In a stunning economic achievement, Nigeria’s Customs Service announced on April 22, 2025, that it generated an unprecedented ₦1.75 trillion in revenue during the first quarter of 2025, surpassing expectations and bolstering the nation’s fiscal outlook.
This remarkable figure, attributed to enhanced enforcement, technological upgrades, and increased trade volumes, marks a significant leap from previous quarters, positioning the agency as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic recovery under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The revenue surge stems from intensified anti-smuggling operations at key ports like Apapa and Tin Can Island, where advanced scanning technology and intelligence-driven raids curbed illicit trade. The implementation of the Nigeria Integrated Customs Management System (NICMS) streamlined clearance processes, boosting compliance and reducing revenue leakages.
Additionally, higher import duties on luxury goods and improved export documentation for crude oil and agricultural products contributed to the windfall. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s forex reforms, stabilizing the naira, also facilitated smoother trade, indirectly aiding collections.
Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi hailed the achievement as a testament to the agency’s commitment to transparency and efficiency, noting that ₦1.2 trillion was remitted to the Federation Account, with the remainder allocated to operational costs and infrastructure upgrades. However, challenges persist, including allegations of extortion at border posts and delays in cargo clearance, which the agency vowed to address through staff retraining and stakeholder engagement.
Economic analysts predict that sustained revenue growth could ease Nigeria’s debt burden, but they caution against over-reliance on customs duties, urging diversification. As the nation grapples with inflation and unemployment, this ₦1.75 trillion haul offers hope but demands prudent management.