The Nigeria Customs Service maintained robust anti-smuggling operations during the first quarter of 2025, recording 298 seizures with ₦7.7 billion worth of smuggled goods, a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦7,698,557,347.67, and rolled out practical solutions like the B'Odogwu platform.
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced this today, 22nd April 2025, during a press briefing at the Nigeria Customs Service Corporate Office in Abuja.
CG Adeniyi revealed that Rice remained the most prevalent seized commodity, with 159 cases involving 135,474 bags valued at ₦939,309,698.00.
He said that this represents a significant 78.41% increase compared to the ₦4,315,162,568.35 recorded in Q4 2024, demonstrating heightened operational effectiveness.
"However, when compared to Q1 2024's ₦9,587,256,998.05, the Service observed a 19.70% reduction in DPV, attributable to improved compliance through sustained stakeholder engagement and the deterrent effect of our enforcement activities.
"Rice remained the most prevalent seized commodity, with 159 cases involving 135,474 bags valued at ₦939,309,698.00.
"Petroleum products followed with 61 seizures totaling 65,819 liters (₦43,336,160.81 DPV). Of particular note were 22 narcotics interceptions valued at ₦730,748,173.00, reflecting our intensified focus on combating drug trafficking." he noted
CG Adeniyi said the Service also recorded three high-value wildlife product seizures with a remarkable ₦5,653,522,600.00 DPV, underscoring both the lucrative nature of this illegal trade and our commitment to environmental protection under international conventions.
"Other notable seizures included textile fabrics (13 cases, ₦134,219,330.00 DPV), rethreaded tires (5 cases, ₦104,599,000.00 DPV), and pharmaceuticals (1 case, ₦17,188,000.00 DPV). These comprehensive results demonstrate the Service's vigilance across all categories of prohibited and restricted goods.
The CG emphasised that the seizure trends highlight several strategic priorities, continued emphasis on intercepting high-volume items like rice and petroleum products through enhanced border surveillance
Specialised operations targeting high-value wildlife trafficking, building on existing collaborations with UNODC and other international partners
Sustained focus on dangerous narcotics and pharmaceutical smuggling, implementation of advanced non-intrusive inspection technology to improve detection rates
From rice to wildlife, these seizures show our targeted approach. While these results indicate progress in curbing smuggling activities, the Service recognises the evolving nature of illicit trade.
He said during the first quarter of 2025, the Service achieved several significant milestones in the , modernisation and institutional development agenda and B'Odogwu Platform has been expanded.
"We continued the roll-out of our indigenously developed customs clearance platform, B'Odogwu, expanding its operations to additional Customs formations across the country. This expansion has enhanced operational efficiency and improved service delivery to our stakeholders.
"On 14 February, 2025, we officially launched the Authorized Economic Operators Programme, a World Customs Organization-endorsed initiative that recognizes businesses with strong compliance records and security standards. This programme provides benefits such as expedited clearance, reduced inspections, and enhanced predictability in customs procedures for qualifying operators.
"The quarter saw the official launch of our comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, tagged "Customs Cares." on 20 March 2025 at Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, directly supporting Presidential priorities and UN Sustainable Development Goals. The program's six pillars—Education, Health, Environment, Food Security, Social Investment, and Creative Economy—were activated with 2,000 students receiving 10,000 notebooks, 2,000 school bags and 4,000 pens, while the school benefited from CCTV security systems and solar-powered lighting. A concurrent medical outreach served 1,000 community members with basic healthcare and anti-malaria nets, demonstrating immediate impact. The historic launch was attended by the Honourable Ministers of Finance,
"Education and Youth Development, alongside national and international development partners, mark the NCS's commitment to nationwide social investment. With activities now expanding across all six geopolitical zones, Customs Cares represents a structured, scalable approach to community development, transforming corporate responsibility into tangible improvements in education infrastructure, healthcare access, and environmental sustainability," he noted
CG Adeniyi also revealed that in line with the Federal Government's efforts to address food security challenges, the Service implemented exemptions on imports of essential food items like maize, rice and sorghum. The NCS's duty exemptions on food imports have contributed to recent food price reductions, with effects seen both immediately and over time.
He said in the Q1 2025 waivers on maize (₦45.3 billion FOB value), rice (₦751.6 million), and sorghum (₦2.3 billion) also contributed to lowering prices by 12-18% this year. At the same time, the larger exemptions from 2024 on rice (₦45.9 billion FOB) and wheat (₦2.8 billion) are now showing their full effect after taking time to work through the supply chain.
"This combination of current and past exemptions helps explain the steady improvement in food affordability. The 2024 measures initially faced delays in reaching markets but eventually increased supplies, while the 2025 waivers provided additional support. Together, these policies have helped stabilize prices by improving availability at different times, showing how customs adjustments can influence food costs both in the short term and over longer periods. The NBS price data reflects this pattern, where the benefits of duty relief emerge gradually but add up to make food more affordable.
"Results speak louder than plans; faster clearances through B'Odogwu, trusted traders in the AEO program, and measurable food price relief from our exemptions. We'll keep scaling what works." he said
CG Adeniyi reaffirmed that the service will remain committed to refining our enforcement strategies through intelligence-led operations, technological advancement, and strengthened interagency cooperation to protect national revenue and security.