In a move that has set tongues wagging across the nation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially tabled a whopping N1.13 trillion budget proposal before the National Assembly for its 2025 operations. This is the largest budget ever requested by the agency and signals a bold ambition to ramp up revenue collection and transform Customs operations nationwide.
Customs Boss Makes Case for Massive Funding
Deputy Comptroller-General Bello Jibo, the agency’s top official in charge of Finance, Administration, and Technical Services, stood before the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise in Abuja on Monday. In a detailed presentation, Jibo laid out how the N1.13 trillion will be used to strengthen the Customs Service in the coming year.
Here’s the breakdown of the proposed budget:
Personnel Costs: N247.1 billion (21.8% of the total budget) is earmarked for salaries, allowances, and other benefits for Customs officers across the country.
Overhead Costs: N239.9 billion (21.1%) will cover daily administrative expenses, office maintenance, logistics, and other operational needs.
Capital Projects: N645.4 billion (56.9%) is set aside for major infrastructure projects, procurement of new equipment, and the modernization of Customs facilities nationwide.
“We are appealing to our distinguished lawmakers to approve this budget so that we can continue to deliver seamless and efficient services to the nation in 2025,” Jibo told the committee.
Customs Exceeds Revenue Target Despite Economic Headwinds
Jibo also shared some impressive news from 2024. Despite a challenging economic environment, policy waivers, and a reduction in excisable goods, the NCS collected a record N6.105 trillion in revenue—surpassing its N5 trillion target by over N1 trillion.
“This outstanding performance is a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and efficiency of our officers and men. We have worked tirelessly to block revenue leakages and improve our operations,” Jibo proudly stated.
Lawmakers Express Shock Over Poor Budget Implementation
However, the mood in the committee room quickly turned serious as lawmakers raised critical questions about how the 2024 budget was actually spent.
Rep. Leke Abejide (ADC–Kogi), Chairman of the Committee, revealed that only 43.5% of personnel costs, 46.3% of overhead expenses, and 45.6% of capital projects were funded in 2024.
“This is truly astonishing!” Abejide exclaimed. “How can Customs collect over N6 trillion in revenue but still struggle to fully fund its own budget? Where is the rest of the money?”
The Mystery of the Missing CISS Revenue
The lawmakers also grilled the Customs leadership over the 60% share of the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS), a critical funding source meant to support Customs operations. Shockingly, the NCS did not receive any funds from this levy throughout 2024.
“What happened to the CISS money? Why is it not being remitted as expected? We need clear and honest answers,” Abejide demanded.
Lawmakers Call for Greater Transparency and Accountability
Despite their concerns, lawmakers acknowledged the NCS’s impressive revenue performance. However, they insisted that the agency must improve its financial management and be more transparent in its budgeting and expenditure processes.
“We commend the Customs Service for exceeding its revenue target, but we cannot overlook these funding shortfalls. Every naira must be accounted for. The agency must ensure that future budgets are implemented fully and transparently,” the committee declared.
What’s Next for Nigeria Customs Service?
The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has issued a strong directive: the NCS must stop collecting the CISS levy by June 30, 2025, until all legal and administrative issues are resolved.
Why This Matters to Every Nigerian
More Revenue, Better Services: If approved, this budget could lead to more efficient Customs operations, faster clearance of goods, and improved revenue collection for the country.
Transparency is Key: The demand for accountability from lawmakers is a win for every Nigerian, ensuring that public funds are used wisely and for the right purposes.
Economic Impact: Strong Customs performance means more money for government projects, better infrastructure, and improved public services.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
The Nigeria Customs Service is seeking a historic N1.13 trillion budget to drive its 2025 operations. While lawmakers are impressed by last year’s record revenue, they are demanding more transparency, accountability, and better use of funds in the future. As the debate over the N1.13 trillion Customs budget continues, Nigerians are watching closely. Will the National Assembly approve this historic request? How will the Customs Service address the concerns raised by lawmakers? Keep following this space for the latest developments on this important national issue!
stay woke.stay tuned. stay with AKEWE NEWS
