Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun has hailed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for what he called “its pivotal role” in boosting Nigeria’s economic recovery.
Edun’s commendation is coming on the heels of the Federal Government resolve to sets a ₦48 trillion expenditure target for 2025.
He also highlighted NCS’s importance in the present government quest to improve the economy.
While hailing NCS strides in the last one year, Edun disclosed that NCS generated over ₦5 trillion by November 2024.
He linked the success recorded by NCS to the reforms introduced by President Tinubu’s administration even as he added: “The NCS and other revenue bodies have performed remarkably well.”
He stated this at the 61st quarterly board meeting of NCS which took place at Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.
The meeting followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 budget to the National Assembly tagged “A Budget of Restoration.”
The budget projects ₦35 trillion in revenue with the NCS expected to play a critical role.
NCS in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abdullahi Maiwada, an Assistant Comptroller of Customs, said Edun revealed that the government plans to secure concessionary loans, grants, and development support to fund the remaining ₦13 trillion.
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, Edun also noted that the board reviewed the NCS’s 2024 achievements, approving the recruitment of 3,927 officers and granting special promotions to top-performing personnel to bridge gaps and enhance trade facilitation.
Continuing, Maiwada quoted the Minister saying: “The NCS has excelled in suppressing smuggling and fostering trade, crucial for growth and job creation.”
He enjoined officers and men of NCS to remain committed to national goals, emphasizing the agency’s role in poverty reduction and economic growth.
