By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Nigeria Customs Service has exceeded its approved 2025 revenue target, generating a total of N7.281 trillion within the year.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this on Monday, January 26, in Abuja while delivering an address at the 2026 World Customs Day celebration.
Adeniyi said the 2025 revenue milestone exceeded the Service’s approved annual target of N6.584 trillion by N697 billion, representing over 10 per cent increase above expectations.
He added that the figure reflects a year-on-year increase of about 19 percent compared to the N6.1 trillion collected in 2024.
The Customs boss further highlighted the impact of reforms, technology deployment, and enhanced stakeholder engagement on the agency’s performance.
He said, “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 N7.281 trillion, exceeding the target of N6.584 trillion with a positive variance of N697 billion, representing a growth of over 10 per cent against the target.
“When compared to 2024 collections, total revenue rose from N6.1 trillion to N7.28 trillion, an increase of approximately N1.18 trillion, or about 19 per cent year-on-year.”
Adeniyi also attributed the significant improvement over the previous year to structural and operational changes rather than aggressive enforcement.
He noted that the milestone was not for self-praise, stressing that the figures were presented as proof that the agency’s reform agenda was delivering results.
According to him, the improved revenue was achieved without stifling legitimate trade, which is a concern often raised 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,” he said.
