The Nigeria Customs Service has achieved a significant revenue landmark in 2025, raking in N7.281tn, one of its strongest financial performances in recent times.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, made this known on Monday in Abuja while speaking at the 2026 World Customs Day celebration, where he outlined how reforms, technology adoption and stronger stakeholder engagement contributed to the agency’s improved showing.
He disclosed that the revenue generated surpassed the Service’s approved annual target of N6.5tn by N697bn, representing a positive variance of over 10 per cent above projections.
According to Adeniyi, the figure reflects not only more than 10 per cent growth above the target but also a year-on-year increase of roughly 19 per cent compared to the N6.1tn realised in 2024.
He said, “Ladies and gentlemen, even as we protect society and reform procedures, we must also sustain the financial health of the state. I am pleased to report that in 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service collected a total of N7.281tn, exceeding the target of N6.584tn with a positive variance of N697 billion, representing a growth of over 10 per cent against the target.”
Offering additional insight, the Customs chief noted that the agency recorded a marked improvement over the previous year, attributing the rise to structural and operational reforms rather than heavy-handed enforcement.
“When compared to 2024 collections, total revenue rose from N6.1tn to N7.28tn, an increase of approximately N1.18tn, or about 19 per cent year-on-year,” he stated.
Adeniyi stressed that the figures were not shared as a form of self-praise but as proof that the ongoing reform agenda is producing measurable results.
“We present these figures not as self-congratulation, but as evidence that reform is yielding tangible outcomes,” he said.
He further explained that the increased revenue was achieved without constraining legitimate trade, an issue often highlighted by importers and manufacturers.
“The gains came not from arbitrary enforcement or the burdening of legitimate traders, but from improved compliance, better data use, digital tools, and disciplined enforcement. More importantly, this performance was achieved while deepening collaboration with the private sector and upholding facilitation commitments,” the Comptroller-General added.
He also noted that the Service continued to balance revenue generation with its trade facilitation responsibilities, particularly under regional and international trade agreements.
The Nigeria Customs Service remains one of the Federal Government’s key non-oil revenue agencies, charged with trade facilitation, revenue collection, border security and the suppression of smuggling.