Apapa Customs Generates N2.93 trillion in Revenue In 2025

The Nigeria Customs Service’s Apapa Area Command reported total revenue of N2.93 trillion in 2025, marking an increase of N573.2 billion, or 24.3 per cent, compared to N2.35 trillion collected in 2024.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, confirmed the figures in a statement released on Wednesday.

“The command recorded a total of N2.93 trillion in revenue in 2025, an increase of N573.2 billion over the previous year, reflecting a 24.32 per cent growth. This performance reinforces Apapa Command’s position as Nigeria’s top revenue-generating hub,” the statement said.

Customs Area Controller Emmanuel Oshoba credited the achievement to strong leadership, disciplined personnel, and strategic deployment of technology under the guidance of Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. He also acknowledged the contribution of compliant stakeholders whose lawful trading practices significantly supported revenue growth.

“A key factor in this success was the implementation of the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu, which improved transparency, efficiency, and accountability in cargo clearance. Regular performance reviews and timely revenue recovery also strengthened collections,” Oshoba explained.

He added that trade facilitation was enhanced through intensified stakeholder engagement, the rollout of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, and expansion of the One-Stop Shop initiative, which ensured faster processing and release of compliant cargo. Efforts are also ongoing to deploy the FS6000 cargo scanning system, a non-intrusive technology capable of scanning up to 200 containers per hour.

Oshoba highlighted enforcement achievements, including the interception of 53 containers carrying illicit drugs and prohibited items, such as cocaine, Canadian loud, tramadol, and expired pharmaceuticals, with a duty-paid value of N12.6 billion. Some seizures were handed over to relevant agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, for further investigation and prosecution.

Looking ahead, Oshoba expressed confidence that the command would reach higher revenue milestones in 2026, driven by deeper implementation of B’Odogwu, AEO, and OSS, enhanced intelligence-led enforcement, and stronger collaboration with other agencies. He also promised continued engagement with terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators, and the media to ensure transparent and efficient trade operations.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service’s Seme Area Command reported revenue of N15.5 billion from January to December 2025, a 117 per cent increase over the N7.1 billion collected in 2024.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Tunde Ayagbalo, noted that the year marked unprecedented revenue performance, with December 2025 alone generating a record N3.6 billion—the highest monthly collection in the command’s history.

Ayagbalo attributed the growth to the effective rollout of the One-Stop Shop initiative, which improved coordination and trade facilitation, and robust anti-smuggling operations. In December, the command intercepted 685 parcels of cannabis sativa, 495 packs of tramadol, and 2,000 packs of high-dosage sexual enhancement drugs, through intelligence-led operations, risk profiling, enhanced patrols, and inter-agency collaboration.

The Customs Area Controller of Seme Command, Wale Adenuga, praised the reduction of checkpoints along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor to just the two locations approved by the Federal Government, a move that eased legitimate trade, reduced delays, and contributed to the command’s revenue growth. He also issued a stern warning to smugglers, stating that the Seme borders are no longer safe for illegal activities.

“With advanced intelligence, technology, and constant vigilance, our officers will continue to intercept and prosecute offenders,” Adenuga affirmed.