The commissioning, led by Controller M.T. Awe, marks a strategic investment in technology designed to speed up cargo clearance, enhance transparency, and secure the nation’s supply chain.

Speaking at the event, Controller Awe noted that the deployment of the X-ray machine reflects Customs’ commitment to simplifying processes, promoting legitimate trade, and safeguarding national security.

“This facility is not just about technology, it is about efficiency, transparency, and building confidence in Nigeria’s cargo handling system,” he said.

The state-of-the-art equipment is expected to cut processing time, boost operational efficiency, and inspire greater trust among traders and stakeholders in the aviation cargo sector.

SAHCO, known for its ultra-modern ground support equipment and cutting-edge technology, continues to provide seamless solutions for both import and export processes.

With facilities operating across Nigeria’s commercial airports, the company plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth and secure movement of goods in line with global best practices.

The directive was disclosed by Wale Edun, minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the Economy, after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja.

Edun explained that the President specifically called for a review of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC)’s 30% management fee and 30% frontier exploration deduction under the Petroleum Industry Act.

He directed the Economic Management Team, led by Edun, to present actionable recommendations to the FEC on the best path forward.

The review will cover agencies including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and NNPC Limited.

Speaking on the significance of savings and investment as a catalyst for growth, Tinubu said:

“Currently, public investment as a share of GDP stands at a low 5.0 per cent, largely due to insufficient public savings.

“We must urgently review and optimise our savings. This includes enhancing spending efficiency and reviewing deductions from the Federation Account, such as the cost of collection by revenue agencies, such as FIRS, Customs, NUPRC, and NIMASA.”

Citing the IMF’s Article IV Report published in July 2025, Tinubu noted that while it acknowledged Nigeria’s economic growth, it also stressed the need for investment-led growth. Identifying savings as the foundation of investment, the President aims to raise public savings by reviewing deductions and retention practices.

He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive development, pointing to the recently launched Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which is designed to empower grassroots economic players, engage sub-national governments, and involve the private sector to ensure effective implementation.

He also urged state governors to prioritise productivity-enhancing investments and strengthen collaboration with local governments to tackle poverty.

Speaking during a media parley on Thursday, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Committee, pointed out challenges businesses face due to the volatility of the foreign exchange (FX) market, which causes frequent changes in the import duty rate.

According to him, the Committee is working with various stakeholders for stability to allow businesses to plan adequately.

In Oyedele’s words, “When we did the budget, we said naira to dollar will be N800, now it is 1,000 something. People need to plan.”

He further urged the government to sign an order that would set the exchange rate at N800 for customs import duty for the remainder of the year.

The proposal comes in the wake of recent adjustments by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to the FX rate for tariffs and duties.

On May 27, the NCS set the rate at N1,480 per dollar, following recommendations from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) based on official FX market trading activities.

Oyedele’s call for a fixed rate of N800 per dollar aims to address the concerns and promote better economic planning and stability for businesses engaged in importation.

The committee’s recommendations are part of broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s fiscal and tax policies to enhance economic growth and stability.

“We have always had issues with fiscal policies but COVID-19 complicated it. Productive was low while the government [not just Nigeria] shared money to people to sustain them [while they were indoors]. This compounded the problems – led to inflation – country like UK witnessed double digit inflation that it never witnessed in a generation. Today, Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Gaza wars are still compounding issues.

“So, we are bold with our proposals. We owe it as a duty to be truthful to our country. If you do not try, your chance of succeeding is zero. Our recommendations are quite bold. The implementations will require diligence.

“The President has assured us that our Committee will not just end at the point of submitting the report, but will be part in the implementation stage”, he said.

This is a reduction of N124.12 from the previous figure.

The new figure reflects the prevailing exchange rate on the CBN’s official window.  The exchange rate for import duties payment on the customs portal has been on a steady decline in the past two weeks mirroring the strengthening of the naira in the FX market.

The exchange rate for cargo clearance peaked at N1,624.7/$1 on March 12, 2024, before the gradual decline to the current figure.

The Nigeria Customs had earlier stated that the exchange rate for cargo clearance would follow the CBN’s official rate.

The apex bank on the other hand had addressed the frequent changes on the customs exchange rate and the attendant confusion stating that the exchange rate on the date of opening the ‘Form M’ will be used for import duties assessment.

The CBN in recent times has instituted a motley of reforms aimed at stabilizing the forex market, dispelling speculations, eradicating distortions, and strengthening the value of the naira.

