Apapa Customs Records ₦303bn Revenue in October, Intensifies Trade Facilitation Reforms
.As Mu’azu warns against cargo clearance delays, illicit trade
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, generated ₦302.95 billion in revenue in October 2026, representing an increase of ₦20.16 billion over the ₦282.79 billion recorded in September.
The October collection reflects a month-on-month growth of approximately 7.13 per cent and marks another significant revenue performance above the ₦300 billion threshold, following the Command’s record-breaking collection of over ₦323 billion in July 2026.
The performance underscores the Command’s continued commitment to strengthening revenue generation and facilitating legitimate trade under the leadership of the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, who assumed duty on September 29, 2026.
Since taking over, Comptroller Mu’azu has prioritised stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency and improved service delivery in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
This commitment was demonstrated at a stakeholder engagement meeting held on October 5, 2026, which brought together importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to address operational challenges, including delays in Demand Notices, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other concerns affecting port users.
The CAC has also embarked on courtesy visits to key stakeholders and strategic partners within the port community to strengthen institutional relationships, promote mutual understanding and foster collaboration towards creating a more conducive business environment.
As part of efforts to improve operational efficiency, the Command has intensified the review and streamlining of Transire processing to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improve inter-departmental coordination and reduce processing time while maintaining the necessary compliance and control measures.
Speaking on the initiative, Comptroller Mu’azu said the Command was committed to addressing operational inefficiencies that could subject traders to unnecessary delays and hardship.
“Traders should not suffer the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses or delays. We must identify challenges, address their root causes and adopt practical solutions that will promote seamless business operations, enhance service delivery and create a more efficient trading environment,” he said.
The CAC has also directed that cargo examinations be conducted strictly in accordance with established procedures, requisite documentation and authorisation.
He cautioned officers against unwarranted, repetitive or unnecessary checks capable of frustrating legitimate business transactions, stressing that examinations must not become a source of avoidable delays.
Officers have been charged to discharge their responsibilities promptly and professionally without compromising compliance, revenue protection or national security.
The directives are aimed at easing cargo clearance, improving turnaround time and promoting a predictable trading environment in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. The Command is also strengthening coordination among relevant departments and port stakeholders to address operational bottlenecks affecting cargo movement.
Meanwhile, the Command recorded a major enforcement success with the interception of 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing 392.5 kilogrammes in two separate containers during the period under review.
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 stands at ₦196.13 million. The consignments were jointly examined with relevant sister agencies, demonstrating the Command’s resolve to prevent the use of Nigeria’s maritime gateway for illicit trade and protect public health and national security.
The Apapa Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to consolidating revenue performance, strengthening enforcement and building stronger partnerships with stakeholders to improve port operations.
Under Comptroller Mu’azu’s leadership, the Command will continue to pursue a balanced approach that protects government revenue and national security while promoting legitimate trade and economic growth.
