ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE IN BORDER MANAGEMENT GENERATION
Olusegun Olutayo Cyrus , Andrew E. Zamani, PhD and Usman David
Volume 5 Issue 2
Abstract
This study examines how socio-economic factors affect the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in border management and revenue collection. Despite reforms and technological advances, NCS faces ongoing challenges from internal institutional weaknesses and external socio-economic issues such as poverty, corruption, political interference, and poor infrastructure. These factors influence how border policies are applied and resisted in communities, impacting enforcement and national revenue. Using Institutional Theory and Coordinated Border Management, the research explores how socio-economic realities interact with institutional capacity to affect customs performance. The study surveyed 55 purposively selected customs officers, trade stakeholders, and officials from Nigerian agencies using structured questionnaires analyzed with descriptive statistics to evaluate perceptions of institutional effectiveness. Findings indicate poverty-related smuggling, corruption, logistical problems, and cultural ties significantly weaken NCS operations. Respondents identified shortages in manpower, training, infrastructure, and poor inter-agency coordination as critical issues needing reform. NCS effectiveness is closely linked to the broader socio-economic context of border regions. Institutional deficits, combined with socio economic deprivation, hinder border security and revenue generation. The study recommends creating an independent anti-corruption unit, upgrading infrastructure and technology, boosting community involvement and livelihood initiatives, unifying border management agencies, expanding digital customs systems, and reforming laws to enhance accountability. These integrated actions are vital for strengthening NCS capacity and securing Nigeria's borders. Keywords: Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Border Management, Socio-Economic Factor Smuggling and Corruption.
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