Apapa Customs: Reports N303bn Revenue for October, Surpassing N300bn

• The Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Area Command generated N302.95 billion in revenue during October 2026.
• This October collection represents a 7.13% increase over the N282.79 billion recorded in September.
• Comptroller Murtala Mu'azu assumed leadership of the command on September 29, 2026, and prioritized operational efficiency.
• A stakeholder meeting on October 5 addressed cargo clearance bottlenecks and other operational challenges at Apapa port.
• Customs officers intercepted 392.5 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, valued at N196.13 million, in two containers.

The command has attributed this strong performance to its concerted efforts aimed at enhancing revenue generation while simultaneously promoting legitimate trade activities within its jurisdiction.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command reported a significant revenue collection of N302.95 billion during October 2026, marking a robust financial performance for the month. This figure represents a 7.13 percent increase when compared to the N282.79 billion collected in September of the same year, demonstrating a month-on-month growth of N20.16 billion. This achievement places October's collection as the second instance where the command has surpassed the N300 billion threshold since July, which saw a historic collection exceeding N323 billion.

This impressive financial outcome occurred shortly after Comptroller Murtala Mu'azu assumed leadership as the Customs Area Controller for the command on September 29, 2026. The command has attributed this strong performance to its concerted efforts aimed at enhancing revenue generation while simultaneously promoting legitimate trade activities within its jurisdiction. The focus on both fiscal responsibility and trade facilitation underscores a strategic approach to customs operations.

Comptroller Mu'azu, since taking office, has articulated a clear set of priorities for the Apapa Command, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency, and improved service delivery. These directives are in direct alignment with the broader policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, which centers on Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation. This strategic alignment aims to foster a more responsive and effective customs environment.

In a proactive move to address operational challenges, the command hosted a critical stakeholder engagement meeting on October 5. This gathering brought together a diverse group of participants, including importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, and terminal operators. Key issues discussed during this forum included persistent delays in the issuance of demand notices, various cargo clearance bottlenecks, and other operational hurdles that businesses frequently encounter at the Apapa port. Furthermore, the command has intensified its efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire documents, aiming to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles, enhance coordination between departments, and ultimately reduce processing times for traders. This initiative is designed to ensure that businesses are not subjected to avoidable delays stemming from administrative inefficiencies.

Beyond its revenue generation and trade facilitation initiatives, the Apapa Customs Command also maintained a vigilant stance against illicit trade during the period. Officers successfully intercepted a substantial quantity of illegal substances, specifically 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, which collectively weighed 392.5 kilograms. These illicit consignments were discovered across two separate containers, with one holding 125 kilograms and the other containing 267.5 kilograms.

The combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seized narcotics amounted to N196.13 million. These interceptions are a crucial component of the command's broader strategy to prevent the nation's maritime gateways from being exploited for illegal activities and to uphold national security. Such actions highlight the ongoing commitment to ensuring compliance and deterring criminal enterprises within the supply chain.

Lawyers advising clients on import/export and customs compliance should note the Apapa Customs Command's efforts to streamline processes and address clearance bottlenecks, which could impact trade efficiency. The continued interception of illicit goods also underscores ongoing compliance risks for supply chain operations.

Source: Original reporting via Daily Trust.