The Senate Committee on Customs has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), saying the administration’s commitment has strengthened revenue generation, improved investor confidence and enhanced economic activities across the country.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Senator Jibrin Echuochuo, gave the commendation during the defence of the Nigeria Customs Service’s 2026 budget proposal before the committee.
According to the senator, President Tinubu remained committed to the reform agenda despite the challenges associated with its implementation, noting that the reforms have delivered measurable improvements in revenue generation and trade facilitation.
He also appreciated the President for approving a six-month extension of the Service’s reform mandate, describing the decision as an opportunity to consolidate ongoing initiatives and deepen institutional reforms.
Senator Echuochuo said continuous collaboration between the Senate Committee and the Nigeria Customs Service has strengthened revenue generation while supporting infrastructure development aimed at improving trade, connectivity and economic growth.
He stressed that tax revenue remains one of the Federal Government’s major sources of funding and called for sustained commitment to implementing strategic reforms and projects throughout the 2026 fiscal year.
Presenting the Service’s budget performance, the Comptroller-General of Customs disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service generated ₦7.27 trillion between January and May, surpassing its revenue target of ₦6.5 trillion for the period.
He said the performance represents a 10.2 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025, despite economic and policy-related challenges.
According to the Comptroller-General, the suspension of the proposed excise duty on telecommunications services, the non-implementation of the Green Tax and duty waivers granted on essential imports affected projected revenue during the review period.
He explained that the duty waivers covered imports valued at approximately ₦34.5 trillion, including food items, medical supplies, machinery and petroleum products, as part of the Federal Government’s economic relief measures.
The Customs boss further disclosed that only four of the eleven proposed excisable products were implemented during the period, limiting expected excise revenue.
He also highlighted global economic challenges, including the Russia–Ukraine conflict and tensions involving Iran, the United States and the Strait of Hormuz, as factors affecting international trade and customs revenue projections.
Despite these challenges, the Comptroller-General said the Unified Customs Management System (B’Odogwu) is now fully operational across Nigeria’s seaports, improving customs administration, trade facilitation and revenue collection.
He added that the Service is strengthening revenue recovery mechanisms, modernising customs operations and expanding capacity-building programmes with support from international development partners, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Customs Organization (WCO).
The Nigeria Customs Service also presented its 2026 budget proposal, seeking approval for projected personnel expenditure of ₦421.77 billion, overhead costs of ₦300.77 billion and capital expenditure of approximately ₦1.65 trillion to fund infrastructure development, ICT projects, equipment procurement and the completion of ongoing projects.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to accountability, transparency and legislative oversight, the Comptroller-General appealed to the Senate Committee to approve the proposed 2026 budget, assuring lawmakers that the Service would continue to strengthen trade facilitation while improving revenue generation for national development.
