Ogun Customs Generates over N15bn in Four months, up 40% Y....

Samuel Mobolaji

The Ogun II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the generation of over N15 billion in revenue between January and April 2025, marking a 40 per cent increase compared to the N9 billion collected during the same period in 2024.

Controller of the Command, Mr Bisi Alade, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Abeokuta, describing the revenue growth as a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and strategic efforts of the officers and staff under his watch. “This achievement is a testament to the diligence, commitment, and professionalism of our officers and men who have worked tirelessly to ensure we exceed our revenue targets,” Alade stated. “It is also indicative of our unwavering commitment to the economic growth and development of our nation.”

According to Alade, the command’s performance aligns with the Nigeria Customs Service’s broader strategic objectives under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who has prioritised consolidation, collaboration, and innovation. Providing a breakdown of the N15 billion revenue, Alade revealed that over N8 billion was generated through excise duties, while more than N7 billion came from customs activities within the Free Trade Zone.

He further disclosed that the command had identified and placed under supervision an unauthorised factory previously operating outside regulatory oversight. The facility has now been integrated into the excise system, boosting the command’s compliance footprint and expanding its revenue base. “These gains were made possible by a combination of targeted enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven monitoring,” Alade said.

He noted that the command’s proactive approach has enabled it to uncover loopholes and bring non-compliant operators into the fold, thereby improving revenue assurance and regulatory coverage. Looking ahead, the Controller reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining its momentum and achieving even greater results in the coming months. He underscored the need for continuous stakeholder engagement, stressing that collaboration with the private sector and other government agencies remains key to sustainable growth.

“We will continue to dialogue and educate stakeholders and the local business community,” Alade said. “We shall maintain our success through synergy with other partners while discharging our statutory responsibilities.” He further assured that the command would sustain its drive through innovation, compliance promotion, and transparent operations.

The Ogun II Command’s performance reflects the larger national trend in Customs revenue mobilisation. The Nigeria Customs Service reported a total revenue collection of N1.75 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing its quarterly target of N1.645 trillion by N106.5 billion. This represents a 29.96 per cent increase from the N1.35 trillion generated during the same quarter in 2024, highlighting the positive impact of ongoing reforms and leadership focus.

Month-on-month data showed that January 2025 collections hit N647.88 billion — an 18.12 per cent surplus over the monthly target and a 65.77 per cent increase over January 2024. February revenue stood at N540.11 billion, exceeding its target by 1.3 per cent and marking a 19.97 per cent year-on-year rise. In March, the Service collected N563.52 billion, representing a 2.7 per cent increase over its goal and an 11.22 per cent jump from March 2024.

The upward trajectory in revenue generation across the country reinforces the NCS’s continued relevance as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s economic reform and diversification agenda.