The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a remarkable revenue collection of N2.93 trillion for the year 2025 from its operations at the Apapa Port in Lagos. This figure represents a significant surge compared to the previous year's earnings.
Record-Breaking Revenue and Growth Drivers
According to a statement released by the Command's Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, Emmanuel Oshoba, the 2025 revenue marks a 24.32 per cent growth. This translates to an increase of N573.2 billion over the N2.35 trillion collected in 2024.
Controller Oshoba attributed this outstanding performance to several key factors. He highlighted the strategic deployment of technology, effective leadership, and a disciplined workforce as the primary pillars of success. A major technological breakthrough was the full implementation of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), nicknamed 'B’Odogwu'. This system has revolutionized operations by enhancing transparency, speeding up efficiency, and ensuring greater accountability in cargo clearance processes.
"Regular performance reviews and timely revenue recovery measures further strengthened collections," Oshoba added. He also extended commendations to compliant stakeholders in the trading community, whose lawful business practices contributed immensely to the revenue upswing.
Enhanced Trade Facilitation and Enforcement Successes
Beyond revenue generation, the Apapa Command intensified efforts to simplify legitimate trade. Following the introduction of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, the command ramped up stakeholder sensitization. It also expanded the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative, which is designed to ensure faster processing and release of compliant cargoes.
Looking to the future, Oshoba revealed that plans are at an advanced stage to deploy the FS6000 cargo scanning system. This non-intrusive inspection technology boasts the capability to scan up to 200 containers per hour, promising to further streamline port operations.
The year 2025 was not just about revenue for the Apapa Command; it also recorded significant enforcement victories. The command successfully intercepted 53 containers carrying illicit drugs and prohibited items. The seized contraband included:
- Cocaine
- Canadian Loud (a strain of cannabis)
- Tramadol
- Expired pharmaceuticals
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these intercepted items was a staggering N12.6 billion. Many of these seizures were handed over to relevant agencies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and prosecution.
Optimism for 2026 and Continued Collaboration
Expressing confidence in the future, Controller Emmanuel Oshoba projected that the Command is poised to achieve even greater revenue milestones in 2026. This optimism is driven by plans for deeper implementation of existing systems like B’Odogwu, the AEO programme, and the OSS. The command also intends to strengthen intelligence-led enforcement and expand collaboration with sister security and regulatory agencies.
Oshoba further assured all port users of the command's commitment to enhanced engagement. He promised continued dialogue with terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators, and the media. The overarching goal is to promote a culture of transparency, compliance, and seamless trade at Nigeria's busiest and most important port.
