Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has recorded a historic breakthrough with a total revenue collection of ₦2.93 trillion in 2025, the highest ever generated by any Customs Command in Nigeria’s history.
The Command posted ₦2,930,508,827,110.32, marking an impressive revenue leap of ₦573.29 billion over the ₦2.35 trillion collected in 2024. This represents a solid 24.32% growth, firmly positioning Apapa as Nigeria’s premier revenue engine.
Speaking on the achievement, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, described the result as “a clear testament to the power of purposeful reforms, disciplined execution, and the commitment of officers and stakeholders to national economic growth.”
“This performance did not happen by accident, It is the outcome of effective leadership from the Comptroller-General, disciplined manpower, and the smart application of technology. Our stakeholders also deserve commendation for embracing compliance, which made our processes faster and more transparent,” Oshoba said.
A major driver of the Command’s success was the expanded use of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) widely known as B’Odogwu which significantly boosted transparency, efficiency, and accountability in cargo clearance.
“B’Odogwu changed the game for Apapa,
It eliminated delays, plugged leakages, and created a predictable system that supported both revenue and trade facilitation,” Oshoba stated.
The Command also leveraged regular performance reviews and swift revenue recovery measures to ensure consistency throughout the year.
In its trade facilitation push, Apapa intensified sensitisation on the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and broadened the One-Stop Shop (OSS) mechanism, ensuring faster release of compliant cargo.
Preparations are at an advanced stage for the deployment of the FS6000 non-intrusive cargo scanner, capable of scanning up to 200 containers per hour, further positioning Apapa for enhanced cargo processing.
On enforcement, the Command recorded major breakthroughs with the interception of 53 containers laden with illicit drugs and prohibited goods, including cocaine, Canadian Loud, tramadol, and expired pharmaceuticals valued at ₦12.63 billion in Duty Paid Value.
“Our enforcement officers were resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising. These seizures prevented dangerous substances from entering our communities and reaffirmed our zero-tolerance stance on smuggling,” Oshoba noted.
He added that several of the intercepted consignments were handed over to relevant agencies such as NDLEA and NAFDAC for detailed investigation and possible prosecution.
Looking ahead, Comptroller Oshoba expressed strong optimism for 2026.
“We are confident that 2026 will surpass 2025. With deeper implementation of B’Odogwu, AEO, and the One-Stop Shop, alongside strengthened intelligence-led enforcement and wider inter-agency collaboration, Apapa will continue to break new grounds,” he said.
He assured port stakeholders of improved engagement and collaboration in the new year.
“Our doors remain open. We will work more closely with terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed agents, freight forwarders, and the media to ensure transparency, compliance, and seamless trade at Nigeria’s busiest port,” the Comptroller affirmed.