Customs revenue hit N1.4tn in September, October

The Nigeria Customs Service said it had processed 9,195 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports and 99,839 Single Goods Declarations between September and October 2026, reflecting sustained efforts to facilitate legitimate trade, improve cargo clearance processes and enhance revenue generation.

According to a statement on Sunday by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the figures were disclosed last week during a joint security press briefing at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Speaking at the briefing, Maiwada said the performance reflected the service’s continued commitment to improving trade processes through efficient documentation, digital interventions and stronger collaboration with stakeholders across the trade value chain.

“A breakdown of the figures showed that the service processed 2,102 PAARs in September and 7,093 in October, bringing the total to 9,195 within the two months. Similarly, 48,832 SGDs were processed in September, while 51,007 were recorded in October, giving a combined total of 99,839 declarations,” Maiwada said.

He said that revenue collection stood at N697 billion in September and N722 billion in October, amounting to N1.4 trillion for the period under review.

He added that the service also recorded progress in export trade facilitation.

Maiwada added that at the Lilypond Export Command, export activities in the third quarter of 2026 generated a total export value of 586m in the corresponding period of 2025.

“This reflects the export sector’s growing contribution and the impact of measures aimed at facilitating non-oil exports,” he said.

Maiwada highlighted that beyond trade facilitation, the NCS sustained its enforcement responsibilities, recording seizures of prohibited and restricted items during the review period, with a combined duty-paid value exceeding N8.1bn.

He reiterated that the interceptions covered various categories, including illicit drugs, pharmaceutical products, prohibited goods and petroleum products.

He said that the service maintained collaboration with relevant regulatory and security agencies to ensure the appropriate handling and disposition of seized items.

The NCS image maker stressed that, on its anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism responsibilities, the service highlighted the ongoing World Customs Organisation Mentoring Mission, inaugurated on 19 October 2026.

He stated that the four-week engagement, scheduled to run from 18 October to 13 November 2026, was designed to strengthen the capacity of the NCS to identify, investigate and address trade-based money laundering and other illicit financial activities associated with cross-border trade.

“As part of the mission, the service held engagements with six relevant agencies between 27 and 29 October 2026, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit and the National Counter Terrorism Centre,” Maiwada stated.

He pointed out that the service also highlighted its transition to an electronic currency declaration platform as part of efforts to improve transparency, strengthen monitoring and enhance the detection of illicit financial flows across the nation’s borders.