Customs is crucial to actualisation of 2025 budget – Finance Minister

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says is committed to the realization of the ₦48 trillion budget of the Federal Government of Nigeria for the year 2025.

The Customs said the budget is  pivotal in boosting Nigeria’s economic recovery in 2025, so is its commitment.

The budget projects ₦35 trillion in revenue, and the NCS is expected to play a critical role as a leading government revenue collecting agency.

The Chairman of the Customs Board, Mr. Wale Edun, who is the nation’s Minister of Finance, gave the commitment during the 61st quarterly board meeting of the agency held on Wednesday, 18 December, at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.

The meeting followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2024 budget to the National Assembly, tagged “A Budget of Restoration.”

Speaking further on the NCS’s performance, Mr Edun disclosed that the agency had generated over ₦5 trillion by November 2024.

“The NCS and other revenue bodies have performed remarkably well,” he said, linking the success to reforms introduced by President Tinubu.

The Honourable Minister further revealed that the government plans to secure concessionary loans, grants, and development support to fund the remaining ₦13 trillion.

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.

“The NCS has excelled in suppressing smuggling and fostering trade, crucial for growth and job creation,” he added.

He urged Customs officers to remain committed to national goals, emphasising the agency’s role in poverty reduction and economic growth.