The near parity between the official and parallel market exchange rates signifies the successful implementation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) foreign exchange market reforms in recent times.

This week, the Central Bank will hold its second monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in 2024 where it would decide to either hold MPR or increase it as part of measures to strengthen the naira and reduce inflation rate across the country.

In its last MPC meeting, the apex bank increased MPR by 400 basis points from 18.75% to 22.75% last month.

According to Prince Olayieola Shitti, the former president, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the increase is bad because it will translate to more money for the Federal Government but more difficulty for Nigerians.

He said:

“In layman’s terms, it simply puts more money into the coffers of Customs and creates an increase in inflationary rate. It is a bad omen for the importers, clearing agents, port users, stakeholders, operators, and maritime businesses.

“As I speak many importers and their clearing agents have several containers and goods to clear from the port that are still there because of the sudden increment.

“Many just woke up to this unpalatable rate and up till now, we have not been able to pay because the duty payable just sky-rocketed. So, it has become a big problem for clearing agents and the importers.”

Recall that the Federal Government had a few days ago, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increased the exchange rate for cargo clearance from N952 to N1,356 per dollar. This effectively translates to a spike in payable import duty.

The latest hike is coming weeks after the rate was increased from N783 to N952 per dollar.

It was in November last year  that the exchange rate for cargo clearance was raised from N757 per dollar to N783 per dollar, representing a 3.4 percent increase, and was later raised from N783/$ to N952/$ in December

However, to Okoro Nkem, an importer and exporter, who specialized in Automobiles, noted that the new Customs duty regime would further fuel smuggling and the diversion of cargoes meant for the Nigerian market to the ports of neighbouring countries.

He said:

“Some cargoes have been trapped at the port and I don’t see how they are going to break even because of the amount they have to pay on them as duty. No importer can break even with this new exchange rate,” he said

The Federal Government had on Friday, through the Central Bank of Nigeria raised the exchange rate for cargo clearance from N952/$ to N1.356 per dollar. This effectively translates to a spike in payable import duty.

The primary objective of this collaborative effort is to bolster trade facilitation while improving security and ensuring the safety of port users within the state.

A recent statement from the NPA confirmed that the operation, which commenced on Sunday, is being executed jointly by personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Nigerian Police, NPA’s security department, and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.

During a press conference addressing the significance of this development, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State emphasized the need for secure port areas that uphold their international reputation.

While represented by Hassan Adekoya, Head of Operations for the Lagos State Special Traffic Management Committee, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed unwavering commitment to elevating the standards of the ports and eliminating any obstructions that impede trade facilitation.

“Lagos State government is dedicated to uplifting the standards of the ports in Lagos and ensuring the removal of any obstacles that hinder trade facilitation,” stated Adekoya on behalf of the governor. “I am endorsing this NPA initiative wholeheartedly, as the Lagos ports are a reflection of our state.

It is incumbent upon us to support the NPA’s management and maintain a clean, safe, and secure environment. We will continue with the clearance operation until the government’s message of commitment to sanitizing the ports in Lagos is unequivocally received.”

The week-long operation will commence at the Apapa Port Complex, extending to Lilypond and subsequently progressing inward to Apapa. The scope of the operation will cover the Tin-Can first and second gates, as well as Kirikiri Lighter Terminal one and two.

This collaborative effort among Nigerian authorities showcases a proactive approach to optimizing trade facilitation and prioritizing the security and safety of individuals utilizing the Lagos ports

In a congratulatory letter to the new Customs boss, Afolabi hailed the dedication and commitment Adeniyi has shown over the years to the Service.

He said:

“Rising through the ranks, you have dutifully discharged your duties to the best of your abilities. It is therefore not a surprise that the President has found you worthy to steer the ship of the organization at a critical time like this. This appointment is a reward of the dedication, commitment and professionalism you have demonstrated at the Nigeria Customs Service in particular and Nigeria as a whole over the years”

“SIFAX Group as a company is confident in your ability to reset and transform the Nigeria Customs Service to become a major catalyst for the country’s economic growth and development which is the cardinal focus of the current administration”.

Afolabi assured that SIFAX Group will support the new CG and his office in order to make his tenure a remarkable one in the annals of the service.

The Minister of State made this statement at the SON 50th Anniversary celebration in Abuja.

She noted that 50 years was a long time in the life of an organization in Nigeria especially given the fact that the country’s existence as an independent country was only 12 years longer.

