Customs Reforms, Not Economic Trends, Behind Revenue Surge – Adeniyi

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has attributed the agency's strong revenue performance to sustained institutional reforms and modernisation efforts rather than prevailing economic conditions or currency fluctuations, while calling for stronger legislative backing to sustain the transformation agenda.

Adeniyi made the remarks at the opening of a two-day retreat for the Senate Committee on Customs with the theme, "Legislative Oversight in the Context of Nigeria Customs Service Modernisation and Reforms." He said the Service's achievements stem from deliberate reforms designed to improve transparency, efficiency and accountability.

According to him, the NCS generated N7.277 trillion in revenue in 2025, surpassing its annual target by 10.24 per cent. Between January and May 2026, the Service also recorded N3.35 trillion in revenue.

He cautioned against attributing the revenue increase solely to economic factors, noting that periods of currency adjustment can create an illusion of improved performance.

"Revenue growth during periods of currency adjustment can create the impression of success even where little has changed. What matters is whether the growth is driven by stronger systems, and I believe ours is," Adeniyi said.

He explained that the retreat was intended to provide members of the Senate Committee with a deeper understanding of the Customs reform programme, stressing that effective legislative oversight requires a sound appreciation of the Service's operations, reforms and challenges.

The Comptroller-General also highlighted Nigeria's emergence as Chair of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, describing the development as international recognition of the country's progress in customs reforms and adherence to global best practices.

Adeniyi said the Service's modernisation drive is replacing discretionary decision-making with automated, technology-driven processes supported by risk management and data analytics.

He noted that the implementation of the Trade Modernisation Project and deployment of the B'Odogwu customs platform have enhanced transparency by ensuring electronic documentation that makes transactions traceable and decisions auditable.

He further credited the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 with providing the legal foundation for major reforms, including electronic cargo processing, advance rulings, the Authorised Economic Operator programme and sustainable funding for the Service.

Adeniyi urged lawmakers to use the retreat to evaluate the implementation of the Act and identify areas that may require amendments to keep pace with changing global trade practices.

He argued that legislative oversight should evolve alongside technological advancements, encouraging lawmakers to focus on system performance, risk management, cargo clearance timelines and trade policy outcomes instead of isolated operational issues.

The Customs chief also identified sustained political support as vital to the success of the reform programme, noting that automation often faces resistance because it reduces opportunities for human discretion and interference.

While acknowledging the support of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government, Adeniyi appealed to the Senate to provide lasting legislative protection for the reforms.

He urged lawmakers to continue holding the Service accountable for measurable outcomes, protect the integrity of automated systems from undue interference, review the country's trade waiver and concession regime, and sustain regular engagement with Customs beyond routine oversight functions.

Although he acknowledged that the modernisation programme is still evolving, with some ports and stakeholders adjusting to the new systems, Adeniyi expressed confidence that the reforms would ultimately deliver a modern customs administration anchored on technology, transparency and institutional integrity.