Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled plans to launch a $3.2 billion e-customs modernisation project to digitize cargo processing and surveillance operations across the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that this was disclosed in a statement Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President.
Onanuga noted that Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi outlined the details of the initiative and upcoming reforms to payment systems at Nigeria’s ports and borders in a recent documentary.
He said, “We’re laying the foundation to move from a manual, paper-based system to a fully digital service. The E-Customs Project is central to our future. Once fully deployed, we project it will add $250 billion in cumulative revenue over 20 years.”
Adeniyi noted that the newly launched authorised economic operator (AEO) programme is currently onboarding pre-vetted importers, enabling compliant businesses to enjoy faster processing and reduced congestion at the ports.
He said, “It’s about trust and efficiency. If you’re compliant, you get green-lane treatment. This is how modern customs systems work globally.”
Adeniyi said the service has intensified anti-smuggling efforts, closed long-standing revenue leakages, and established new joint border patrol task forces in collaboration with Nigerian army, Department of State Security (DSS), and police, which have delivered positive results.
He added that over N64 billion was recovered from previously under-assessed or undervalued imports in the last nine months, while major smuggling rings at Seme, Idiroko, Katsina, and Sokoto borders have been dismantled.
The CG said, “We’re no longer just chasing smugglers in the bush. We’re using data, surveillance drones, and port intelligence to act in real-time. Once systemic leakages are now being plugged.”
To facilitate trade and lower business costs, Adeniyi said the NCS is accelerating the roll-out of the national single window, which will integrate all government agencies involved in cargo clearance.
He added, “Right now, you deal with up to 15 agencies manually. With the Single Window, you’ll do it all online, in one place. This will slash clearance time and costs.”
Adeniyi further noted that clearance timelines at Apapa and Tin Can ports have already been reduced from 21 days to 7-10 days for compliant importers.
The CG said the agency has introduced fast-track lanes for agro-exports and is working with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to streamline outbound cargo processes in support of the government’s drive for non-oil exports.
He said, “We’re promoting exports aggressively. Last year, Nigeria exported over N340 billion worth of solid minerals and agro commodities through formal channels, up by 38%. We’re targeting even more in 2025.”
“Customs is no longer just about physical inspection. We are becoming an intelligence-led organisation, and our officers are being retrained to match global standards.”
“The President gave us a clear directive: block leakages, facilitate trade, and raise revenue without burdening Nigerians. That is what we are doing. And the results are beginning to speak for themselves.”
The CG noted that the customs service is also undergoing internal transformation, with over 1,800 officers trained in advanced data analytics, risk profiling, and artificial intelligence (Al).
