The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) faces an unprecedented challenge as it races to generate N6.4 trillion in revenue in the remaining six months of 2025 to meet the ambitious N10 trillion target set for the fiscal year.
The announcement comes after the agency reported a collection of N3.6 trillion in the first half of the year, a notable increase from the N2.7 trillion recorded during the same period in 2024, yet far short of the year-end goal.
This target, revised upward by the Senate from an initial N6.58 trillion, means the NCS must now achieve in half a year what typically takes a full fiscal year.
The pressure is mounting, as officials and industry stakeholders assess the feasibility of such a feat.
To bridge this revenue gap, the Customs Service has implemented a series of reforms aimed at streamlining trade processes and curbing leakages.
Central to this effort is the rollout of the Unified Customs Management System, B’Odogwu, designed to phase out manual clearance procedures and improve efficiency in revenue collection.
However, the rollout has faced technical challenges, with industry players reporting glitches that the agency is actively addressing.
In addition, the Customs reinstated its 4% charge on Free on Board (FOB) value of imported goods, replacing the 1% CISS and 7% duty charge.
This adjustment is expected to boost revenue, although it has raised concerns among importers about increased costs of clearance.
The agency is also deploying six modernised scanners, including the FS6000 model, across key ports to enhance non-intrusive inspection capabilities.
Abdulahi Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer of Customs, highlighted that these scanners are part of a broader push to modernise port operations and improve trade facilitation while ensuring compliance.
Other measures include:
Procurement of Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) equipment
Establishment of the Centralised Image Analysis System in Abuja
Reinforcement of cybersecurity infrastructure
Operationalisation of a multi-channel help desk
Capacity-building programs for staff and stakeholders
“These reforms are designed to plug financial leakages, boost operational efficiency, and enhance transparency in revenue collection,” Maiwada noted.
In July 2025, the Customs targeted 223 Nigerian companies importing goods without full duty payment under Temporary Admission Permits (TAP).
The companies were given 21 days to comply or face penalties, including bond invocation.
Options for regularisation included applying for a valid extension, re-exporting goods under supervision, or converting items to home use.
Such enforcement actions are part of the Customs’ broader strategy to ensure full compliance and eliminate revenue leakages, a critical component in meeting the N6.4 trillion target in just six months.
While these measures are expected to boost revenue, experts warn of potential economic repercussions.
Muda Yusuf, chairman of the Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), cautioned that the high revenue target could raise cargo clearance costs, exacerbate inflationary pressures, and strain businesses already grappling with foreign exchange volatility and high energy costs.
“Customs’ push to meet this target ultimately affects businesses and citizens.
Higher import costs and stricter compliance requirements will trickle down to consumers, possibly increasing inflation,” Yusuf explained.
Despite these concerns, there is cautious optimism.
Wale Edun, chairman of the Nigeria Customs Service board and Finance Minister, highlighted that the first-half figures exceeded projections by N390 billion, signalling that the Service is on track if reforms are effectively implemented.
“While the challenge is significant, the NCS has the capacity, technology, and manpower to achieve this target.
We urge sustained efforts and collaboration across all stakeholders,” Edun said.
The next six months will be crucial for the Customs Service, as the government, industry players, and the public closely monitor progress.
Analysts suggest that meeting the target will require:
Strict enforcement of duty compliance
Continued optimisation of the B’Odogwu system
Effective use of scanners and tracking systems
Enhanced stakeholder engagement to avoid operational bottlenecks
If successful, Nigeria Customs’ achievement could set a new benchmark in revenue collection and demonstrate the impact of digital transformation and modernisation in public sector agencies.
Conversely, failure could expose structural weaknesses, complicate fiscal planning, and add pressure on the federal government’s budgetary objectives.
The coming months will reveal whether the NCS can translate reforms into tangible results, balancing revenue generation with the broader interests of businesses and consumers.