By Joel Oladele, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) has generated an impressive N1,751,502,252,298.05 in revenue during the first quarter of 2025.

The Comptroller-General (CG) of the Service, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this yesterday, during a press briefing in Abuja.

According to Adeniyi, the achievement not only surpasses the quarterly target but also marks a substantial increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting the effectiveness of recent reforms and the dedication of customs officers across the nation.

“This first quarter of 2025 has seen our officers working tirelessly at borders and ports across the nation.

I’m proud to report we’ve made real progress on multiple fronts—from increasing revenue collections to intercepting dangerous shipments,” Adeniyi stated.

He attributed this success to the reforms initiated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the guidance of the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun.

The CG noted that the revenue collection for Q1 2025 exceeded the quarterly benchmark of N1,645,000,000,000.00 by N106.5 billion, achieving 106.47% of the target. This performance represents a remarkable 29.96% increase compared to the N1,347,705,251,658.31 collected in Q1 2024.

Adeniyi highlighted the month-by-month growth, noting that January’s collection of N647,880,245,243.67 surpassed its target by 18.12%, while February and March also showed positive trends.

 “I’m pleased to report the Service’s revenue collection for Q1 2025 totaled N1,751,502,252,298.05.

“Against our annual target of N6,580,000,000,000.00, the first quarter’s proportional benchmark stood at N1,645,000,000,000.00. I’m proud to announce we’ve exceeded this target by N106.5 billion, achieving 106.47% of our quarterly projection. This outstanding performance represents a substantial 29.96% increase  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2024,  where  we  collected N1,347,705,251,658.31.

“Our month-by-month analysis reveals even more encouraging details of this growth trajectory,” Adeniyi said.

In addition to revenue collection, Adeniyi said the NCS maintained robust anti-smuggling operations, recording 298 seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦7,698,557,347.67.

He stated that rice was the most seized commodity, with 135,474 bags intercepted, followed by petroleum products and narcotics.

“From rice to wildlife, these seizures show our targeted approach,” Adeniyi remarked, noting the NCS’s commitment to combating smuggling and protecting national revenue.

Adeniyi also highlighted key initiatives, including the expansion of the B’Odogwu customs clearance platform and the launch of the Authorized Economic Operators Programme, which aims to streamline processes for compliant businesses. The NCS’s Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, “Customs Cares,” was also launched, focusing on education, health, and environmental sustainability.

Despite these achievements, the CG noted that the NCS faced challenges, including exchange rate volatility and non-compliance issues. Adeniyi acknowledged the need for ongoing adaptation and collaboration with stakeholders to address these challenges effectively.

Looking ahead, the NCS aims to continue its modernization efforts and enhance service delivery, ensuring that it remains a critical institution in Nigeria’s economic and security landscape.

“Results speak louder than plans; faster clearances through B’Odogwu, trusted traders in the AEO program, and measurable food price relief from our exemptions. We’ll keep scaling what works,” he concluded.

By Tony Obiechina Abuja

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) yesterday disclosed that its net assets grew from N156bn in 2013 to N4.35 trillion in 2024.

Similarly, the Authority has remained profitable for 12 consecutive years, leading to cumulative retained earnings of N3.

74 trillion in 2024.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSIA, Aminu Umar- Sadiq made these disclosures at a media engagement in Abuja, highlighting its audited financial results for the 2024 fiscal year.

According to him, the results underscored the resilience of the authority’s investment strategy and the strength of its earnings, driven by a well-diversified revenue base and robust risk management practices, despite a challenging global macroeconomic and geopolitical environment.

Total operating profits, excluding share of profits from associates and Joint Venture (JV) entities, increased from N1.17 trillion in 2023 to N1.86 trillion in 2024, driven by the strong performance of

NSIA’s diversified investment portfolio, infrastructure assets, gains from foreign exchange movements, and derivative valuations.

In addition, Total Comprehensive Income (TCI), inclusive of share of profits from associates and JV entities, reached N1.89 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 59 per cent increase from N1.18 trillion in 2023.

Core TCI (excluding foreign exchange and derivative valuation gains) rose by 148 per cent to N407.9 billion in 2024 compared to N164.7 billion in 2023, supported by robust returns on financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss, including collateralised securities, private equity, hedge funds, and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).

Umar-Sadiq said the authority’s outstanding financial performance in 2024 reflected the “strength of our strategic vision, disciplined execution and unwavering commitment to sustainable socio-economic advancement.”

He said, “By leveraging innovation, strategic partnerships and sound risk management, we have not only delivered strong returns but also created value for our stakeholders

“As we move forward, we remain focused on driving economic transformation, expanding opportunities, scaling transformative impact and ensuring long-term prosperity for current and future generations of Nigerians.”

The CEO reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to managing the country’s SWF, and delivering the mandates enshrined in the NSIA Act.

He said NSIA remained poised to continually create long-term value for its stakeholders by delivering excellent risk-adjusted financial results, developing a healthy and well-diversified portfolio of assets and large-scale infrastructure projects, and enhancing the desired social outcomes.

He noted that NSIA was committed to its mandate of prudent management and investment of Nigeria’s sovereign wealth.

“In adherence to its Establishment Act, NSIA prioritises transparency, disclosure, and effective communication with all stakeholders and counterparties,” he said.

He pointed out that in the year under review, a new board, led by Olusegun Ogunsanya as Chairman, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu, in accordance with the provisions of the NSIA Act.

The new board will provide strategic direction and oversight, in addition to playing a pivotal role in critical decision making.

He remarked that under the guidance of the Board, the Authority will retain focus on its primary mandate of creating shared value for all stakeholders based on its continued adoption of corporate governance practices.

“NSIA prides itself an investment institution of the federation established to manage funds in excess of budgeted oil revenues and its mission is to play a pivotal role in driving sustained economic development for the benefit of all Nigerians through building a savings base for the Nigerian people, enhancing the development of the county’s infrastructure, and providing stabilisation support in times of economic misadventure,” he added.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has advised exporters to adopt group export strategies to remain competitive following the recent 14 per cent tariff imposed by the United States on Nigerian exports.

NSC’s Deputy Director, Stakeholders Services, Hannah Adaba made the recommendation during a sensitisation programme held in Kaduna State.

The event aimed to educate stakeholders on the council’s online portal for the registration of regulated port service providers and users.

“When you export as an individual, it’s difficult to enjoy rebates,” she explained.

“But with group exports, exporters can share the tariff burden. This way, they can maximise profits and stay in business.

”

Adaba represented the NSC Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pius Akutah.

She highlighted that one of the key benefits of registering on the NSC portal was access to valuable information that could help stakeholders grow their businesses.

She added that the portal would also connected service providers and users, offering details on shipping destinations and associated costs.

“Additionally, the system will help update NSC records and enhance the traceability of individuals involved in fraudulent activities, thereby reducing malpractice at the ports.”

Similarly, the State Coordinator of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Kaduna, Mr. Kabiru Yusuf, underscored the importance of registration for shippers and exporters.

He encouraged exporters to explore alternative markets in light of the U.S. tariff.

According to Yusuf, the new U.S. trade policy should not deter Nigerian exporters, as global opportunities remain abundant.

“The world is a global village. If one market becomes difficult—like the U.S.—we should pivot to others with less stringent policies, such as those in the East,” he said.

“If the U.S. is willing to engage in dialogue, that’s great. But in the meantime, we must start looking elsewhere to safeguard our export businesses.”(NAN)