Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- Apapa Customs Command Achieves Historic Import Duty Revenue in 2025
- October Revenue Outpaces Previous Year’s Figures
- Leadership Commends Team and Highlights Future Prospects
- Innovative Scanning Technology to Enhance Efficiency
- Capacity Building and Strategic Focus Under New Leadership
- Collaborative Efforts to Accelerate Cargo Movement
- Outlook: Sustaining Momentum Through Industry Partnership
Apapa Customs Command Achieves Historic Import Duty Revenue in 2025
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Apapa Command has surpassed expectations by collecting an impressive ₦2.4 trillion in import duties from January through October 2025. Notably, October alone generated a record-breaking ₦304 billion, marking the highest monthly revenue ever recorded by any customs command within the NCS.
October Revenue Outpaces Previous Year’s Figures
According to Tunde Ayagbalo, the command’s spokesperson, the October 2025 revenue exceeded the ₦264 billion collected in the same month of 2024. With two months remaining in the fiscal year, Apapa Command has already outperformed its entire revenue intake from 2024, signaling robust growth in customs collections.
Leadership Commends Team and Highlights Future Prospects
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Customs Area Controller, lauded the dedication of officers and port stakeholders for reaching this milestone. He described the achievement as a foundation for even greater revenue performance moving forward. Oshoba emphasized that the command is well-equipped to manage increased trade volumes, which is expected to further boost government revenue.
Innovative Scanning Technology to Enhance Efficiency
In a bid to streamline operations, the command is preparing to implement a new drive-through scanning system capable of processing up to 150 containers per hour directly from the quayside. This advancement is touted as a game-changer for port efficiency, setting a new standard in West African maritime logistics.
Capacity Building and Strategic Focus Under New Leadership
Recently, the command conducted specialized training sessions for newly promoted Deputy and Assistant Comptrollers. This initiative aligns with the strategic vision of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, focusing on balancing trade facilitation with stringent revenue protection measures.
Key Measures to Optimize Revenue and Trade Flow
- Comprehensive utilization of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) platform to streamline customs procedures and reduce cargo dwell time at the port.
- Strict enforcement against revenue leakages, including rigorous issuance of Demand Notices (DNs) to recover unpaid duties and vigilant monitoring to prevent HS code misclassification aimed at evading taxes.
Collaborative Efforts to Accelerate Cargo Movement
Oshoba has actively engaged with truck drivers, freight forwarders, licensed clearing agents, and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to expedite cargo evacuation processes. He cautioned that delays in cargo exit hinder scanning and examination operations, ultimately affecting both revenue generation and trade efficiency.
Outlook: Sustaining Momentum Through Industry Partnership
“While significant progress has been made, there remains room for improvement,” Oshoba remarked, calling for ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders to build on the current successes and enhance the overall performance of the Apapa Command.
