WED JAN 15 2025-theGBJournal| As we move into 2025, our strategic priorities have been carefully aligned with national economic objectives and the evolving global trading environment, says Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, as outlines the Service’s seven key priorities in 2025.
The Customs Comptroller-General gave the insight on Tuesday as he briefed the press, fellow officers, and stakeholders on the Customs activities at the Customs Service Corporate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Recall that the Federal Government set an ambitious revenue target of N6.58 trillion for the Service in 2025, a target that the Adeniyi says, ”reflects both the government’s confidence in our capabilities and the expanding scope of our operations.”
He describes the target as a challenge which he says the Customs has to approach with determination, building on its achievements in 2024 and leveraging its enhanced capabilities.
The Comptroller-General went on to outline the strategic priorities for 2025 which he says will focus on seven key areas;
-Full deployment of our trade modernization initiatives, including the nationwide rollout of the B’Odogwu platform.
-Complete implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
-Enhancement of our risk management and enforcement capabilities through technology integration.
-Operationalization of the Nigeria Customs Service University for Trade and Technology.
-Strengthening of our international partnerships and trade facilitation initiatives under the AfCFTA framework.
-Implementation and roll out of a robust CSR strategy aligned with the pillars of the Presidential Priority Areas and the Sustainable Development Goals.
-Promotion of open governance through enhanced transparency, stakeholder engagement, and public access to customs information and processes.
According to Adeniyi, several transformative projects are scheduled for completion or initiation in 2025.
The full operationalization of our new Corporate Headquarters, the deployment of additional scanning systems at key ports, and the launch of our comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility programme will be prioritized.
”These projects, alongside our ongoing modernization efforts, will significantly enhance our operational capabilities and service delivery,” he adds.
He emphasized that the Customs’ modernization agenda will continue to emphasize digital transformation and process automation.
”The expansion of our geo-spatial surveillance capabilities, integration of artificial intelligence in risk management, and enhancement of our data analytics capabilities will remain central to our efforts.
These technological advancements, he said, will be complemented by continued investments in human capital development and infrastructure improvement.
”We recognize that achieving these objectives requires the continued support of our stakeholders and the dedication of our officers.
We are confident that with our enhanced capabilities, committed workforce, and the support of all stakeholders, we will not only meet but exceed expectations in 2025.”
Earlier the Comptroller-General outlined the Service’s achievements in 2024, noting the achievements would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our officers and men across the country.
”Their resilience in the face of challenges and commitment to duty have been instrumental to our success. I want to assure all officers that the Service will continue to recognize and reward excellence, as deserving and outstanding officers will be acknowledged through our reward and recognition systems.”
The achievements includes unprecedented performance in revenue collection for the year 2024.
The Service collected a total sum of N6.105 trillion during 2024, surpassing its target of N5.079 trillion by N1.026 trillion, representing a 20.2% increase above the target.
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