Customs generates N3.35trn revenue in 5 months, vows to raise anti-smuggling operations

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated N3.35 trillion in revenue between January and May 2026 while intensifying anti-smuggling operations, trade facilitation, and border security across the country.

The NCS disclosed this at a joint security news briefing by defence, security, response and law enforcement agencies organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Presenting the briefing on behalf of the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, Titus Omajali said Customs processed 698,817 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) and issued 112,202 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs) during the period.

Omajali said Customs also recorded exports valued at $1.218 billion through 21,376 containers, reflecting improved trade performance.

He stated that export performance rebounded after declining to $171.76 million in March, rising to $274.83 million in April before peaking at $275.90 million in May.

He added that container throughput more than doubled from 2,847 in March to 6,144 in April, indicating increased export activities.

On anti-smuggling operations, Omajali said the NCS recorded 122 illicit drug seizures involving 375,457 units of narcotics with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N24.33 billion.

63.6% of businesses struggle to access govt contracts – Survey

Omajali said narcotics accounted for more than 91 per cent of the total quantity of seized items, with March recording the highest volume of interceptions following major enforcement operations that led to the seizure of over 248,500 units.

The Customs spokesperson said the Service also intercepted $789,550 in undeclared and falsely declared currencies in six major currency declaration violation cases.

Omajali disclosed that the NCS recorded 17 endangered wildlife trafficking cases involving 104 live animals and 21 wildlife species and products, including pangolins, African Crowned Cranes, worked ivory, buffalo horns and hyena skins.

He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to deploying intelligence-led operations, advanced technology, risk management systems, and stronger inter-agency collaboration to facilitate legitimate trade, secure Nigeria’s borders. and combat transnational organised crime.