By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has warned the Nigeria Customs Service against complacency, despite its strong revenue performance and progress in trade facilitation.
Oyedele, who chairs the Nigeria Customs Service Board, gave the warning during his inaugural board meeting and facility tour at Customs Headquarters in Abuja on September 2, 2026 according to a statement on Sunday.
The statement by Abdulahi Maiwada, Customs spokesperson, says Oyedele commended the Service for its performance, including the generation of ₦4.03 trillion in the first half of 2026 and another ₦1.38 trillion in July and August.
Oyedele said the results, alongside Customs’ investments in technology and intelligence-led operations, showed that the Service has built a strong foundation for further reforms.
He, however, warned that recognition for good performance must not lead to complacency.
“Results are precisely what should propel us to do more,” Oyedele said, stressing that Customs must continue to raise its standards rather than become comfortable with its achievements.
He urged the Service to establish clear key performance indicators and benchmark its operations against global best practices.
Oyedele specifically challenged Customs to measure how long it takes to clear goods and find ways to reduce the time without compromising regulatory standards.
Thr Minister said businesses should not merely hear claims about an improved business environment but should experience faster, more transparent and efficient services when dealing with government agencies.
According to him, making it easier to do business creates opportunities for more jobs, poverty reduction and shared prosperity.
He also challenged Nigeria to use the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, to lead by example in trade facilitation.
The minister said Nigeria must demonstrate its leadership through performance rather than rely on its population to justify its claim as Africa’s giant.
Oyedele linked the reforms at Customs to the Federal Government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy, saying efficient trade facilitation would help expand economic opportunities and spread prosperity.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Customs with modern technology, operational tools and policy backing.
He urged the Service’s leadership and officers to sustain the momentum and keep pushing towards world-class standards.
