Tag: customs

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, has intensified its anti-smuggling campaign, seizing goods valued at over ₦1.2 billion and arresting seven suspects linked to 46 seizures within the past two weeks.

Addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, the Controller of the Unit, Mohammed Shiaibu, said the operation was driven by renewed intelligence-led strategies aimed at combating smuggling and economic sabotage.

“These seizures are the result of our renewed vigour to fight smuggling and criminality. Our operatives have inflicted substantial losses on economic saboteurs who are bent on undermining our economy,” Shiaibu said.

On May 23 and 24, 2025, around 3:00 am and 2:30 am respectively, Customs patrol teams intercepted two 40-foot containers—MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090—along the Ijora-Olopa and Mile 2 axis in Lagos. Upon inspection, the containers were found to contain seven Mitsubishi Canters, five Toyota Hiace buses, and three mini shuttle buses—all dismantled to evade customs duties.

Other seized items include bulletproof vests, used bicycles, 312 bales of printed wax, 23 bales of used clothing, 42 used gas cylinders, 30 used flat-screen TVs, 65 table top cookers, and 31 units of used split air conditioners. These items, Shiaibu noted, violate Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff.

Additionally, on May 19, 2025, at about 3:00 am, another patrol team intercepted a Volvo truck loaded with 1,263 used tyres and other contraband items. One suspect was arrested in connection with the interception.

Shiaibu reiterated the unit’s commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling, warning perpetrators that the service would not relent in its mission to protect Nigeria’s economy and national security.

In the same vein, “on the 19th of May 2025 at about 23:00hrs, our officers on a routine patrol along Shagamu/Ijebu-Ode expressway in Ogun State, intercepted one truck with registration number T24623LA suspected to be conveying uncustoms goods including Bullet Proof vests. Again, an investigation report revealed the content to include some packages of Tramadol.

On the 26th of May 2025, at about 0600hrs, through intelligence-driven operations, he said, “our men on the Ijebu-Ode patrol team arrested one empty Mercedes Benz truck. Thorough rummaging of the truck and careful observation by our officers led to the uncovering of Cannabis Sativa (India Hemp) in the compartments of the truck. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.

 “Additionally, our patrol teams around the border areas across the six (6) states of the Southwest have intensified surveillance of our borders against unscrupulous elements among Nigerians, resulting in several seizures of rice, Cannabis Sativa, used cars and other goods in a flashpoint of Imeko, Ilaro, Owode, Idiroko, Ilara,  Ihumbo, Abeokuta, Badagry,  Agbara,  Gbaji, Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo state.

In all, the Controller said, “46 interceptions were recorded during these two (2) weeks of operations, comprising the following:

. 2051X50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice equivalent to 4 trailer loads, 11 used vehicles, popularly known as Tokunbo vehicles, 1665kg of Cannabis Sativa, 4000 litres of premium motor spirit. (PMS),   One white and Black J5 commercial Bus loaded with expired goods, one Volvo Truck containing 180 sacks of new towels.

 Seven suspects, Shuaibu said, were arrested in connection with the various seizures, which have a duty paid value (DPV) of one billion, two hundred and eighty-five million, six hundred thousand, three hundred and eighty-three naira only.

These seizures, he said, “came on the heels of successes recorded in our anti-smuggling activities just 3 weeks after I resume the leadership of the unit on the 23rd of April 2025, which saw seizures of over 7 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice, premium motor spirit, vehicles, drugs and narcotics among others with a duty paid value of over 1.5 billion naira.

The Nigeria Customs Service, as a lead agency in border security and facilitators of trade, he said, “is not unaware of the need to balance both responsibilities through risk management tools at our disposal. We are also aware that those whose illicit businesses have been significantly hindered by our operations will spare no effort in devising different methods to counter us.”

Read Also: Customs to cut cargo checks by 50% with scanners

Shuaibu, therefore, assured the public that the service will continue to remain alive to its responsibilities and will not be deterred by naysayers or anyone intent on casting aspersions on its officers who have always paid the ultimate price for the service to their country.

“As criminals get more desperate and daring, we at the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ will ensure the sustainability of a more formidable defence against any antics devised by these non-state actors. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to design and implement sustainable programs that will grow our economy, increase revenue for the government, and encourage legitimate trade,” he vowed

The seized 1665kg of Indian hemp, he said, would be handed over to the relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution. 

Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of 39,425 liters of smuggled petroleum products and eight vehicles used as means of conveyance valued at N63,425,000 between the Lagos/Ogun Axis of the country.

Investigation revealed that the items were intended to be smuggled to neighboring countries.

