The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has tasked the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to rise to the challenge of achieving the N35trillion revenue target of the Federal government, as contained in President Bola Tinubu’s 2025 budget proposal.
Edun highlighted the NCS’s critical position in the country’s revenue profile during the 61st quarterly board meeting of the agency held on December 18, at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.
The meeting followed President Bola Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 budget to the National Assembly, tagged “A Budget of Restoration.”
The budget projects N35 trillion in revenue, and the NCS expected to play a critical role in its attainment.
On the NCS’s performance, Edun disclosed that the agency generated over N5 trillion in November 2024.
“The NCS and other revenue bodies have performed remarkably well,” he said, linking the success to reforms introduced by President Tinubu.
The minister further revealed that the government plans to secure concessionary loans, grants, and development support to fund the remaining N13 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.
Edun concluded by urging Customs officers to remain committed to national goals, emphasising the agency’s role in poverty reduction and economic growth.