The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reported a significant revenue increase in the first quarter of 2025, collecting N1.75 trillion—marking a 29.96% rise from the N1.34 trillion generated during the same period in 2024.
According to a statement issued Tuesday, April 22, by Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi in Abuja, the Service exceeded its quarterly benchmark of N1.645 trillion by N106.5 billion, achieving 106.47% of its target. Monthly breakdowns show N647 billion collected in January, N540 billion in February, and N563.5 billion in March.
“This outstanding performance represents a substantial 29.96% increase compared to the same period in 2024, where we collected N1.347 trillion,” Adeniyi said.
Trade and Export Activity
Despite a slowdown in the number of export transactions, the volume and value of exported goods saw notable growth. In Q1 2025, the NCS processed 8,153 export Single Goods Declarations (SGDs)—a 6.4% decrease from Q4 2024 and 24.4% drop from Q1 2024. However, total export volume reached 5.03 billion kilograms, up 348% from Q1 2024, despite being 10% lower than Q4 2024.
The total Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of exports stood at N21.51 trillion, a 19% increase over Q4 2024 and nearly identical to the N21.58 trillion recorded in Q1 2024.
Anti-Smuggling Achievements
Adeniyi also emphasized the Service’s anti-smuggling successes, noting 298 recorded seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N7.698 billion—representing a 78.41% increase from Q4 2024 (N4.315 billion), though a 19.7% decrease compared to Q1 2024 (N9.587 billion).
Rice remained the most frequently seized commodity, accounting for 159 seizures involving 135,474 bags valued at N939.3 million. Petroleum products followed, with 61 cases totaling 65,819 liters and a DPV of N43.3 million. Notably, 22 narcotics interceptions were made, with an estimated value of N730.7 million.
The Service also reported three high-value wildlife product seizures worth N5.65 billion, highlighting the profitability of illegal wildlife trade and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to environmental protection.
Other notable seizures included:
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Textile fabrics: 13 cases (N134.2 million DPV)
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Retreaded tires: 5 cases (N104.6 million DPV)
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Pharmaceuticals: 1 case (N17.2 million DPV)
“These figures reflect the Service’s unrelenting enforcement efforts and our commitment to curbing illicit trade across all restricted categories,” Adeniyi stated.
Challenges and Policy Implications
The Comptroller-General also addressed broader economic challenges impacting operations during Q1 2025, including continued foreign exchange volatility and the suspension of the Financial Customs Service Operation (FCSO), commonly referred to as the 4% Free on Board (FOB) policy.
He further highlighted concerns regarding the 14% reciprocal tariff imposed by the United States on Nigerian exports. “This development has potential implications for our export trade and requires strategic diplomatic and policy responses,” he noted.
Trade Overview
In total, the Nigeria Customs Service processed N36.317 trillion worth of trade in Q1 2025. This included 327,928 SGDs for imports, covering goods with a combined weight of 4.91 billion kilograms and a CIF value of N14.807 trillion.