“SON must therefore be one of the oldest government institutions in Nigeria. This anniversary is undoubtedly a milestone worth celebrating. In addition, the steady growth of the Organisation from its humble beginnings to becoming the Apex Standards Body in Nigeria, with constitutional responsibilities, is also remarkable and worth celebrating”, she said.

While congratulating the organization, Ambassador Katagum said “in acknowledgment of its consistent implementation of reforms aimed at making its services more easily accessible to the public, SON has been ranked first in the Ease of Doing Business by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

She went on to note that,” the organization also recently received an Award from the National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for Ease of Doing Business in the Information Technology Sector. These two recognitions are no doubt fitting anniversary gifts which will of course challenge the organization to keep up its good work, she said.

The Director General of SON, Mallam Farouk Salim explained that SON is working with the National Assembly to ensure the review of the agency’s Act and appealed for speedy facilitation of the process.

While acknowledging the achievements and strides of SON in the last 50 years, Mallam Farouk Salim said his vision for the Organization in the next 50 years is to be the foremost standardization body in Africa and among the top-ranking globally.

The SON helmsman explained that while this vision is achievable, the Organisation would need to surmount several challenges to achieve it.

In a goodwill message, the Minister of State for Works and Housing, Alhaji Umar El-Yakub said SON has changed the story of “Made in Nigeria” goods.

Representatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) commended SON on efforts to ensure the eradication of substandard products.

The highlight of the event was the Launch of the SON Compendium and the Presentation of Awards to deserving members of staff and SON State Offices.

The Head, SMEs Desk, Engr. Pheabean O. S. Arumemi won the “Director General’s Award for Special Contribution”, while Mrs. Amina Haliru, Assistant Chief Standards Officer/ Head, Halal Desk won the award for “ Outstanding Staff”.

The award for “Most Efficient State” was won by SON Rivers State office and was received by the Acting Director, South-South Directorate, Engr, Samuel Ayuba.

SON’s Ogun State office 1, won double awards for Improved Percentage for Service Income and Most Effective State Office, the South – West Regional Director, Mrs. Yeside Akinlabi, and the State Coordinator, Ogun State Office, Mr.Jerome Otene Umoru were on hand to receive the award.

SON’s Ogun State office received the award for the” State with the Highest Number of New Products Identified for MANCAP” the award received by the State Coordinator, Engr. Danmola Abayomi, supported by his Regional Director.

The event ended with an exhibition to showcase the products of Companies that have consistently maintained quality.

The 50th Anniversary Celebration continues with Regional Exhibitions of Made – in – Nigeria products in Lagos, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Kano. There will also be a special program for the recognition of deserving Companies in Lagos on the 6th of December 2022.

The Command also recorded a boom in the exportation of non-oil commodities with about 2.5 million metric tonnes, above the 540 metric tonnes in 2021.

The NCS is an independent customs service under the supervisory oversight of the Nigerian Ministry of Finance, responsible for the collection of customs revenue, facilitation of both national and international trade, and anti-smuggling activities.

Yusu said at a press conference in Lagos that figures show a significant increase of N156 billion or 42.54 percent when compared to the N366.5 billion collected in the corresponding period of 2021.

“This feat was made possible because of our officers’ resilience in ensuring identified revenue leakages have been mitigated while sustaining the level of compliance by the importers/stakeholders in the clearance value chain,” he said.

In the area of anti-smuggling, it intercepted dangerous items, resulting in the seizure of 83 containers with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N8.3 billion for the period under review.

He said, “the Command has consistently strived in its core mandates of revenue generation, prevention, and suppression of smuggling, trade facilitation, implementation of government fiscal policies as well as collaboration and cooperation with other government agencies to ensure ease of doing business in the port.

Exports

According to the Comptroller, export, the NCS recorded a boom in the exportation of non-oil commodities with about 2.5 million metric tonnes, above the 540 metric tonnes in the year 2021.

He noted that the Free on Board (FOB) value for the exported items also rose from $1.6 million in the year 2021 to $138 million in 2022.

“Items exported include steel bars, agricultural and mineral products amongst others The federal government policy and export incentive schemes have played vital roles in boosting export trade in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that for the period under review, the command curbed the smuggling of dangerous items, resulting in the seizure of 83 containers with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N8.3 billion.

“Some of the seized items include processed/unprocessed wood, 32 containers; five containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, 18 containers of used clothing/shoes; 13 containers of foreign parboiled rice.

“Others are vegetable oil – seven containers, tomato Paste – three containers, and 1x20ft container laden with 150 cartons of tramadol,” he said.