Reps charts way for 100% salary increase for Customs Officers

The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has called for a 100 percent salary increase for officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, citing the need to improve their welfare.

The Committee also raised concerns about the ongoing closure of several Nigerian land borders, warning that the country is losing significant revenue as a result.

During an oversight visit to Zone B of the Nigeria Customs Service in Kaduna, Committee Chairman Leke Abejide stressed the importance of supporting Customs officers financially.

He noted, “In the 2025 budget, we approved an upward review of salaries for Customs officers, but lack of funds has delayed implementation.”

“I am hopeful that with the 4 percent Free on Board (FOB) policy, sufficient resources will be available to effect this salary increase.”

Abejide further highlighted that the continued border closures run counter to Nigeria’s economic interests. Zone B covers commands in Kano/Jigawa, Katsina, Sokoto/Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger/Kogi, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the Federal Operation Unit.

Several commands reported poor revenue generation, attributing the decline to border closures that disrupt operations even as smuggling persists.

The Chairman emphasized the need for joint security operations to tackle insecurity, which has also negatively impacted revenue collection in the zone.

He revealed plans for the Committee to sponsor a motion after the House resumes from its annual vacation, collaborating with other security-related committees and possibly the Senate counterpart to find lasting solutions.

Expressing disappointment at the revenue performance of some commands despite having adequate staff, Abejide warned that the Committee might recommend merging underperforming commands to prevent them from continuing to draw funds generated by more productive units.

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In particular, the Katsina command was singled out for low revenue generation. Despite having about 331 staff, it generated only ₦140 million in six months.

Comptroller Abba-Aji Idriss explained that the border closure was a major factor, noting that only the Jibia Magama border among 11 stations was officially open, but even then, revenue generated was not from the border itself.

Banditry has made many border stations inaccessible, with even the military unable to enter those areas.

Committee member Sa’ad Taura emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges but ruled out handing over border control entirely to the military. Another member, Shehu Fagae, urged the House to take steps to reclaim the land borders, particularly the Jibia border, the largest in the North.

“We cannot allow it to be lost. If the Comptroller says the border is gone, we must act as a committee. That is why we are here,” Fagae stated.

The Sokoto/Zamfara command also reported pressures related to the withdrawal of permits for the passage of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Refinery in the Lekki Free Trade Zone into Niger Republic, a decision made by the National Security Adviser’s office.

With high demand for PMS in Niger, smuggling activities of the product have reportedly increased.

Overall, commands within Zone B generated about ₦96.042 billion in revenue in the first half of 2025, with the Niger/Kogi command recording zero revenue during this period.

Daily Watch Nigeria.