Abdulsalam Mahmud

In the first quarter of this year, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, recorded a lot of feats so unparalleled in the annals of its rich history.

The agency’s war against economic saboteurs, particularly daredevil smugglers continues to yield outstanding successes, in leaps and bounds.

The NCS, now led by Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of Customs, is also redefining the art of collecting revenue for the federal government.

For instance, the NCS, in the first quarter of 2024, demonstrated remarkable performance in revenue collection.

*Handsome Revenue*

Addressing newsmen in Abuja recently, Adeniyi said their agency collected a whooping N1,347,675,608,972.75 as revenue between January and March 2024.

The Customs helmsman who spoke on their NCS’ 2024 First Quarter Performance explained that the N1,347,675,608,972.75 collection represents a substantial increase of 122.35%, compared to the same period last year, where N606,119,935,146.67 was generated.

“Month-by-month analysis further illustrates the Service’s impressive growth trajectory. In January 2024, revenue collection surged by 95.60%, reaching NGN 390,824,148,326.55 from NGN 199,809,974,327.52 recorded in January 2023.

“This upward trend continued in February 2024, with a staggering 138.68% growth, elevating revenue collection to NGN 450,209,267,557.15 from NGN 188,625,011,386.87 in February 2023.

“By March 2024, the revenue collected by NCS revenue grew by 132.76% from NGN 217,669,949,432.28 to NGN 506,642,193,019.05.

“When compared to the Federal government’s annual revenue target of NGN 5.07 trillion for the NCS to collect in 2024, the target translates to a monthly revenue target of NGN 423 billion.

“We are pleased to report an average monthly revenue growth of 6.2% over the set monthly target and a cumulative revenue collection of 18.6%, equivalent to NGN 78,675,608,972.75 over the set quarterly target of NGN 1.269 trillion,” he said.

*Anti-Smuggling Strides*

Regarding the Customs’ brutal fight against illicit smuggling, the NCS recorded a total of 572 seizures, encompassing various items valued at NGN 10,593,099,654.50 in Duty Paid Value (DPV), in the first quarter of 2024.

Said Adeniyi: “Notably, January saw 111 seizures amounting to NGN 842,992,751.50 in DPV, while February marked the highest seizure numbers of 432, totalling NGN 3,704,703,350.34.

“Rice constituted 39% of the seizures, followed by petroleum products at 26%, with motor vehicles and textiles accounting for 9% and 6% of the seizures, respectively.

“During this period, the NCS detained 22 suspects, and appropriate legal measures will be taken in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023”.

*Trade Facilitation*

The Customs boss, while speaking further, noted that trade facilitation remains a central focus of the NCS operations.

He said their NCS’ management has diligently worked towards streamlining processes, minimizing bottlenecks, and optimizing efficiency across Nigerian ports to ensure seamless trade transactions, despite inherent challenges.

He said: “In First Quarter 2024, the NCS processed a total of 311,492 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) for imports, reflecting the volume of import transactions handled. This figure indicates a decrease compared to the total volume of 327,491 processed in 2023 and 403,233 SGDs in 2022.

“Regarding export transactions, a total of 10,786 SGDs were processed in 2024 compared to 9,752 transactions in 2023, representing a 10.60% growth in export activities. Notably, a significant portion of this growth occurred in January, with 4,067 transactions processed in 2024 compared to 3,352 SGDs in 2023, marking a 29.69% increase.

The Service is particularly interested in the growth of the non-oil export sector, aligning with the priorities of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration and the initiatives pursued by NCS in recent times”.

*Key Drivers*

According to CGC Adeniyi, a myriad of deliberate factors have contributed to the successes around NCS key performance indicators.

“It is important to acknowledge the dedication and efforts of the officers and men of NCS who have worked tirelessly and around the clock to ensure consistent and upward momentum,” he said.

Continuing, the Customs boss added: “NCS officers have played a key role in driving the implementation of initiatives, as evidenced by our performance across the three core statutory responsibilities set by the government. Among these initiatives is the introduction of the E-auction generating a total revenue of NGN 1.6 billion in February and March.

“Furthermore, stakeholders from both the private and public sectors have played an instrumental role in our recorded successes. Their commitment and enthusiasm towards our objectives have been commendable, especially in adhering to the terms of various Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during bilateral engagements and larger forums like the National Trade Facilitation Committee.

“Additionally, significant commitments were documented at the last Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC’s) Conference, notably enshrined in the Lagos Continental Declaration, highlighting the collective effort and collaboration towards our shared goals.

“It is imperative to highlight the ongoing support of the government, particularly in approving initiatives aimed at fulfilling the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Among these initiatives, notable is the granting of a 90- day window to owners of uncustomed vehicles, facilitating the payment of appropriate duties on previously imported vehicles into the country.

“Members of the public are strongly advised to avail themselves of this opportunity to regularize their papers, as failure to do so will result in applicable penalties”.

*Reopening Borders*

Adeniyi, equally disclosed that the government’s decision to reopen the Northern Borders with Niger Republic holds significant importance.

“This action is expected to boost trading activities in those areas. With potential smugglers now reconsidering the legitimacy of trading through approved routes, this decision stands as a pivotal move. NCS is unequivocally committed to supporting the actualization of the 8- point agenda of the President Tinubu-led administration.

‘This commitment is demonstrated through both direct and indirect contributions to key areas such as economic growth, improved security, upholding the rule of law, and fighting corruption. Noteworthy achievements include strengthening economic growth through optimal revenue collection to support government allocations to vital sectors, alongside the implementation of efficient trade facilitation measures.

“Our relentless enforcement efforts, particularly in intercepting prohibited items, are important in enhancing security. Moreover, we are steadfastly integrating technology across our operations to ensure transparency and accountability, addressing critical aspects of the 8-point agenda,” he said.

*Boosting Food Security*

Recently, NCS has prioritized food security in response to a presidential directive. But how and why? “This initiative is evidenced by the distribution of food items to vulnerable members of society, commencing in Lagos, Kano and extending to other parts of the country to address urgent societal needs,” the Customs leader noted.

Adeniyi then reassured the public that transparency and accountability will remain paramount under his leadership, fostering trust and confidence in the Service.