Customs Revenue Surges 70%, Rakes In Over N686bn In 2 Months

• Acting Comptroller Adewale Adeniyi announced that the Nigeria Customs Service generated over N686 billion in July and August, a 70.13 percent increase
• He highlighted the service’s efforts in intercepting contraband items and the arrest of 62 suspects involved in smuggling activities

Adewale Adeniyi, the acting Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), revealed that the service generated over N686 billion in the last two months (July and August).

He stated that the figure was higher than the N202 billion average monthly collection in the first half of the year, which ended in June.

Adeniyi revealed this at a press conference yesterday in Abuja to commemorate his first 100 days in office, noting that the figure represented a 70.13 percent increase in revenue collection.

He said;

We have witnessed a substantial increase, with an average monthly collection of N202 billion in the first half of the year that concluded in June, surging to an impressive N343 billion in the past two months (July and August).

I’m delighted to announce that we’ve consistently exceeded the monthly target collection of N307 billion, marking a remarkable departure from previous performances.

The ongoing revenue recovery review activities have contributed an additional N8 billion during this period, underlining our commitment to revenue generation. Subject to unforeseen circumstances, our aim is to sustain and even expand this momentum until the end of the year.

Adeniyi noted that the NCS has achieved impressive results over the last eight months while discussing the ongoing fight against smuggling.

“We have successfully intercepted various contraband items, including arms, ammunition, illicit drugs, substandard pharmaceuticals, and other prohibited goods that pose grave risks to our citizens, with a total of 1,763 seizures valued at a substantial N11.9 billion in Duty Paid Value.”

He went on to say that the seizures and the arrest of 62 suspects undergoing legal proceedings demonstrate the service’s commitment to combating smuggling and protecting the country.