Apapa Customs Generates Record N304 Billion Revenue in October 2025

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a landmark revenue of ₦304 billion in October 2025 — the highest monthly collection in the command’s history. The record-breaking performance underscores the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in trade facilitation, automation, and anti-smuggling operations aimed at improving Nigeria’s non-oil revenue base.

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Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, disclosed the figure in Lagos on Monday, commending officers and stakeholders for their commitment to efficient cargo clearance and compliance with customs procedures. According to him, the ₦304 billion revenue represents a significant leap from the ₦220 billion collected in the same period in 2024 — a 38 percent increase year-on-year.

Digital Reforms Drive Revenue Growth

Jaiyeoba attributed the feat to the deployment of modern technology, tighter enforcement measures, and collaboration with key stakeholders within the maritime sector. He said the command’s full integration into the Nigeria Customs Service Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) had streamlined cargo processing and eliminated loopholes that previously encouraged under-declaration and revenue leakages.

“We have focused on data-driven enforcement and continuous monitoring of high-risk cargoes through our risk management systems. Automation and transparency have improved compliance, and this has directly impacted our revenue generation,” the controller explained.

The Apapa port, Nigeria’s busiest seaport, handles more than 60 percent of the nation’s seaborne trade. It remains a key driver of the Customs Service’s revenue performance, contributing nearly a third of the NCS’s monthly collections nationwide.

Improved Compliance and Stakeholder Collaboration

The Comptroller further noted that increased compliance among importers and clearing agents played a crucial role in achieving the record revenue. He praised freight forwarders and terminal operators for aligning with the Customs’ digital transformation drive, stressing that seamless cargo clearance now depends on accuracy of declarations and adherence to valuation principles.

“Our officers and stakeholders now understand that integrity is key to sustainable trade. The days of cutting corners are fading because the system now leaves a clear digital footprint of every transaction,” Jaiyeoba added.

He reiterated that the command will continue to uphold the principles of transparency, trade facilitation, and national security, emphasizing that efficient revenue collection must go hand-in-hand with protecting Nigeria’s borders against illicit trade.

Anti-Smuggling and Enforcement Successes

In addition to its revenue performance, the Apapa Command recorded several interceptions of contraband goods during the month under review. Among the seizures were imported rice concealed in containers, prohibited pharmaceuticals, and used clothing falsely declared as spare parts. The duty-paid value of these seizures was estimated at ₦2.1 billion.

According to the Comptroller, the success of the enforcement unit demonstrates that the command’s intelligence-driven approach is working effectively. He assured that Customs will continue to strengthen its collaboration with sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, and NPA security, to ensure ports are not used for criminal activities.

Trade Facilitation and the Economy

Experts have described Apapa’s October performance as a major boost for Nigeria’s fiscal outlook, especially at a time when the Federal Government is focusing on non-oil revenue to fund infrastructure and social projects. The ₦304 billion collected by the command in a single month represents nearly 10 percent of the Customs Service’s annual revenue target of ₦3.5 trillion for 2025.

Maritime analyst, Mr. Bolaji Adebayo, noted that the Apapa record “proves that Customs modernisation is yielding tangible results,” adding that efficient port operations are vital for improving Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business index.

“When Customs automates its operations and reduces physical contact, revenue rises and corruption drops. This is what we are witnessing now at Apapa,” Adebayo said.

The improved performance also reflects the impact of government policies promoting the use of scanners, digital manifests, and pre-arrival assessment reports (PAAR). These tools have significantly reduced delays in cargo clearance, thereby encouraging traders to route more shipments through Nigerian ports rather than neighbouring countries.

Commitment to Sustaining Momentum

Comptroller Jaiyeoba assured that the Apapa Command will not relent in its efforts to exceed future revenue targets. He called on all port users to maintain compliance with trade regulations and warned against any attempt to undermine Customs processes.

“This milestone is not the end but a motivation to achieve even greater efficiency. Every stakeholder must play their part so that Nigeria’s ports become globally competitive and revenue keeps growing,” he said.

He further thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and strategic guidance in repositioning the Service for greater effectiveness through capacity building, technology adoption, and inter-agency collaboration.