The Senate Committee on Customs on Monday raised the Nigeria Customs Service’s 2025 revenue target from N6.584trn to N10trn, following a commendable performance in surpassing its 2024 revenue expectations.
The directive came during a budget defence session where the NCS, represented by Deputy Comptroller General Jibo Bello, presented its 2024 performance and laid out projections for 2025.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East), praised the agency for exceeding its 2024 revenue target of N5.079 trillion by over a trillion naira.
However, he charged the service to aim higher in the new fiscal year, setting a new revenue benchmark of N10 trillion.
“We must challenge ourselves to do better. You have shown capacity by exceeding your previous target, and now we believe you can raise even more”, Jibrin declared.
After reviewing the NCS’s 2025 proposal of N6.584 trillion in revenue and N1.132 trillion in expenditure, the committee unanimously approved the figures for presentation before the full Senate.
The proposal is expected to be tabled at plenary when the red chamber resumes from its Sallah break on Tuesday.
The Senate’s move signals strong confidence in the NCS’s ability to generate critical non-oil revenue, especially amid the country’s ongoing drive to boost internally generated income.
While commending the Service’s financial performance, the Senate committee urged the Customs to intensify efforts in curbing smuggling and the influx of illicit drugs—issues linked to rising insecurity across the country.
Jibrin, in his final remarks, stressed that the battle against narcotics and illegal trade must not be sidelined in the Service’s operations.
“There’s too much flow of illicit drugs across our borders.
“These substances are fuelling banditry and insecurity because many of these criminals are under the influence. Customs must be at the forefront of tackling this menace,” he said.
He also lamented the continued smuggling of goods that could otherwise be produced locally, urging the NCS to enforce import restrictions more strictly and support Nigeria’s push for self-reliance.
“We must eat what we grow and use what we produce.
“Reducing imports will conserve our foreign exchange and boost local industries. It’s not just about revenue; it’s about economic development and job creation,” he added.
He concluded by noting that stronger enforcement against illegal imports would encourage investment in domestic production, unlock idle raw materials, and create employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
