In a bid to deepen fiscal coordination and drive sustainable revenue generation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has entered a strategic partnership with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF). This development was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Accountant-General, Shamsudeen Ogunjimi, to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
The meeting, described as symbolic and timely by both parties, marks a renewed synergy between two critical revenue and financial management agencies of the Federal Government. Speaking during the engagement, Comptroller-General Adeniyi reaffirmed the NCS’s dedication to implementing innovative measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economic resilience amid prevailing fiscal challenges.
“We recognise how critical revenue generation has become in this country, and we are doing our best to contribute meaningfully through disciplined operations and strategic innovations,” Adeniyi said. He referenced the Service’s recent achievements, noting that Customs revenue rose by over 70% before the end of 2024—an accomplishment credited to improved enforcement and digitisation efforts.
The Customs chief commended the Accountant-General for initiating the collaboration and expressed optimism that the partnership would further reinforce public finance transparency, accountability, and institutional competence.
In line with the ongoing public sector reforms, both parties discussed plans to launch a joint training programme designed to boost staff capacity and foster inter-agency understanding. Adeniyi welcomed the proposal, stating that such initiatives are vital for sustainable institutional development and aligning customs operations with global best practices.
“The proposed training initiative will enhance the professional competence of our officers, promote inter-agency collaboration, and ultimately support our shared goal of national economic development,” Adeniyi said.
On his part, AGF Ogunjimi praised the leadership of the Customs Service, expressing confidence in the CGC’s vision and performance. He described the NCS as a pivotal institution in Nigeria’s economic framework and stressed that the collaboration would not be limited to revenue improvement but would also target structural reforms.
“This collaboration has just started, and I want to assure you it is going to be robust,” Ogunjimi stated. “I also propose that some of your officers be seconded to our office for training programmes that will deepen institutional linkages and promote mutual operational efficiency.”
The AGF also reiterated the federal government’s emphasis on strengthening financial architecture to ensure long-term stability and performance. He pledged continued support for Customs reform efforts and expressed hope that the partnership would serve as a model for inter-agency cooperation in Nigeria’s public service.
This renewed alliance comes at a critical time when the government is intensifying efforts to block revenue leakages, improve fiscal discipline, and meet budgetary expectations. The partnership is expected to lead to streamlined processes, real-time data sharing, and improved audit trails—particularly in areas such as import duty collection, excise enforcement, and financial reporting.
Analysts believe this collaboration could serve as a blueprint for other revenue-generating agencies looking to align more closely with financial oversight institutions.
As Nigeria navigates complex economic challenges, including inflation, exchange rate instability, and public debt pressures, effective collaboration between agencies like the NCS and AGF remains crucial to achieving fiscal consolidation and enhancing trust in government institutions.