Addressing reporters at the Customs Training School in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday, the national coordinator of the operatives, Kehinde Ejibunu disclosed that the seizures of premium motor spirit (PMS), was made across various flash points around Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, Ajilete  and other areas.

Read Also: Tinubu understands weight of office -Minister

According to Ejibunu: “a total of 1,577 Jerrycans of PMS, 25 liters each, amounting to 39,425 liters was seized as well as eight vehicles used as means of conveyance were seized by our operatives.

The duty paid value of the PMS product seized, he said, “stands at Thirty-nine Million Four Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Naira only  and that of the means of conveyance stands at  N24,000,000, cumulatively amounting to  N63,425 million.

The national coordinator emphasized that there was no safe haven or hiding place for smugglers and economic saboteurs as the operatives of the Service will continue to disrupt all their illegal activities, reducing it to the barest minimum.

On the instruction of the Comptroller General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi the petroleum products were immediately auctioned to the public at an auction price of N10,000 per 25 liters.

Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 39,425 litres of smuggled petroleum products and eight vehicles used for their transportation, with a combined value of N63,425,000 across the Lagos and Ogun axis.

Investigations revealed that the seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was destined for neighbouring countries, including the Benin Republic.

Speaking at the Customs Training School in Ikeja, Lagos, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Kehinde Ejibunu, said the interceptions were made at various smuggling flashpoints in Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, Ajilete, and surrounding areas.

Read Also: ECOWAS hails Nigeria Customs over B’Odogwu system

“A total of 1,577 jerrycans of PMS, each containing 25 litres, amounting to 39,425 litres, were seized, along with eight vehicles used as means of conveyance,” Ejibunu stated.

He added that the duty-paid value of the seized fuel stood at N39.4 million, while the vehicles were valued at N24 million, bringing the total to N63.425 million.

Ejibunu stressed that there would be no haven for smugglers or economic saboteurs, assuring that the NCS will continue to clamp down on illicit activities.

Following the directive of the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, the seized fuel was auctioned to the public at a subsidised rate of ₦10,000 per 25 litres.

Ejibunu also acknowledged the vital support of key partners, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Attorney General’s office, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), noting that their collaboration was crucial to the operation’s success.

• NCS to launch $3.2b e-Customs modernisation project

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a historic revenue milestone of ₦1.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, more than doubling its first-quarter collection of ₦600 billion in 2023.

Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi attributed this unprecedented achievement to the far-reaching reforms instituted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking in an upcoming State House documentary commemorating President Tinubu’s second year in office, Adeniyi revealed that the remarkable rise in revenue was not the result of increased imports — which have actually declined due to foreign exchange constraints — but rather the outcome of deep institutional reforms across Customs operations.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, the CG said “what has changed is efficiency, transparency, and enforcement. We collected ₦1.3 trillion in Q1 2025 alone, despite a dip in import volume. That is the result of focused leadership and accountability”.

The Customs boss credited several key initiatives with catalyzing the boost, including upgraded technology, improved port operations, stricter enforcement against revenue leakages, and a cultural shift toward accountability in Customs commands nationwide.

At the heart of these transformations is the $3.2 billion E-Customs Modernisation Project, which the Service is preparing to fully deploy.

The digital overhaul will automate cargo processing, surveillance, and payments at ports and borders.

“We’re laying the foundation to move from a manual, paper-based system to a fully digital service. Once fully deployed, the E-Customs Project is projected to generate up to $250 billion in cumulative revenue over 20 years,” Adeniyi said.

Read Also: Customs seizes N3.2b fake drugs in Apapa

In a bid to align Nigeria’s customs practices with global standards, the NCS has also launched the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme.

This initiative fast-tracks cargo processing for pre-vetted, compliant importers, reducing port congestion and encouraging voluntary compliance.

“If you’re compliant, you get green-lane treatment. This is how modern Customs systems work globally — it’s about trust and efficiency,” Adeniyi explained.

The Customs Service has also intensified anti-smuggling operations and closed long-standing revenue gaps.

According to Adeniyi, over ₦64 billion was recovered from previously under-assessed or undervalued imports in the past nine months.

Major smuggling networks operating through the Seme, Idiroko, Katsina, and Sokoto borders have been dismantled, with results credited to newly established joint border patrol task forces operating in coordination with the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police.

“We’re no longer just chasing smugglers in the bush. We’re using data, surveillance drones, and port intelligence to act in real time. Systemic leakages are now being plugged”, he said.

To further facilitate trade and reduce business costs, the NCS is accelerating the deployment of the National Single Window — a digital platform that will unify all government agencies involved in cargo clearance.

