The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recorded ₦2.93 trillion in revenue in 2025, representing a 24.32 per cent increase from the ₦2.36 trillion generated in 2024.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, announced the figures in Lagos through the command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman.
Oshoba attributed the revenue growth to focused leadership, disciplined personnel, strategic deployment of technology, and improved compliance by importers and other port users.
Beyond revenue collection, the command seized illicit consignments valued at ₦12.63 billion during the year. The seizures included cocaine, tramadol, Canadian Loud, and other prohibited and expired pharmaceutical products. Several of the seized items were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and prosecution.
The command also disclosed that a total of 53 containers carrying illicit drugs and prohibited items were intercepted in 2025.
According to Oshoba, the adoption of advanced systems such as the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, alongside initiatives like the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and One-Stop Shop (OSS) programmes, has significantly enhanced transparency, efficiency, and faster cargo clearance at the port.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that 2026 would yield even stronger results, citing plans to expand automation, strengthen enforcement, and deepen inter-agency collaboration. He also revealed plans to deploy the FS6000 cargo scanning system, a non-intrusive inspection technology capable of scanning up to 200 containers per hour.
Oshoba said the improved performance at Apapa reflected a broader trend of enhanced revenue generation across Nigeria’s ports, with positive implications for government finances and trade facilitation.
He commended importers, clearing agents, port operators, and other stakeholders for adhering to lawful trade practices, noting that their cooperation played a key role in boosting revenue collection.
The Apapa Customs boss reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained engagement with terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators, and the media to ensure transparency, compliance, and seamless trade operations.
“We remain committed to improving our processes and strengthening collaboration to deliver even better outcomes in the coming year,” Oshoba said.
