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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, generated N302.95 billion in October 2026, representing a 7.13 per cent increase over the N282.79 billion collected in September, as newly appointed Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, intensifies reforms to improve port efficiency and facilitate legitimate trade.
The October collection represents an additional N20.16 billion month-on-month and marks another revenue performance above the N300 billion threshold, following the Command’s record collection of over N323 billion in July.
Mu’azu, who assumed duty on September 29, has prioritised operational efficiency, stakeholder engagement and improved service delivery in line with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
At a stakeholder engagement meeting on October 5, the CAC brought together importers, exporters, licensed Customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to address cargo clearance bottlenecks, Demand Notice delays and other operational challenges affecting port users.
The Command has also embarked on courtesy visits to strategic partners and key stakeholders within the port community to strengthen institutional relationships and improve the business environment.
As part of efforts to reduce administrative delays, the Command is reviewing and streamlining the processing of Transire, a move aimed at eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving interdepartmental coordination and reducing processing time without compromising compliance.
Mu’azu said traders should not suffer the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses, stressing the need to identify operational challenges and implement practical solutions that promote seamless business operations.
He has also directed officers to conduct cargo examinations strictly in accordance with established procedures, documentation and authorisation requirements.
The CAC cautioned against unwarranted, repetitive and unnecessary checks capable of frustrating legitimate transactions, while charging officers to discharge their duties promptly and professionally.
The directives are designed to improve cargo turnaround time, enhance predictability for businesses and ensure compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, while safeguarding revenue and national security.
Despite its trade facilitation drive, the Command has maintained its enforcement focus, intercepting 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing 392.5 kilogrammes in two containers during the period under review.
The seizures comprised 162 sachets weighing 125 kilogrammes in container MSKU0486747 and 275 sachets weighing 267.5 kilogrammes in container TEMU6149358.
The combined duty-paid value of the seized narcotics was put at N196.13 million.
The consignments were jointly examined with relevant sister agencies, reinforcing the Command’s commitment to preventing the use of Nigeria’s maritime gateway for illicit trade and protecting public health and national security.
The Apapa Area Command said it would continue to balance revenue generation and enforcement with stronger stakeholder partnerships and efficient port operations to support legitimate trade and economic growth.
