Senate Sets Ambitious ₦11tn 2026 Revenue Target for Customs, Expresses Confidence Despite Global Disruptions

The Senate has approved an ₦11 trillion revenue target for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for the 2026 fiscal year and said it remains confident the agency can meet the goal despite external shocks, including the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The target was adopted after the NCS, led by Comptroller‑General Adewale Adeniyi, defended its 2026 estimates before the Senate Committee on Customs. Committee chairman Senator Isah Jibril said the figure reflects lawmakers’ expectations that Customs will strengthen revenue mobilisation and operational efficiency next year.

Comptroller‑General Adeniyi told senators the NCS is optimistic about achieving the ambitious target, even as global tensions and disrupted trade routes have weighed on collections.

He reported that the Service has so far collected ₦4.43 trillion in the current year, a shortfall relative to earlier projections, and attributed part of the underperformance to reduced import volumes caused by the Middle East crisis.

“The Middle East crisis has affected cargo coming into our ports. We are hopeful the delicate situation involving the United States and Iran will improve, but for now we have to contend with these external factors,” Adeniyi said.

Reviewing 2025 performance, the CG reminded the committee that Customs met its approved 2025 revenue of ₦6.584 trillion, while noting that other global developments — including the Russia‑Ukraine war — have also disrupted international trade and supply chains and affected receipts.

After considering the NCS’s recent performance and operational outlook, senators nevertheless voiced confidence in the Service’s capacity to deliver the ₦11 trillion 2026 target, urging continued reforms, enhanced enforcement, and improved port clearance efficiency to bridge shortfalls.