FIRS, Customs Collect ₦6.41 Trillion in VAT Between January and September 2025

Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) jointly generated a record ₦6.41 trillion in Value Added Tax (VAT) during the first nine months of 2025, reflecting one of the country’s strongest revenue performances in recent years.

According to data shared by TheCable Index, the FIRS accounted for the majority of the collections, raking in ₦4.92 trillion, while the Customs Service contributed ₦1.49 trillion within the same period.

Breakdown of FIRS VAT Collections (₦4.92 trillion total):

• January – ₦564.61bn

• February – ₦499.77bn

• March – ₦492.58bn

• April – ₦464.50bn

• May – ₦565.33bn

• June – ₦524.87bn

• July – ₦528.62bn

• August – ₦575.85bn

• September – ₦698.93bn

Breakdown of Customs VAT Collections (₦1.49 trillion total):

• January – ₦207.27bn

• February – ₦154.69bn

• March – ₦145.04bn

• April – ₦177.76bn

• May – ₦177.49bn

• June – ₦153.29bn

• July – ₦159.32bn

• August – ₦146.77bn

• September – ₦173.70bn

The combined performance—₦6.41 trillion in just nine months—has sparked discussions about the factors driving the surge. Analysts are debating whether it reflects improved tax compliance, stronger economic activity, or simply the effects of inflation and exchange rate adjustments.

Observers are now urging the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) to ensure transparent and strategic use of the revenue. Top priority areas suggested include infrastructure development, education and healthcare investment, and support for local manufacturing to cushion citizens against rising living costs.

While some citizens view the figures as a sign of fiscal progress, others argue that increased collections have yet to translate into tangible improvements in daily life, citing continued inflation, unemployment, and debt accumulation by the federal government.