Currently, importers must navigate up to 15 separate agencies manually.

“With the Single Window, you’ll do it all online, in one place. This will slash clearance time and costs,” Adeniyi said.

He added that clearance times at Apapa and Tin Can Ports have already dropped from 21 days to as few as 7–10 days for compliant importers.

In line with the federal government’s renewed push for non-oil exports, the Service has introduced fast-track lanes for agro-exports and is collaborating with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to streamline outbound cargo processing.

“We’re promoting exports aggressively. In 2024 alone, Nigeria exported over ₦340 billion worth of solid minerals and agro commodities through formal channels — a 38% increase. We’re targeting even more in 2025”, the CG said.

Adeniyi also spoke on the internal transformation of the Service itself.

Over 1,800 officers have been trained in advanced data analytics, risk profiling, and artificial intelligence, as part of an effort to shift NCS from physical inspections to intelligence-led operations.

“Customs is no longer just about checking containers. We’re becoming a data-driven, globally competitive agency”, he said.

He emphasized that the transformative success of the Service is rooted in the clear directive from President Tinubu: block leakages, facilitate trade, and raise revenue without increasing the burden on citizens.

“That is what we are doing. And the results are beginning to speak for themselves”, Adeniyi said.

In line with global best practices, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said on Monday that it was working closely with stakeholders to facilitate the importation of renewable energy technologies and enforce fiscal measures that promote a shift away from fossil fuel dependency, with a view to achieving net-zero emissions in the country through cost reduction.

Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, the Comptroller-General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi, stated that the Service would continue to champion President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies that foster investment, ensure sustainability, and promote responsible industrial practices, as outlined in Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP).

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Adeniyi explained that the NCS’s Trade Facilitation Consultative Forum, themed “Trade Facilitation Measures for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology,” was committed to transitioning towards cleaner and more efficient energy systems, noting that the Service plays a pivotal role in supporting these national goals by facilitating the importation of renewable energy technologies.

The Comptroller General stressed that the key pillar of the Paris Agreement (PA) is the promotion of a sustainable, low-carbon future, driven by investment in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.

He explained that NCS proudly supports the WCO Green Customs Initiative, which aims to facilitate the trade of environmentally sustainable goods. He stated that the Green Customs Initiative responds to the growing number of legally binding Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and recognises the critical role customs play in enforcing them.

However, Adeniyi mentioned that the challenges of commercial fraud, revenue leakage, and the enforcement of policy measures to protect domestic industries, the environment, and public safety complicate customs procedures.

Adeniyi, who was represented at the forum by Deputy Comptroller General, Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, explained that with the increasing volume of global trade, expanding global value chains, and the rise of e-commerce and Just-In-Time services, it has become imperative for Customs administrations to adopt mechanisms that support the seamless flow of legitimate trade.

Read Also: Customs smashes smuggling ring, seizes N1.5bn worth of prohibited goods in Lagos

Such mechanisms, he added, are essential not only for sustaining international commerce but also for empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to benefit from cross-border trade.

His words: “In recent times, trade facilitation has become integral to the operations of customs administrations globally, aligning with our core mandate of implementing international trade laws. These include the WTO Agreement on the Implementation of Article VII of GATT 1994 (Customs Valuation Agreement), the WCO Harmonised System Convention of 1988 and its Annexes, and the WTO Agreement on Rules of Origin.

“The implementation of these agreements by Customs stems from our traditional role of collecting duties on internationally traded goods, which is essential for national economic development.

“However, determining customs duties through tariff classification, valuation, and origin assessment is a technically complex process. These complexities can result in disputes, delays, and additional costs.

“In the context of customs operations, trade facilitation refers to systems and procedures that streamline the import, export, and transit of goods. This includes simplifying customs valuation, tariff classification, and origin determination, as well as facilitating declaration submission, payment, review, intervention, and release processes. For traders, trade facilitation ensures uniform standards, predictability, and transparency critical for efficient and timely clearance.”

According to him, the enactment of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which provides a legal framework for trade facilitation in line with international standards had made NCS to introduce several initiatives aimed at simplifying customs processes, saying notable among these were the Border Odogwu (B’Odogwu), a Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) that integrates cargo declaration, payments, risk management, document verification, and cargo release into one seamless platform.

He explained that the Advance Ruling System (ARS) launched in early 2024 provides binding pre-arrival decisions on classification and valuation.

Adeniyi said that by shifting decision-making to the pre-arrival stage, the system ensures greater predictability and reduces disputes and clearance delays.