By Martha Agas
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele has projected that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is on track to achieve its N11 trillion 2026 revenue target as a result of aggressive automation, intelligence-led reforms, and improved cargo processing strategies under Comptroller-General(C-G) Bashir Adeniyi.
Oyedele said this during his inaugural board meeting and facility tour at the NCS headquarters in Abuja, NCS’s Spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada said in a statement on Sunday.
Maiwada quoted Oyedele as commending the NCS for its ongoing trade reforms and revenue generation of N4.03 trillion in the first half of 2026.
The minister also noted that the NCS generated an additional N1.38 trillion in July and August 2026.
The Minister acknowledged the strong revenue performance, technology-driven reforms and sustained efforts to ease trade by the Service.
He also praised the service’s leadership and officers for their remarkable progress in modernising operations and boosting national revenue.
Maiwada said while expressing his satisfaction with the service’s modern intelligence tools and technological infrastructure, Oyedele described customs’ track record as the ideal springboard to propel Nigeria into a leading position in regional and global trade.
“Results are precisely what should propel us to do more,” the minister said.
He noted that customs’ strong foundation equipped the service to pioneer world-class standards in port efficiency, end-to-end transparency, faster cargo clearance and revenue integrity, saying, “Nigeria must lead through performance, not rhetoric.”
Reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s support, Oyedele assured the NCS of Federal Government’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology, modern operational tools and policy support to strengthen its role as Africa’s leading trade facilitator.
The minister chaired the 65th Regular Meeting of the NCS board on Sept.2 where the appointment of one Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG), five Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs) was approved.
The newly confirmed DCG is Constantine Dim (South-East), while the confirmed ACGs are Pascal Chibuoke (South-East), Sani Yahaya (North-Central), Franklin Onyeka (South-South), and Chibuzor Eyakwaire (South-South), Ethelbert Nnaji (South-East).
The Board approved the upgrade of the NCS Medical Corp to a Sub-department headed by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs to be assisted by nine (9) Comptrollers.
The Board was also briefed on the ongoing recruitment exercise, as successful candidates have been invited for documentation, physical, and medical screening, expected to commence on the 7th of September 2026.
On disciplinary matters, Maiwada said the Board deliberated on several appeals and resolved accordingly, with outcomes including dismissal, exoneration, warning, compulsory retirement, and reinstatement of affected officers.
(NAN)
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