By Sandra Chukwunyere
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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Port Command, has achieved a remarkable milestone, collecting a record revenue of ₦2,930,508,827,110.32 in 2025. This represents a significant 24.32% increase from ₦2,357,213,560,539.22 in 2024, solidifying the Command’s position as Nigeria’s leading revenue hub.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller, attributes the success to effective leadership, disciplined manpower, and strategic technology deployment under Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. He commended compliant stakeholders for their contributions to revenue growth, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving this milestone.
The Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, played a crucial role in enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in cargo clearance processes. Regular performance reviews and timely revenue recovery measures further strengthened collections, demonstrating the Command’s commitment to optimizing revenue streams.
The Command intensified stakeholder sensitization following the rollout of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme and expanded the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative. These efforts ensured faster processing and release of compliant cargoes, promoting a seamless trade experience for stakeholders.
Efforts are underway to deploy the FS6000 cargo scanning system, a non-intrusive technology capable of scanning up to 200 containers per hour. This will further enhance the Command’s efficiency and security, reducing the risk of illicit goods entering the country.
The Command recorded significant enforcement successes, intercepting 53 containers laden with illicit drugs and prohibited items, including cocaine, Canadian Loud, tramadol, and expired pharmaceuticals with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦12,632,239,303.00. These efforts demonstrate the Command’s commitment to protecting the nation’s borders and preventing the smuggling of prohibited goods.
Comptroller Oshoba expressed optimism that the Command would achieve greater revenue milestones in 2026, driven by deeper implementation of B’Odogwu, AEO, and OSS, stronger intelligence-led enforcement, and expanded collaboration with sister agencies. The Command is committed to promoting transparency, compliance, and seamless trade at the nation’s busiest port.
The Command plans to enhance engagement with stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping companies, and the media. This will ensure that stakeholders are informed and involved in the Command’s efforts to promote transparency and compliance, fostering a collaborative environment that supports the growth of trade and revenue.
