Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), announced that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) amassed ₦658.6 billion in revenue for September 2025, highlighting the agency’s consistent financial achievements amid ongoing reforms.
Issa-Onilu shared this update on Monday in Abuja during the Monthly National Joint Security Press Briefing, an event coordinated by the NOA alongside various security, paramilitary, and regulatory bodies.
This impressive revenue figure underscores the pivotal role the Customs Service plays in driving Nigeria’s economic transformation, under the stewardship of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“In September alone, the NCS generated ₦658,605,400,392, a testament to the Service’s robust fiscal performance supported by continuous reforms and intensified enforcement,” Issa-Onilu stated.
“This amount reflects the combined efforts of multiple commands and operations, all aligned with a comprehensive strategy to boost revenue collection and curb leakages throughout the system.”
The NOA chief emphasized that September was characterized by key strategic initiatives, operational achievements, and cooperative efforts that reinforced the Customs Service’s dedication to transparency, efficiency, and institutional revitalization.
During this period, the NCS engaged in a high-level strategic dialogue with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) aimed at strengthening trade partnerships, harmonizing policies, and encouraging industrial expansion.
“This collaboration highlights the Service’s reform agenda, which is rooted in partnership, inclusivity, and shared commitment to national economic progress,” he explained.
“It also acknowledges the manufacturing sector as a vital contributor to national productivity and a cornerstone in diversifying Nigeria’s revenue beyond oil.”
To streamline trade processes, Issa-Onilu revealed that the Customs Service launched a One-Stop-Shop platform designed to accelerate cargo clearance, eliminate procedural delays, and foster seamless coordination among trade participants.
On the security front, officers from the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A successfully intercepted illegal firearms, industrial drones, and other contraband in the Southwest region.
“This operation demonstrates the Service’s vigilance, intelligence capabilities, and steadfast commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders from illicit trade and cross-border threats,” he noted.
“Such actions reinforce the dual mandate of the Customs Service: facilitating legitimate trade while enforcing security measures to neutralize risks to national safety.”
Issa-Onilu also highlighted the Customs Service’s enhanced corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which include supporting allied agencies and investing in community development projects across its jurisdictions.
“These initiatives reflect the understanding that security and trade flourish when institutions collaborate and communities are empowered,” he added.
He further mentioned that the Board of Trustees of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) recently commended the Customs Service, recognizing its professionalism, accountability, and institutional advancement.
“The achievements recorded in September are clear indicators that the Service is not only evolving but also setting new benchmarks in institutional excellence, reform communication, and public service delivery,” Issa-Onilu affirmed.
In a related announcement, the NCS reported a total revenue collection of ₦3.6 trillion from January to June 2025, surpassing initial projections.
Following this strong performance, the Senate Committee on Customs increased the 2025 revenue target from ₦6.58 trillion to ₦10 trillion in June, praising the Service’s enhanced fiscal discipline and operational reforms.
