Apapa Customs Generates ₦302.95bn Revenue in October

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, generated ₦302.95bn in revenue in October 2026, an increase of ₦20.16bn over the ₦282.79bn recorded in September.

The October collection represented a 7.13 per cent month-on-month increase and marked another monthly revenue performance above the ₦300bn threshold, following the command’s record collection of more than ₦323bn in July.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, disclosed the figures in a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman.

Mu’azu, who assumed duty on September 29, said the performance reflected efforts to strengthen revenue generation, improve operational efficiency and facilitate legitimate trade.

He explained that his administration had prioritised stakeholder engagement and service delivery in line with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.

As part of the initiative, the command held a stakeholder engagement meeting on October 5, bringing together importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to discuss challenges affecting port operations.

The discussions addressed delays in issuing Demand Notices, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other operational concerns confronting port users.

Mu’azu also embarked on courtesy visits to strategic partners within the port community to strengthen institutional relationships and improve cooperation.

On efforts to reduce administrative delays, he said the command was reviewing and streamlining the processing of Transire to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, improve coordination among departments and reduce processing time without compromising regulatory requirements.

He stressed that traders should not suffer the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses, urging officers to identify operational challenges and adopt practical solutions.

The controller further directed officers to conduct cargo examinations strictly in accordance with established procedures, required documentation and authorisations.

He warned against unnecessary and repetitive inspections capable of frustrating legitimate business transactions and prolonging cargo clearance.

Meanwhile, the command disclosed that its enforcement operations led to the interception of 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing a combined 392.5 kilogrammes in two containers.

The consignments comprised 162 sachets weighing 125 kilogrammes in one container and 275 sachets weighing 267.5 kilogrammes in another. Their combined Duty Paid Value was estimated at ₦196.13m.

The seizures were made during joint examinations with relevant security agencies, reinforcing efforts to prevent the use of the nation's maritime gateway for illicit trade.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining revenue growth, strengthening enforcement and improving port operations through closer collaboration with stakeholders.