The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reported a substantial rise in revenues last year, collecting ₦2.93 trillion in 2025, a 24.32 per cent increase compared with the ₦2.36 trillion recorded in 2024, officials said in a statement on Wednesday.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller at Apapa, disclosed the figures in Lagos through the command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, attributing the improved performance to several strategic reforms. “The increase reflects the impact of focused leadership, disciplined officers, strategic use of modern trade tools and improved compliance by importers,” Oshoba said.
Apapa Command has long been recognised as Nigeria’s foremost revenue‑generating customs formation, and the latest figures reinforce that position, with an additional ₦573.29 billion collected over the previous year.
Beyond revenue collection, the command also recorded significant enforcement successes, intercepting 53 containers laden with illicit drugs and prohibited items valued at ₦12.63 billion, including cocaine, tramadol and expired pharmaceuticals. “Several of the seizures were handed over to relevant agencies, including the NDLEA and NAFDAC, for further investigation and prosecution,” Oshoba added.
Officials also highlighted the role of technology in driving the surge. The deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) — popularly known as B’Odogwu — was credited with enhancing transparency, efficiency and accountability in cargo clearance, while initiatives such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and the One‑Stop Shop (OSS) framework helped accelerate the processing of compliant shipments.
Looking ahead, Oshoba outlined plans to introduce advanced scanning technology, including the FS6000 cargo scanning system, which is capable of inspecting up to 200 containers per hour, to further strengthen enforcement and facilitate trade. “We remain committed to improving our processes and strengthening collaboration to deliver even better outcomes in the coming year,” he said.
The strong performance at Apapa — Nigeria’s busiest port — is expected to bolster federal revenue and support broader efforts to modernise trade facilitation and customs operations across the country.
