The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its strong revenue performance and ongoing reforms, urging the Service to set global benchmarks in trade facilitation.
Oyedele gave the commendation on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during his inaugural board meeting and facility tour at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, where he praised the leadership and personnel of the Service for modernising operations and strengthening revenue generation.
The Minister said the NCS had demonstrated significant operational capacity in 2026, generating N4.03 trillion in revenue in the first half of the year and an additional N1.38 trillion in July and August.
He said the performance placed the Service on course to achieve its N11 trillion revenue target for the year, attributing the progress to increased automation, intelligence-led reforms and improved cargo processing strategies under the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
Oyedele also expressed satisfaction with the technological infrastructure and intelligence capabilities deployed by the Service, saying the investments should now be leveraged to position Nigeria as a leading player in regional and global trade.
“Results are precisely what should propel us to do more,” Oyedele said.
The Minister challenged the NCS to build on its revenue gains by establishing world-class standards in port efficiency, transparency, cargo clearance and revenue integrity.
“Nigeria must lead through performance, not rhetoric,” he said.
Oyedele said improved performance in customs administration would not only strengthen government revenue but also enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness by making the country a more attractive destination for legitimate trade and investment.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Service with modern technology, operational equipment and policy backing to sustain the ongoing reform programme.
The Minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, remained committed to strengthening institutions capable of driving economic growth and delivering measurable results.
He urged the Customs leadership and personnel to maintain the momentum of reform and ensure that the Service’s achievements in revenue mobilisation were matched by improvements in trade facilitation and service delivery.
The visit and board meeting underscored the Federal Government’s continued focus on using technology, institutional reforms and improved border management to boost revenue while facilitating legitimate trade and supporting economic development.
