Customs Generates ₦658 Billion in September Amid Deepening Reforms

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded an impressive ₦658.6 billion revenue for September 2025, underscoring the positive impact of ongoing institutional reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and trade facilitation. The remarkable performance comes as the Service continues to roll out key modernization initiatives under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, in its drive to strengthen non-oil revenue and sustain economic stability.

According to the NCS, the achievement was driven by a combination of technological upgrades, policy realignments, and improved coordination among customs commands nationwide. The introduction of the new “One-Stop-Shop” clearance platform, a flagship reform initiative, played a significant role in simplifying cargo clearance procedures, reducing bottlenecks at ports, and cutting down on the cost and time associated with trade documentation. The platform is designed to bring all key agencies and operators under a unified process that allows importers and exporters to complete their documentation seamlessly.

Adeniyi, who has championed several modernization projects since assuming office, noted that the latest revenue figure demonstrates the Service’s growing capacity to mobilize funds in support of the federal government’s fiscal goals. He attributed the progress to the hard work and professionalism of customs officers, as well as stronger collaboration with stakeholders in the trade and logistics ecosystem.

“Our reforms are beginning to yield tangible results,” Adeniyi said. “The ₦658 billion revenue we generated in September reflects our commitment to accountability, innovation, and partnership. We are not just collecting revenue; we are reforming the entire trade system to make it more transparent and investor-friendly.”

Beyond the introduction of new systems, the Customs Service has been strengthening its enforcement and compliance strategies to curb smuggling, under-declaration, and other sharp practices that undermine national revenue. The Federal Operations Units (FOUs), particularly Zone A in Lagos, made several high-profile interceptions in September, including firearms, industrial drones, and other prohibited items. These seizures underscore the Service’s dual focus on trade facilitation and national security.

The Customs modernization efforts also extend to collaboration with key industry associations. In September, the NCS held a consultative session with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to harmonize trade procedures and address challenges affecting the manufacturing sector. The engagement aimed to ensure that customs operations support Nigeria’s industrialization drive while safeguarding local industries from unfair competition.

Economic analysts have described the Customs’ performance as a major boost for Nigeria’s fiscal outlook, particularly at a time when the government is seeking to diversify its revenue sources away from crude oil. The NCS’s strong showing in September follows its record-breaking performance earlier in the year, when it collected ₦3.68 trillion in the first half of 2025—exceeding its mid-year target by over 11 percent. The upward trajectory suggests that the Service’s reforms are translating into consistent growth in revenue collection.

Stakeholders have also commended the Customs Service for deepening transparency in its operations. Through digital integration, the NCS has reduced manual documentation, minimized revenue leakages, and enhanced data accuracy across its commands. The deployment of digital payment systems, automated tracking, and risk-based inspection methods have also helped cut down on human interference, ensuring that the Service operates in line with international best practices.

However, despite the strong revenue numbers, challenges remain. The Customs Service continues to grapple with infrastructural constraints, congestion at major ports, and inconsistent adherence to trade procedures by some operators. There are also calls for further reforms to strengthen inter-agency collaboration at ports and land borders, as overlapping mandates sometimes delay cargo clearance.

To address these challenges, the Comptroller-General has reiterated his commitment to expanding modernization efforts, investing in capacity building, and leveraging data analytics to improve compliance monitoring. He emphasized that the Service’s success will depend on the willingness of all stakeholders—including importers, freight forwarders, and other regulatory agencies—to adhere to the principles of integrity and accountability.

Adeniyi also restated that Customs operations are not just about generating revenue but about enabling legitimate trade and economic growth. “Our vision is to build a Customs Service that supports industrial development, protects national security, and facilitates efficient trade flows,” he said. “We are creating a system that rewards compliance and penalizes violations, ensuring that everyone plays by the rules.”

Observers believe that the ₦658 billion recorded in September is a reflection of growing operational efficiency and stronger enforcement coordination under the current administration’s reform agenda. The One-Stop-Shop model, if fully implemented across all ports, could significantly reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria and improve the country’s ranking on the global ease of doing business index.

Furthermore, the Customs Service’s renewed focus on stakeholder engagement has helped foster a climate of trust and cooperation between the agency and private sector operators. Regular meetings, public sensitization campaigns, and joint policy dialogues are helping to improve understanding of customs procedures and promote voluntary compliance.

The revenue performance in September has also reinforced the Service’s role as a key pillar in the government’s fiscal strategy. As Nigeria continues its economic diversification journey, non-oil revenue sources such as customs duties, tariffs, and excise collections are becoming increasingly critical. With reforms now yielding visible results, there is growing optimism that the Customs Service will surpass its annual revenue targets by the end of the year.

In conclusion, the ₦658 billion revenue recorded by the Nigeria Customs Service in September underscores the effectiveness of ongoing reforms and the growing importance of institutional modernization in driving economic growth. While challenges persist, the Service’s focus on transparency, efficiency, and collaboration continues to enhance its capacity to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term development goals.