The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated approximately ₦1.42 trillion in revenue between September and October 2026, following the processing of 9,195 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs) and 99,839 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs).
The figures highlight the agency’s continued efforts to improve cargo clearance, strengthen revenue generation and facilitate legitimate international trade through improved documentation and digital interventions.
The performance was disclosed during a joint security briefing at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, in Abuja.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, explained that the figures reflected the agency’s commitment to improving trade processes and strengthening collaboration with stakeholders across the trade value chain.
A breakdown of the revenue figures showed that the Service collected approximately ₦697.84 billion in September, while October recorded about ₦722.91 billion. This brought the combined revenue for the two months to approximately ₦1.42 trillion.
The October collection represented an increase of about ₦25.07 billion compared with September, indicating improved revenue performance during the period.
Cargo documentation records significant activity
The Customs Service also recorded considerable activity in cargo documentation, processing 2,102 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports in September and 7,093 in October.
This brought the total number of PAARs processed during the two-month period to 9,195.
Similarly, the agency processed 48,832 Single Goods Declarations in September and 51,007 in October, representing a combined 99,839 declarations.
Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports are important documents used in the assessment of imported goods before their arrival in the country. They provide customs authorities with relevant information to facilitate the assessment and clearance process.
Single Goods Declarations, on the other hand, contain information submitted by importers or their representatives for the processing and clearance of goods.
Efficient processing of these documents is important to reducing unnecessary delays, improving transparency and supporting the movement of goods through Nigeria’s ports and borders.
The increase in the number of declarations processed in October also points to the importance of effective customs administration in supporting import and export activities.
Export activities record growth at Lilypond Command
Beyond import processing and revenue collection, the Nigeria Customs Service reported progress in export trade facilitation.
According to the figures presented, export activities at the Lilypond Export Command generated an estimated $752.85 million in the third quarter of 2026, compared with $586.15 million recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.
The performance represents an increase of approximately 28.44 per cent year-on-year.
The development highlights the growing contribution of export activities, particularly non-oil exports, to Nigeria’s international trade.
Improving export processing and facilitating the movement of locally produced goods into international markets remain important priorities for the country’s economic diversification efforts.
A more efficient export process can help businesses reduce operational challenges, improve delivery timelines and compete more effectively in international markets.
Customs strengthens enforcement and border security
The Service also disclosed that it recorded seizures of prohibited and restricted items with a combined Duty Paid Value exceeding ₦8.1 billion during the period under review.
The intercepted items included illicit drugs, pharmaceutical products, prohibited goods and petroleum products.
The agency said it continued to work with relevant regulatory and security organisations to ensure the appropriate handling and disposition of seized items.
These enforcement activities form part of broader efforts to prevent illegal trade, protect government revenue and strengthen security across Nigeria’s borders.
In addition, the Customs Service highlighted its participation in a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Mentoring Mission designed to improve its ability to identify and investigate trade-based money laundering and other financial crimes associated with cross-border transactions.
The four-week programme, inaugurated on October 19, 2026, is scheduled to run until November 13.
As part of the exercise, the agency engaged six relevant organisations between October 27 and 29, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit and National Counter Terrorism Centre.
The Service also disclosed its transition to an electronic currency declaration platform aimed at improving transparency, strengthening monitoring and detecting suspicious financial movements across Nigeria’s borders.
Implications for Nigeria’s maritime and trade sector
The latest revenue performance reinforces the important role played by customs administration in Nigeria’s maritime and international trade system.
As a major gateway for imported and exported goods, the country’s ports depend on efficient documentation, effective cargo processing and strong regulatory oversight.
Improved customs operations can support businesses by reducing clearance challenges while helping government authorities increase revenue and prevent illegal activities.
However, sustaining the gains will require continued investment in technology, stronger cooperation among relevant agencies and improved coordination with importers, exporters, shipping companies and other port stakeholders.
The latest figures demonstrate the importance of balancing revenue generation with efficient trade facilitation.
For Nigeria’s maritime sector, stronger customs administration remains essential to improving port efficiency, supporting international commerce and strengthening the country’s position in regional and global trade.
