Nigeria Customs in the Year 2024
By Abdulsalam Mahmud
The year 2024 is now part of history, etched in the memories of individuals and organizations alike. For some, it was marked by triumphs, while for others, challenges and setbacks dominated.
Among the organizations with significant achievements to reflect on is the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which will remember 2024 as a year of remarkable accomplishments. In fulfilling its mandate of facilitating trade, combating economic sabotage, and enhancing revenue generation, the NCS made notable strides.
Yesterday, at a media briefing in Abuja, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of Customs, shed light on the agency’s successes over the past year. He explained how the NCS effectively tackled smuggling activities, improved border security, and adopted modern technologies to streamline operations.
These efforts contributed to a substantial increase in revenue generation, exceeding projected targets. Additionally, collaborative initiatives with local and international stakeholders ensured the seamless flow of legitimate trade, fostering economic growth. Below are the takeaways from the CGC’s briefing.
Historic Revenue Milestone
The Nigeria Customs achieved an unprecedented revenue collection milestone in 2024, amassing ₦6.1 trillion. This achievement surpassed its target of ₦5.08 trillion by an impressive ₦1.03 trillion, reflecting a 20.2% increase. Compared to 2023, the Service witnessed a remarkable 90.4% growth, representing the highest year-on-year revenue increase in its history. Notably, October 2024 marked the highest monthly collection ever recorded, with ₦603.17 billion.
Revenue Sources and Strategic Concessions
The revenue comprised three components: ₦3.66 trillion from Federation Account collections, ₦816.9 billion from non-Federation levies, and ₦1.63 trillion in import Value Added Tax (VAT). Despite granting concessions worth ₦1.68 trillion to stimulate economic growth and industrial development, the Service tightened its monitoring mechanisms, reducing concession abuse significantly compared to 2023.
A Surge in Trade Value
Trade facilitation efforts led to a robust growth in trade value. In 2024, import transactions valued at ₦60.29 trillion marked a 117.4% increase from 2023. Although transaction volumes decreased by 8.2%, the rise in high-value goods highlighted Nigeria’s shifting trade dynamics. Similarly, export trade experienced a 219.5% growth in value, reaching ₦136.65 trillion, with a significant 234% increase in export volume.
Total Trade Volume
The total trade value handled by the NCS in 2024 surged to ₦196.94 trillion, a 179.3% increase from ₦70.5 trillion in 2023. This remarkable growth reflected Nigeria’s expanding sophistication in international trade, driven by effective facilitation measures and strategic policy implementation.
Modernizing Trade Processes
The NCS embraced global best practices by introducing modern trade facilitation measures. Key achievements included the Advanced Ruling System, which provided pre-arrival classifications for importers, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, which significantly reduced cargo clearance times, setting a new benchmark in operational efficiency.
Digital Transformation and Partnerships
The Nigeria Customs advanced its technological infrastructure through pilot testing an indigenously developed customs clearance platform, “B’Odogwu.” By December 2024, the platform facilitated transactions yielding ₦31 billion in revenue. Enhanced international partnerships also improved intelligence sharing, capacity building, and strategic collaboration to secure Nigerian borders.
Anti-Smuggling Strides
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NCS recorded a 100.92% increase in the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seized items, totaling ₦35.29 billion. The seizures included arms, ammunition, narcotics, counterfeit drugs, wildlife products, and restricted goods. High-profile operations like “Whirlwind” disrupted petroleum smuggling networks, recovering 1.7 million liters of diverted fuel.
Safeguarding National Security
The Service intensified enforcement efforts, intercepting harmful substances, counterfeit products, and restricted items. Collaboration with national and international agencies enhanced enforcement capabilities, leading to 3,555 seizures and 55 arrests, reinforcing the NCS’ role in safeguarding national security and economic interests.
Capacity Development
The NCS prioritized workforce development, promoting over 5,700 officers in 2024. Comprehensive training programs equipped personnel with advanced skills, ensuring alignment with modern customs administration practices. These efforts emphasized the Service’s commitment to building a motivated and competent workforce.
Stakeholder Engagement
Nigeria Customs expanded partnerships with various organizations, including the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, to streamline medical goods clearance. The Service also supported SMEs and exporters under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), enhancing Nigeria’s visibility and competitiveness at international trade forums.
Supporting SMEs and Exporters
Efforts to support SMEs culminated in their robust participation in the Biashara Afrika forum in Kigali. These initiatives earned international recognition from the AfCFTA Secretariat, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a trade leader on the continent and showcasing innovative approaches in trade facilitation.
Recognition for Excellence
The NCS received significant local and international accolades in 2024. Notably, it advanced 33 places in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council rankings, emerging among the top five agencies for trade facilitation. These achievements underscored its reform initiatives and tangible improvements in cross-border trade.
Combating Emerging Threats
Advanced detection tools and geo-spatial technology enhanced surveillance and enforcement capabilities. These modern solutions enabled the Customs Service to address evolving threats, dismantle smuggling networks, and protect the economy, aligning with national security objectives.
Outlook for 2025
In 2025, the Nigeria Customs is fully aligned with national economic goals and the evolving global trade environment. The Federal Government’s revenue target of ₦6.58 trillion reflects growing confidence in the Service’s capabilities and its expanded operational scope.
This ambitious target sets the stage for continued progress, with the NCS committed to building on past achievements and enhancing its overall effectiveness. Key priorities for 2025 focus on critical initiatives such as the nationwide rollout of the B’Odogwu platform, full implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, and bolstering risk management through advanced technology.
The establishment of the Nigeria Customs Service University for Trade and Technology, strengthening international partnerships under the AfCFTA framework, and promoting transparency through open governance will further drive the NCS’ mission. Additionally, the rollout of a comprehensive CSR strategy and the completion of key infrastructural projects will support its continued modernization and improved service delivery.
Last Line
The NCS’ 2024 achievements reflect its commitment to excellence in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and enforcement. Through strategic reforms, technological advancements, and stakeholder engagement, the Service has become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic transformation. The future looks promising with even greater successes on the horizon.
Mahmud, Deputy Editor of PRNigeria, can be reached via: [email protected].
