The minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun, has highlighted the pivotal role of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in boosting Nigeria’s economic recovery, as the Federal Government sets a N48 trillion expenditure target for 2025.
Speaking during the 61st quarterly board meeting of the agency, the minister highlighted the NCS’s importance following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 budget to the National Assembly, tagged “Budget of Restoration.”
LEADERSHIP reports that as the budget projects N35 trillion in revenue, the NCS expected to play a critical role.
Speaking further on the NCS’s performance, Edun disclosed that the agency had generated over N5 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 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.
