Revenue from customs activities totaled ₦3.35 trillion, with confiscations of illicit substances valued at ₦24.3 billion, over the course of five months, according to a government representative.

The Nigeria Customs Service has announced that it generated a staggering ₦3.35 trillion in revenue between January and May 2026, while simultaneously stepping up its trade facilitation, anti-smuggling, anti-money laundering, and wildlife protection efforts across the country.

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Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, revealed this information on Thursday during a joint security briefing in Abuja, where he was represented by Chief Superintendent of Customs Titus Omojali.

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Within the five-month period, the Service processed an impressive 698,817 Single Goods Declarations and issued 112,202 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports, which, according to Maiwada, reflects the Service's dedication to efficient cargo clearance and seamless trade facilitation.

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The Nigeria Customs Service continues to make significant strides in its core areas of focus, including trade facilitation, revenue generation, border security, and protection of national economic interests, as evident from its recent achievements.

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Maiwada noted that the processed declarations and assessment reports played a crucial role in generating ₦3.35 trillion in revenue, highlighting the Service's vital role in supporting national security and economic growth.

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Furthermore, the Service facilitated exports valued at $1.218 billion and processed 21,376 containers during the review period, demonstrating its commitment to boosting the country's export sector.

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Between January and May 2026, the Service processed a total of 698,817 Single Goods Declarations and issued 112,202 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports, reinforcing its commitment to efficient cargo clearance, enhanced border management, and seamless trade facilitation.

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Export performance, which had declined to $171.76 million in March, saw a significant rebound to $274.83 million in April and $275.90 million in May, indicating a positive trend in the country's export sector.

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Container throughput more than doubled from 2,847 containers in March to 6,144 containers in April, signaling a surge in export activities, according to Maiwada.

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The Service recorded 122 illicit drug seizures, intercepting 375,457 units of narcotics and other illicit substances with a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦24.33 billion, as part of its anti-smuggling operations.

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Narcotics accounted for over 91 per cent of the total quantity seized and nearly 95 per cent of the total Duty Paid Value, highlighting the Service's sustained efforts to prevent the circulation of dangerous substances and protect communities from the harmful effects of drug trafficking.

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March witnessed the highest volume of drug interceptions, following major enforcement operations that led to the seizure of more than 248,500 units of narcotics.

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The Customs Service also reported six major currency declaration violation cases, resulting in the interception of about $789,550 in undeclared and falsely declared foreign currencies, as part of its anti-money laundering efforts.

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The offences ranged from concealment of cash in baggage to under-declaration and non-declaration of foreign currencies, including the discovery of multiple ATM cards intended for illicit financial transactions.

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The Service's operations demonstrated its expanding role in combating illicit financial flows, strengthening financial integrity, and safeguarding national security.

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The Service achieved significant milestones in wildlife protection, recording 17 endangered wildlife trafficking cases involving 104 live animals and 21 wildlife species and products.

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The cases involved import, export, and internal trafficking routes, with six export-related interceptions recorded during the period, according to Maiwada.

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Pangolins emerged as the most frequently trafficked wildlife species, while African Crowned Cranes recorded the highest individual quantity intercepted.

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Customs officers also seized wildlife products, including worked ivory, buffalo horns, and hyena skins, in line with efforts to combat transnational wildlife crime and protect endangered species.

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Maiwada attributed the Service's achievements to intelligence-led operations, the deployment of advanced technology, effective risk management systems, and strong collaboration with other security agencies.

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Through the strategic deployment of intelligence-led operations, advanced technology, risk management systems, and robust inter-agency collaboration, the Service continues to suppress the movement of illicit goods, disrupt transnational criminal networks, combat money laundering and terrorism financing, protect endangered wildlife, and secure the nation's borders against emerging threats.