The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Board has approved the recruitment of 3,927 officers and granted special promotions to top-performing personnel to address staffing gaps and enhance trade facilitation.

The decision was made following a review of the NCS’s 2024 performance, which highlighted the service’s success in suppressing smuggling and fostering trade, crucial for economic growth and job creation.

The board commended the NCS for its pivotal role in boosting Nigeria’s economic recovery, particularly as the Federal Government sets a ?48 trillion expenditure target for 2025.

During the 61st quarterly board meeting held on Wednesday, 18th December, at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, Finance Minister, Olawale Edun, emphasized the NCS’s significance.

The meeting followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 “Budget of Restoration” to the National Assembly.

This budget projects ?35 trillion in revenue, with the NCS playing a crucial role. Minister Edun revealed that the agency had generated over ?5 trillion by November 2024.

“The NCS and other revenue bodies have performed remarkably well,” he stated, attributing this success to President Tinubu’s reforms.

The Minister further explained that the government plans to secure concessionary loans, grants, and development support to fund the remaining ?13 trillion.

Mr. Edun concluded by urging Customs officers to remain dedicated to national goals, emphasizing the agency’s vital role in poverty reduction and economic growth. (PRNigeria)