Nigeria Customs Service, AGF Launch Bold Move to Boost Revenue 70%

Nigeria Customs Service, AGF Launch Bold Move to Boost Revenue 70%

Nigeria Customs Service has taken a bold step to improve the country’s economy by joining forces with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to boost national revenue and train public officers for better results.

This fresh partnership was sealed at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, when the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamsudeen Ogunjimi, paid a courtesy visit to Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi.

The meeting wasn’t just a formality. It was a strategic show of unity between two major government agencies that handle Nigeria’s money and trade. Their goal? To find smarter ways to collect and manage public funds while training officers to do their jobs more effectively.

Mr. Adeniyi welcomed the visit warmly and described it as “timely and symbolic.” He stressed how important the Office of the Accountant-General is when it comes to managing the country’s finances.

“Our economy is under pressure, and we at the Nigeria Customs Service know the urgency,” he said. “We are doing everything we can to help close revenue gaps and support the government’s financial health.”

He pointed to the Service’s track record. “Before the end of 2024, we raised our revenue by more than 70%. That didn’t happen by accident. It shows our strong will to help Nigeria stay financially stable,” he said.

Adeniyi’s words were not just numbers—they came with passion. His message was clear: the Nigeria Customs Service is not just focused on goods at the borders. It’s fully involved in helping Nigeria grow economically.

He also used the occasion to celebrate Mr. Ogunjimi’s recent appointment. “Congratulations on your new role,” Adeniyi said. “Your forward-thinking leadership is already creating new paths for partnership.”

The conversation turned to training. Mr. Ogunjimi suggested creating a shared training program that brings together staff from both the Customs Service and the Office of the Accountant-General. His goal is to build a team spirit between agencies that often work separately but rely on each other for results.

Adeniyi responded quickly and positively. “We support this idea,” he said. “This kind of program can only make both institutions stronger.”

Mr. Ogunjimi also expressed deep appreciation for the way the Customs leadership welcomed him. “This is the kind of leadership I want to work with,” he said. “I’ve seen how committed the CGC is, and I know we can do great things together.”

He added, “This partnership has just begun. I believe it will grow into something strong. Let’s also have your officers come to our office for training. This will help improve understanding and trust between us.”

Ogunjimi didn’t stop there. He shared a larger vision—to make Nigeria’s financial system more transparent, accountable, and smart. He wants all public finance institutions to talk to each other more, train more, and grow together.

“This is not just about today. It’s about setting up systems that work, that last, and that help Nigeria thrive,” he said.

What made the meeting special was not just the speeches or handshakes, but the energy in the room. Both sides were ready to move from talk to action. And for many observers, that shift couldn’t come at a better time.

For years, Nigerians have watched as public institutions operated in silos, often leading to waste, confusion, and loss. This new push to connect the Nigeria Customs Service and the Accountant-General’s office could help break that cycle.

Joint training means officers will learn not just what their own agency does, but how it fits into the big picture. It means fewer errors, faster decision-making, and more accountability.

Both agencies handle large parts of Nigeria’s finances. The Nigeria Customs Service collects money through imports and exports. The Accountant-General makes sure all the government’s money is tracked and used properly. When they work well together, the whole country benefits.

Mr. Adeniyi and Mr. Ogunjimi understand that. They’re not waiting for another crisis to act. They’re taking steps now to strengthen the system from the inside.

This collaboration may also help rebuild public trust. Nigerians often feel disconnected from government plans. But when top officials show unity, act with purpose, and focus on results, people begin to pay attention—and hope.

More importantly, it sets a new tone for public service. A tone that values teamwork, training, and results over paperwork and titles. A tone that could reshape the future of how Nigeria manages its money.

It’s not every day that two big offices come together like this, especially on such critical issues. But when they do, the impact can be deep and lasting.

By starting with training and transparency, the Nigeria Customs Service and the Office of the Accountant-General are laying down a solid foundation. The question now is how far they will go, and how fast.

If the passion, focus, and unity shown in this meeting are anything to go by, then Nigeria might just be on its way to building a stronger, smarter public finance system.

And that could be the turning point the country has long needed.

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