The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it generated over N1.42 trillion in revenue in the third quarter of 2026. This was disclosed by the national public relations officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, during a briefing in Abuja. The revenue generated was attributed to sustained efforts in trade facilitation, revenue generation, border security, and protection of national economic interests.
According to Mr. Maiwada, the service processed 99,839 Single Goods Declarations and 9,195 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports during the period under review. The breakdown of the revenue generated showed that N722.9 billion was generated in August, while September accounted for N697.8 billion. The service also recorded $752.8 million in exports during the third quarter of 2026.
The export performance at the Lilypond Export Command showed a 22.14 percent increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025. Manufactured goods accounted for $402.5 million, while agricultural produce contributed $311 million. Export activities also generated N90.02 million in export surcharges and over N517 million through the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme.
On anti-smuggling operations, Mr. Maiwada disclosed that interceptions with a combined duty-paid value exceeding N8.1 billion were recorded. The operations targeted transnational criminal networks, including seizures of multi-billion-naira narcotics shipments. Petroleum enforcement operations led to the interception of smuggled premium motor spirit and tanker trucks conveying automotive gas oil illegally.
The seized petroleum products and narcotics were handed over to relevant agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. The NCS spokesperson also revealed that the service had strengthened its anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism framework. This was achieved through the inauguration of the World Customs Organisation Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism Mentoring Mission in Abuja.
The NCS has also established intelligence-sharing partnerships with six institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre. These partnerships support the transition from manual currency declarations to electronic tracking. Additionally, the service has made efforts in environmental protection, with two intelligence-led operations in Ogun rescuing six live endangered pangolins from traffickers.
The rescued pangolins were handed over to the Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for rehabilitation in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The interventions demonstrate a commitment to protecting the national economy, strengthening border security, and combating wildlife trafficking.
Key points
- The Nigeria Customs Service generated N1.42 trillion in revenue and $753 million in exports in Q3 2026.
- The service recorded a 22.14 percent increase in export performance compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
- Interceptions with a combined duty-paid value exceeding N8.1 billion were recorded in anti-smuggling operations.
