Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has recorded a revenue collection of ₦302.95 billion in October 2026, representing a 7.13 per cent increase over the ₦282.79 billion generated in September.
The latest figure translates to an additional ₦20.16 billion in revenue and marks another month the Command has surpassed the ₦300 billion milestone, sustaining the strong revenue performance recorded in July when it generated a record-breaking sum of over ₦323 billion.
The October performance came barely a month after Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu assumed office as Customs Area Controller of the Command on September 29, 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, attributed the improved revenue performance to sustained efforts to boost revenue collection, enhance operational efficiency and facilitate legitimate trade.
According to the statement, Mu’azu has since his assumption of duty embarked on initiatives aimed at strengthening stakeholder relationships, addressing operational challenges and improving 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 initiatives, the Customs Area Controller convened a stakeholder engagement meeting on October 5, which brought together importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to deliberate on challenges affecting port operations.
Key issues raised at the meeting included delays in the issuance of Demand Notices, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other operational difficulties confronting port users.
Mu’azu has also undertaken courtesy visits to major stakeholders and strategic partners within the port community as part of efforts to strengthen institutional relationships, promote cooperation and create a more business-friendly environment.
On trade facilitation, the Command disclosed that it had intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire documents to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, improve inter-departmental coordination and reduce processing time without compromising regulatory requirements.
The CAC emphasised that traders should not bear the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses, urging officers to identify operational challenges and develop practical solutions that would enhance efficiency and facilitate legitimate business activities.
He also directed that cargo examinations must strictly adhere to established procedures and be backed by the necessary documentation and authorisations.
The Customs boss warned officers against unnecessary, repetitive and unwarranted cargo examinations capable of delaying legitimate transactions, stressing that all officers must discharge their responsibilities promptly, professionally and in accordance with laid-down procedures.
He explained that the directives were designed to improve cargo clearance processes and turnaround time while ensuring effective revenue collection, national security and compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Meanwhile, the Command disclosed that its officers intercepted 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing a total of 392.5 kilogrammes in two separate containers during the period under review.
The seized consignments comprised 162 sachets weighing 125 kilogrammes found in container number MSKU0486747 and another 275 sachets weighing 267.5 kilogrammes intercepted in container number TEMU6149358.
The illicit drugs have a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦196.13 million.
According to the statement, the seizures were made through joint examinations involving relevant sister agencies, demonstrating the Command’s commitment to preventing the use of Nigeria’s maritime gateways for the movement of prohibited goods.
The Command noted that the interception further underscored its resolve to strengthen border enforcement, safeguard public health and protect national security against the activities of criminal elements exploiting the nation’s ports.
Reaffirming its commitment to improved performance, the Apapa Area Command said it would sustain efforts to grow revenue, strengthen enforcement operations and deepen collaboration with stakeholders across the port value chain.
It added that under Mu’azu’s leadership, the Command would continue to pursue a balanced approach that guarantees effective revenue generation and national security while promoting an efficient operating environment for legitimate trade and economic growth.