Customs Warns Insecurity Is Undermining Revenue Collection Across Northern Nigeria

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised concerns over the impact of insecurity on its operations, warning that attacks and threats against personnel are affecting revenue collection in parts of the country.

The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and Zonal Coordinator, Zone B, Nsikak Umoh, disclosed this in Minna while inspecting the Niger/Kogi Area Command headquarters and meeting with vehicle importers.

Umoh said insecurity had become a major operational challenge across several Customs formations in the North-West, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara states.

According to her, the situation was not limited to the Niger/Kogi Area Command but had become a wider security concern for Customs personnel operating across the region.

Customs Officers Under Threat

Umoh said Customs officers had increasingly become targets of security threats while carrying out their official responsibilities.

She disclosed that some personnel had been killed or injured in the line of duty, forcing affected commands to either reduce their activities or adopt more cautious approaches.

The reduced level of operations, she explained, has had a direct impact on revenue collection.

To address the situation, the service is encouraging officers to adopt intelligence-led operations, allowing them to carry out their responsibilities while reducing unnecessary exposure to danger.

Umoh said the approach was already being implemented across several commands and had contributed to lower revenue collections in some areas.

Insecurity Taking Toll on Officers’ Health

Beyond its impact on revenue, Umoh expressed concern about the physical and psychological consequences of the security situation on Customs personnel.

She said some officers were experiencing health challenges, including hypertension, which she linked to the fear and stress associated with working in insecure environments.

The ACG stressed the need to protect personnel while ensuring that legitimate Customs operations continue.

Niger/Kogi Command Exceeds Target

Despite the difficult operating environment, Umoh commended the Niger/Kogi Area Command for maintaining strong revenue performance.

She revealed that the command had exceeded its monthly revenue target of N17 million, collecting more than N200 million as of August 12.

Umoh praised Customs officers and stakeholders in the command for sustaining revenue collection despite the security challenges.

She said the performance demonstrated the commitment of personnel to their duties while operating under increasingly difficult conditions.

The Customs Service continues to face the challenge of balancing revenue generation with the safety of its officers as insecurity persists across parts of northern Nigeria.