The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the leadership of Comptroller-General Wale Adeniyi, marking one year in office has achieved remarkable success in revenue generation and national security, showcasing the critical role of customs in both economic development and societal protection.
Revenue Generation and Economic Impact
Between June 2023 and May 2024, the NCS generated N4.49 trillion, a substantial 74% increase compared to the N2.58 trillion collected in the previous year. This impressive growth was driven by several strategic initiatives, including a 70.13% rise in average monthly revenue collection. Key measures such as the Revenue Review Performance Recovery exercise, which recovered N15 billion, and the regularization of documents for "uncustomed" vehicles, which brought in an additional N2.79 billion, were instrumental in this success. The decongestion of ports and the handling of overtime containers and vehicles further contributed to this financial milestone.
Trade Facilitation and Infrastructure Improvements
The NCS has also made significant strides in trade facilitation. By decongesting ports and reopening previously inaccessible roads, the service has streamlined the processing of export goods, leading to increased export transactions. The establishment of a dedicated terminal for exports at the Lilypond command has significantly boosted export activities, managing 7,464 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) by the end of 2023, compared to just 317 initially.
Enhancing National Security
Customs play a vital role in national security through its anti-smuggling efforts, which have led to significant interceptions and seizures. In the past year, the NCS seized animal and wildlife products worth ₦566 million, arms and ammunition, and illicit drugs valued at over ₦6 billion. Additionally, the service intercepted 2.93 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) being smuggled out of the country, addressing potential national security threats and supporting food security by seizing rice and grains worth ₦4.4 billion.
Collaboration and Modernization
Collaboration with national and international agencies has been a cornerstone of the NCS's strategy. Efforts to reform and modernize customs processes have led to an 81.5% gain in the service's reform indices under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). This includes working closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria to stabilize exchange rates and automating customs processes to phase out manual procedures.
Commitment to Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement
The NCS has prioritized transparency and stakeholder engagement, instituting a routine of quarterly reports to keep the public informed. This open governance approach, combined with efforts to ensure compliance with customs laws and the implementation of trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), underscores the service's dedication to national and economic security.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, the NCS aims to consolidate its achievements by continuing to facilitate trade, improve revenue collection, and enhance national security. Efforts will focus on plugging financial leakages, modernizing customs operations, and maintaining transparency. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a safer, more prosperous Nigeria, reflecting the NCS's critical role in both customs administration and national security.
The NCS's comprehensive strategy highlights the multifaceted role customs services play in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the protection of society, emphasizing their importance in national security frameworks.
