– As Customs growth signals stronger outlook
Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising trade systems and boosting revenue as Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, performance continues to exceed expectations.
At the 62nd meeting of the NCS Board in Abuja, Edun announced that Customs generated ₦3.7 trillion in the first half of 2025, 12.5% above budget and 25% higher than the same period last year. He described the performance as commendable but emphasised the need for deeper reforms to meet the administration’s ambitious revenue goals.
Central to these reforms is the National Single Window Initiative, a digital trade platform set for full rollout in 2026. Designed to streamline import and export processes, the initiative will cut delays, reduce costs, and boost competitiveness, creating a stronger, more efficient business environment for the private sector.
The National Single Window will give Customs the speed and capacity to process trade more effectively, boosting revenue and positioning Nigeria as a more attractive hub for investment.
The board also confirmed governance improvements within the Service, including senior appointments and promotions, to uphold professional standards and strengthen institutional capacity.
The Minister concluded that these measures reflect President Bola Tinubu’s wider strategy: stabilising inflation and exchange rates while building a transparent, technology-driven trade ecosystem that encourages private investment and drives growth.
