Nigeria Customs revenue reaches ₦1.42tn in two months as digital reforms boost collections, exports rise and enforcement operations intensify

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated ₦1.42 trillion in revenue between September and October 2026, processing 9,195 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs) and 99,839 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) during the two-month period.

The Service disclosed the figures in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, who attributed the revenue performance to improved documentation, digital interventions and stronger collaboration with stakeholders in the trading community.

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The latest figures highlight the importance of customs administration to government revenue generation, particularly as Nigeria continues to pursue reforms aimed at improving trade efficiency, strengthening border controls and reducing revenue leakages.

According to the Service, the processing of thousands of assessment reports and goods declarations reflects its efforts to improve the speed and transparency of import documentation while strengthening revenue collection.

Maiwada said the improvements were supported by technology-driven processes and closer engagement with relevant stakeholders, which have helped improve operational efficiency.

Beyond revenue collection, the Customs Service also reported significant growth in export activities at the Lilypond Export Command during the third quarter of 2026.

Export transactions handled by the command generated $752.85 million between July and September, representing a 22.14 per cent increase compared with the $586.15 million recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.

The increase suggests stronger export activity through the command and highlights the potential contribution of efficient customs procedures to Nigeria’s non-oil trade development.

The Service also disclosed that its enforcement operations resulted in the seizure of prohibited and restricted goods with a combined duty-paid value exceeding ₦8.1 billion.

The seizures form part of broader efforts to prevent the movement of prohibited items, protect legitimate businesses and strengthen compliance with Nigeria’s import and export regulations.

In another development, the NCS highlighted its collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) to improve its capacity to detect and combat trade-based money laundering and other illicit financial activities.

Trade-based money laundering involves the use of international trade transactions to disguise the origins of illegally obtained funds, often through false invoicing, misrepresentation of goods or manipulation of trade values.

The Customs Service said the partnership was intended to strengthen institutional capacity and improve the identification of suspicious trade activities.

The agency also announced the introduction of an electronic currency declaration platform designed to improve transparency and monitoring of currency movements.

The digital platform is expected to support more effective oversight, improve information management and strengthen efforts to identify irregular financial transactions.

Beyond its core responsibilities involving trade facilitation, revenue collection and border enforcement, the Service also reported progress in wildlife protection.

It disclosed that six live pangolins were rescued during separate operations in Ogun State.

The rescued animals were subsequently handed over to the Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for rehabilitation.

The intervention reflects the agency’s wider environmental protection responsibilities, particularly efforts to prevent illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.

Pangolins are among the world’s most heavily trafficked mammals, with demand for their scales and meat contributing to illegal trade and population decline.

Their protection requires cooperation between law enforcement agencies, conservation organisations and communities to prevent poaching and facilitate the rehabilitation of rescued animals.

The Customs Service said the rescue operations reinforced its commitment to environmental protection alongside its traditional responsibilities in trade regulation and revenue generation.

Nigeria Customs’ latest performance figures come as the Federal Government continues to emphasise improved domestic revenue mobilisation and more efficient management of the country’s international trade.

The ₦1.42 trillion generated over two months represents an important contribution to public finances, while the increase in export earnings highlights opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s participation in international markets.

However, sustaining the performance will depend on continued investment in digital infrastructure, effective enforcement, transparent procedures and cooperation with legitimate traders.

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For the Customs Service, the challenge will be to balance its revenue responsibilities with efficient trade facilitation, ensuring that businesses can move goods through the country’s borders without unnecessary delays while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations.