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By Tracy Moses
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will enhance its manpower with the recruitment of 3,927 new cadets as part of a national effort to strengthen the agency’s operations across the country.
This recruitment plan was incorporated into the 2025 Appropriation Bill, which successfully passed its Third Reading during Wednesday’s plenary at the House of Representatives. Funding provisions for the new hires were made under the personnel cost category, consistent with the Service’s updated salary structure.
The personnel budget was computed based on an existing staff strength of 16,245 officers, in addition to the expected intake of 3,927 cadets for the 2024/2025 financial year.
While reviewing the Customs budget under the N1.13 trillion appropriation, the, Committee of Supply, presided over by Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, approved a projected revenue generation of N1.07 trillion. This estimate is derived from the statutory 4% Free on Board (FOB) service cost in accordance with current legislation.
Other components of the approved budget include 2% of Import VAT set at N33.01 billion, N29.05 billion for capital projects in progress, N247.16 billion for personnel expenditure, N239.97 billion for overheads, and a total capital allocation of N645.42 billion.
In a crucial resolution, the House directed the NCS to cease collecting the one percent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) and the seven percent cost of collection. Lawmakers argued that these levies are not supported by any Act of the National Assembly and insisted that the Service adhere strictly to the 4% FOB collection framework enshrined in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Volume 110).
Members of the House also called on the NCS to deepen its commitment to corporate social responsibility, particularly through initiatives that would enhance relations with communities located along Nigeria’s borders.
According to the budget report, the 2024 revenue projection stood at N5.08 trillion, but actual figures surpassed expectations, reaching N6.1 trillion—an increase of N1.03 trillion.
Noteworthy capital projects proposed for 2025 include the completion of the NCS headquarters complex, development and refurbishment of Customs cantonments, an International Conference Centre, the establishment of a Customs University, Training Colleges, Multi-functional Theatres, Warehousing facilities, Barracks, and Housing schemes across different zones and operational commands.
The budget also covers procurement of critical operational assets such as Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), aircraft, helicopters, patrol boats for anti-smuggling activities, official and duty vehicles, IT infrastructure including computer hardware and software, as well as electricity transformers and generators.
In total, the House approved a revenue target of N6.58 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year. This figure comprises N3.85 trillion from the Federation Account, N1.08 trillion, and N1.65 trillion from various Import VAT-related sources.