The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, generated ₦302.95 billion in revenue in October 2026, recording a 7.13 per cent increase compared with the previous month’s collection.
The October figure represents an additional ₦20.16 billion over the ₦282.79 billion generated in September, marking another monthly performance above the ₦300 billion threshold at one of Nigeria’s busiest maritime gateways.
The development was announced by the command as it outlined efforts to improve revenue collection, reduce cargo clearance delays and strengthen enforcement against illegal trade.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, who assumed leadership of the Apapa Command on September 29, attributed the performance to efforts aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening relationships with businesses operating within the port.
The October collection also follows the command’s record revenue performance of more than ₦323 billion in July 2026.
Customs Intensifies Efforts to Improve Port Operations
Since taking over the command, Mu’azu has prioritised engagement with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators.
A stakeholder meeting held on October 5 provided an opportunity for port users to raise concerns about administrative delays, cargo clearance difficulties and other operational challenges affecting their businesses.
The command said the engagement was part of a wider effort to improve communication between customs officials and private-sector operators.
Mu’azu also embarked on visits to important stakeholders and strategic partners within the port community to strengthen cooperation and address issues affecting the movement of goods.
The controller said customs operations should support legitimate commercial activities rather than create unnecessary obstacles for businesses.
He maintained that traders should not bear the consequences of avoidable administrative failures, adding that operational problems must be identified and addressed to improve service delivery.
New Measures Target Cargo Clearance Delays
One of the command’s priorities is the review and streamlining of Transire processing, an administrative procedure associated with the movement of goods under customs control.
According to the command, the review is intended to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, improve coordination between departments and shorten processing times.
The objective is to make cargo movement more efficient while ensuring that necessary customs controls remain in place.
Mu’azu also directed officers to conduct cargo examinations strictly in accordance with established procedures, supporting documentation and the required authorisations.
He warned against unnecessary or repeated inspections that could delay legitimate shipments and increase the cost of doing business at the port.
The controller stressed that customs officers must perform their duties promptly and professionally, while maintaining compliance with the law and protecting government revenue.
The measures are expected to improve cargo turnaround times and create a more predictable operating environment for businesses that depend on Apapa Port.
The command said its directives would be implemented in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Apapa Customs Intercepts 392.5kg of Cannabis
Alongside its revenue collection efforts, the Apapa Area Command reported a major interception involving cannabis consignments discovered in two containers.
Customs officers seized 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa with a combined weight of 392.5 kilogrammes during joint examinations conducted with relevant government agencies.
The first container contained 162 sachets weighing 125 kilogrammes, while the second held 275 sachets weighing 267.5 kilogrammes.
The combined Duty Paid Value of the seized consignments was estimated at ₦196.13 million.
The command said the operation demonstrated its determination to prevent criminal networks from using Nigeria’s maritime facilities to move prohibited goods.
It also highlighted the importance of cooperation between customs officers and other enforcement agencies in identifying suspicious cargo and intercepting illegal consignments.
The seizure forms part of the command’s wider enforcement responsibilities, which include protecting public health, preventing smuggling and ensuring that imported goods comply with Nigerian laws.
Customs Warns Traders Against Illicit Activities
The latest warning from the Apapa Command comes as the agency seeks to balance trade facilitation with stricter enforcement.
While customs authorities are working to reduce delays affecting legitimate traders, Mu’azu made clear that operational improvements would not mean relaxing controls against prohibited goods or other violations.
The command intends to maintain close coordination with port operators and relevant government agencies to strengthen inspections and improve the monitoring of cargo movement.
The warning also sends a message to importers and shipping companies that compliance with customs requirements remains essential to conducting business through the country’s maritime gateways.
Apapa Port plays a major role in Nigeria’s international trade, making the efficiency and security of its operations important to importers, exporters, manufacturers and the wider economy.
Revenue Growth and Trade Facilitation Remain Key Priorities
The October revenue performance places the Apapa Command above the ₦300 billion mark again, following its September collection of ₦282.79 billion.
However, the command’s latest strategy extends beyond increasing government revenue. It is also focused on improving the experience of businesses that rely on the port to import raw materials, distribute products and export goods.
Reducing unnecessary administrative procedures could help limit delays and the additional expenses associated with cargo remaining at the port for extended periods.
At the same time, effective enforcement remains necessary to prevent illegal trade and protect national security.
The Apapa Command said it would continue strengthening stakeholder partnerships, improving internal processes and pursuing revenue collection while supporting legitimate commercial activities.
For Nigeria’s trading community, the success of these measures will depend on whether the promised administrative improvements translate into faster cargo clearance, fewer unnecessary inspections and more efficient port operations.
