in 2024, Nigeria exported over ₦340 billion worth of solid minerals and agricultural produce through formal channels—a 38% year-on-year rise
Customs Service Recovers ₦64 Billion, Slashes Port Delays, Boosts Exports in Reform Push
Over the past nine months, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recovered more than ₦64 billion from under-assessed imports, while cracking down on major smuggling networks across key border points in Seme, Idiroko, Katsina, and Sokoto.
These achievements were made possible through coordinated efforts with the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Police, forming joint task forces that have strengthened border security.
The Service’s anti-smuggling drive has seen a technological overhaul, with data-driven intelligence, drones, and surveillance tools now playing a central role. These advancements have significantly boosted the efficiency and precision of operations.
In a bid to enhance trade facilitation and reduce costs for businesses, NCS is accelerating the rollout of the National Single Window—a centralized digital portal designed to unify and streamline the processes of more than 15 government agencies involved in cargo clearance.
The impact is already visible: clearance times at Lagos ports have dropped from 21 days to as few as 7–10 days for compliant importers.
As part of efforts to support the federal government’s economic diversification agenda, the NCS is also increasing its support for non-oil exports.
Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi disclosed that in 2024 alone, Nigeria exported over ₦340 billion worth of solid minerals and agricultural produce through formal channels—a 38% year-on-year rise.
Internally, the agency is undergoing a transformation to meet global standards. More than 1,800 Customs officers have been trained in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and risk profiling, marking a shift from manual inspections to intelligence-led operations.
“Customs is evolving into a smart, globally competitive institution. We’re no longer chasing smugglers in the bush—we’re staying ahead with data,” Adeniyi stated.
He emphasized that these reforms are in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to close revenue leakages, ease trade, and grow national income—without placing extra burden on citizens.
“The results are already speaking for themselves,” Adeniyi affirmed. Read More
