Driving Growth: Bashir Adeniyi’s Customs Transformation Unveiled

As Nigeria positions itself for stronger economic performance in 2026, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) stands out as a pivotal institution driving not only revenue collection but also trade efficiency, business competitiveness, and broader economic growth.

With strategic leadership under Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the agency’s trajectory reflects deeper reforms, technological modernization, and enhanced trade facilitation — developments that will have far-reaching implications for businesses, consumers, and the national economy this year.

Rewriting the Revenue Story

The Nigeria Customs Service has seen remarkable fiscal performance in recent years — a trend that set the stage for expectations in 2026. In 2024, the NCS recorded an unprecedented ₦6.1 trillion in revenue, surpassing its target by over 20 % and marking its highest collection in history.

That momentum carried into 2025. The service generated ₦1.3 trillion in the first quarter alone, more than double what was collected in the same period in 2023 — a leap attributed to enhanced operational efficiency, tighter enforcement, and technological innovation under the ongoing reform agenda.

The performance has not only exceeded projections but also boosted confidence among policymakers that Customs can be a reliable pillar of non-oil revenue, critical for Nigeria as it continues diversifying its revenue base.

Apapa Command Leading the Charge

Among the standout components of the NCS is the Apapa Area Command — Nigeria’s busiest maritime gateway and a bellwether for port performance. In 2025, Apapa Customs reported revenue collections of ₦2.93 trillion, a near 24 % increase compared with the previous year.

This growth wasn’t driven simply by higher trade volumes but by strategic deployment of technology — such as the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu — and improved compliance mechanisms that have enhanced transparency and accountability in cargo clearance.

Looking ahead to 2026, there are plans to introduce advanced cargo scanning systems capable of processing up to 200 containers per hour, signalling a push toward faster, data-driven operations that reduce delays and costs for traders.

Technology and Trade Facilitation at the Core

Central to the 2026 outlook is the implementation of the National Single Window Initiative — a digital trade platform that promises to streamline interactions between customs, government agencies, and traders. This system is designed to cut bureaucratic delays, reduce the cost of doing business, and position Nigeria more competitively in global supply chains.

For importers and exporters, the Single Window means fewer touchpoints, quicker approvals, and smoother compliance — translating into lower logistics costs and shorter port stays. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), this can unlock access to broader markets and help local businesses integrate into regional and global value chains.

Additionally, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme is enabling compliant businesses to enjoy faster clearance and reduced congestion, a major win for firms that adhere to regulatory standards.

Leadership Matters

Comptroller-General Adeniyi’s leadership has been a catalyst for these transformations. Emphasising a culture of accountability, enforcement, and digital modernization, Adeniyi has steered the NCS toward a more transparent, efficient, and competitive service model.

His tenure has seen the rollout of reforms that not only enhance revenue collection but also improve the quality of service for traders and stakeholders.

His push for modernization goes beyond revenue numbers. By investing in digital platforms, risk analytics training for officers, and intelligence-led enforcement, the service is transitioning into a modern customs administration equipped for 21st-century trade dynamics.

What This Means for Nigeria’s Economy in 2026

The ripple effects of a stronger Customs Service extend well beyond balance sheets:

Boosted Government Revenues: Higher and more consistent revenue flows provide fiscal space for infrastructure and social investments without over-reliance on volatile oil receipts.

Enhanced Trade Competitiveness: Streamlined processes help reduce the cost of doing business, making Nigeria a more attractive destination for investors, both local and foreign.

Job Creation and Economic Activity: Efficient customs processes support export growth, stimulate production, and create jobs across logistics, manufacturing, and services sectors.

Consumer Benefits: Faster clearance and reduced delays can translate into lower prices for imported goods and inputs, easing inflationary pressures for households.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the outlook is positive, there are challenges to watch. Stakeholder engagement remains key, as disruptions — such as temporary system outages in digital platforms — have shown the impact technology hiccups can have on trade operations. Continued investment in cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience will be vital.

Furthermore, balancing stricter enforcement with trade facilitation — ensuring legitimate business activities aren’t unduly burdened — will require ongoing dialogue between the NCS, government ministries, and the private sector.

In 2026, Nigerian Customs — under strategic leadership and with a deepening reform agenda — is poised to be a cornerstone of economic growth. By driving revenue, easing trade, and enhancing competitiveness, the service is not only contributing to government coffers but also laying the foundation for a more dynamic, inclusive, and resilient Nigerian economy.

For businesses, consumers, and policymakers alike, watching how the Customs Service implements its modernisation roadmap this year will be essential to understanding Nigeria’s broader economic trajectory.