…Records ₦302.95bn in October, warns against cargo clearance delays, illicit trade

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

The October revenue of ₦302,952,570,769.24 represents a month-on-month growth of approximately 7.13 per cent, marking another significant performance above the ₦300 billion threshold.

The latest achievement comes barely a month after the assumption of office of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, who took over the leadership of the Command on September 29, 2026.

The Command had earlier recorded an impressive collection of over ₦323 billion in July 2026, further underscoring its position as a major revenue-generating hub for the Nigeria Customs Service.

However, beyond the impressive revenue figures, Comptroller Mu’azu has begun introducing operational reforms, strengthening stakeholder relationships and pursuing improved service delivery to facilitate legitimate trade.

Since assuming office, the Customs Area Controller has prioritised stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency and improved service delivery in alignment with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, fnipr, dsm, psc(+), which is anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.

A major demonstration of this commitment was the stakeholder engagement meeting held on October 5, 2026, which brought together importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to discuss operational challenges affecting port activities.

Issues raised included delays in Demand Notice processing, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other concerns affecting the smooth operations of port users.

Beyond the meeting, Comptroller Mu’azu has also embarked on courtesy visits to key stakeholders and strategic partners within the port community as part of efforts to strengthen institutional relationships, promote mutual understanding and build the partnerships necessary for a more efficient business environment.

In another significant move, the Apapa Area Command has intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire, with the objective of eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving inter-departmental coordination and reducing processing time.

Speaking on the initiative, Comptroller Mu’azu said the Command was determined to ensure that administrative procedures did not become unnecessary obstacles to legitimate trade.

“Under my leadership, the Command has intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire, with a view to eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving inter-departmental coordination and reducing processing time.

“This initiative seeks to ensure that the various offices involved discharge their responsibilities more efficiently, while maintaining the necessary compliance and control measures,” he stated.

He further stressed that traders should not be made to suffer the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses or delays, adding that the Command would continue to identify operational challenges and implement practical solutions to improve service delivery.

In a related development, the Customs Area Controller has directed that cargo examinations must strictly comply with extant procedures, requisite documentation and appropriate authorisation.

He warned officers against unwarranted, repetitive and unnecessary examinations capable of frustrating legitimate business transactions and causing avoidable delays in cargo clearance.

According to him, officers must discharge their responsibilities promptly and professionally without compromising regulatory compliance, revenue protection or national security.

The directives are aimed at improving cargo clearance processes, reducing turnaround time and creating a more predictable trading environment in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Meanwhile, the Command has sustained its enforcement drive against illicit trade, recording significant seizures of Cannabis Sativa during the period under review.

According to the Command, officers intercepted a total of 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing 392.5 kilogrammes in two separate containers.

The seizures comprised 162 sachets weighing 125 kilogrammes in container number MSKU0486747 and 275 sachets weighing 267.5 kilogrammes in container number TEMU6149358.

The combined Duty Paid Value of the seized narcotics was put at ₦196,131,606.82.

The consignments were jointly examined with relevant sister agencies, demonstrating the Command’s commitment to preventing the exploitation of Nigeria’s maritime gateways for illicit activities.

The operation also underscores the Service’s determination to protect public health, safeguard national security and strengthen inter-agency collaboration in the fight against smuggling and other forms of illegal trade.

The Apapa Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining revenue growth, strengthening enforcement operations and deepening stakeholder partnerships to improve the overall efficiency of port activities.

Under Comptroller Mu’azu’s leadership, the Command said it would continue to pursue a balanced approach that protects government revenue and national security while creating an enabling environment for legitimate trade, business growth and national economic development.

Isah Sulaiman
Chief Superintendent of Customs
Customs Public Relations Officer
Apapa Area Command
For: Customs Area Controller

November 5, 2026

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