The Federal Government has approved the recruitment of 3,927 new officers for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), a move aimed at strengthening the service’s capacity to contribute to the country’s economic growth and assist in the implementation of the N48 trillion 2025 national budget.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, during the 61st quarterly board meeting of the NCS held recently in Abuja. Edun emphasized the critical role the NCS plays in Nigeria’s economic recovery and development, noting that the service’s performance has been integral to achieving the ambitious revenue targets set for 2025.
The NCS is expected to generate N35 trillion in revenue for the government as part of the 2025 budget, with Edun highlighting the service’s contributions toward this goal. By November 2024, the NCS had already generated over N5 trillion, a feat attributed to the reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In addition to the recruitment of new officers, the board also approved special promotions for top-performing personnel as part of efforts to enhance trade facilitation and combat smuggling. The NCS’s role in suppressing illegal trade and fostering legitimate business activities was lauded by Edun, who emphasized its importance in job creation and poverty reduction.
The minister encouraged the NCS officers to remain committed to national goals, stressing that their work is vital not only for economic growth but also for improving the livelihoods of Nigerians. The recruitment of additional officers is seen as a strategic move to fill gaps in the service and improve its ability to enforce trade policies effectively.
With these efforts, the Federal Government aims to continue its drive toward economic restoration, leveraging the NCS’s capabilities to achieve long-term prosperity for the nation.
