because the Comptroller-General has firmly placed innovation as a cornerstone of our advancement.” 

CSC Nafi’u Abubakar, the Nigeria Customs Service Radiation Safety Officer, lauded the CGC’s decisive approval of RANDA, further underscoring its unique nature.

Abubakar noted that this program positions Nigeria as a global leader in adopting this innovative approach to combatting nuclear smuggling. 

“The training was truly exceptional,” Abubakar declared, “and its benefits will have a profound impact on the Nigeria Customs Service, significantly advancing our capabilities.” 

The initiative’s potential to revolutionise border security was further stated by Dr. Isa Sambo, FSI, Director of Radiological Safety at the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority.

Dr. Sambo praised the CGC’s forward-thinking decision, acknowledging its potential to eliminate border crimes and significantly enhance Nigeria’s ability to tackle emerging threats.

He affirmed, “This move will undoubtedly position Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to secure borders against the illicit trafficking of radiological and nuclear materials.”