The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has announced that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated ₦6.6 billion in revenue within one month, describing the achievement as part of Nigeria’s growing progress in fiscal reforms and domestic revenue generation.
The disclosure was made by the Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, during the monthly National Joint Security Press Briefing in Abuja. He commended the Customs Service for its “strategic efficiency and renewed accountability,” stating that the impressive revenue collection was the result of ongoing reforms and enforcement operations across all customs commands.
“In the month of September, the Nigeria Customs Service recorded a total revenue collection of ₦658,605,400,392,” Issa-Onilu said. “This achievement is a reflection of the Service’s dedication to ensuring transparency, blocking leakages, and aligning its operations with global customs best practices.”
Issa-Onilu noted that the Customs’ collaboration with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) also contributed to the strong performance, especially in improving trade relations and policy consistency.
“The NCS has engaged the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to strengthen trade relations, improve import-export policies, and create a more conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive,” he explained.
The latest collection figures come at a crucial time when the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to boost non-oil revenue and reduce dependence on petroleum exports. According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, customs revenue has become a major component of Nigeria’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) projections.
The Customs Service, which had been given an ambitious target of about ₦6.4 trillion for the second half of 2025, has ramped up its collection strategy, focusing on stricter border surveillance, digital automation, and improved compliance among importers and clearing agents.
A top customs official, who preferred not to be named, confirmed that several reforms introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, are now yielding results.
“The CGC has restructured the revenue collection process and introduced technology-based systems that minimize corruption and human interference. Each command is now held accountable for their monthly targets,” the source said.
As part of efforts to sustain the momentum, the Customs Service has deepened collaboration with manufacturers, freight forwarders, and border communities. These engagements are meant to promote mutual understanding, compliance with trade laws, and long-term stability in revenue generation.
In September, the NCS held a series of meetings with importers’ associations and export stakeholders to discuss challenges related to tariffs, bottlenecks, and enforcement measures.
Issa-Onilu said the move was intended to strike a balance between enforcement and facilitation.
“The goal is not just to collect revenue but to support the government’s economic diversification drive,” he said. “Customs is playing a vital role in ensuring that Nigeria’s trade environment remains safe, efficient, and globally competitive.”
Despite the remarkable figures, experts warn that the Customs Service must maintain consistency to meet its annual target. Fluctuations in import volume, foreign exchange instability, and border security issues could affect revenue projections in subsequent months.
Economic analyst Dr. Tunde Akanni explained that while the ₦6.6 billion monthly performance is impressive, sustaining it would require “stable macroeconomic conditions, efficient port operations, and strict anti-corruption enforcement.”
“Revenue spikes are good, but consistency is the real test,” Akanni said. “The Customs must also ensure that increased collections do not translate into undue hardship for importers or distortions in trade prices.”
He added that the Federal Government should channel part of the revenue into modernizing customs infrastructure and improving border technology.
The NOA Director-General reaffirmed that the agency will continue to promote transparency in government reporting, encouraging all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to maintain open communication with citizens.
“The Nigerian people deserve to know how public institutions perform,” Issa-Onilu emphasized. “Customs’ strong showing demonstrates what is possible when integrity, technology, and accountability meet purpose.”
Meanwhile, the NCS leadership has vowed to maintain its reform trajectory, pledging to intensify border security operations, enhance anti-smuggling campaigns, and sustain the momentum in revenue mobilization.
The ₦6.6 billion monthly collection underscores a positive trajectory for Nigeria’s customs operations one that blends reform, enforcement, and digital transformation. While the achievement highlights progress in fiscal discipline, experts stress that continued efficiency and transparency will be critical to keeping the momentum going in the months ahead.
