Customs Revenue Rises 7.13%, Intercepts 392.5kg Cannabis At Apapa Port

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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 recorded in September, while intercepting 392.5 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa valued at N196.13 million in two separate containers at Apapa Port.

The revenue collection represents an increase of N20.16 billion month-on-month and marks another performance above the N300 billion threshold, following the Command’s record-breaking collection of over N323 billion in July 2026.

The performance came during the first month of Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu as Customs Area Controller, having assumed duty on September 29, 2026.

Since assuming office, Mu’azu has prioritised revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency and improved service delivery in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.

As part of efforts to address operational challenges confronting port users, the new Area Controller convened a stakeholder engagement meeting on October 5, bringing together importers, exporters, licensed Customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators.

The meeting provided an avenue to address concerns bordering on delays in the issuance of Demand Notices, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other operational challenges affecting port users.

The CAC has also embarked on courtesy visits to key stakeholders and strategic partners within the port community to strengthen institutional relationships, promote mutual understanding and foster the collaboration required to improve the business environment at the port.

A major focus of his administration is the review and streamlining of Transire processing to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improve inter-departmental coordination and reduce processing time.

Speaking on the initiative, Mu’azu said the Command was determined to address operational inefficiencies and ensure that legitimate traders were not subjected to unnecessary delays arising from administrative lapses.

“Under my leadership, the Command has intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire, with a view to eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving inter-departmental coordination and reducing processing time. This initiative seeks to ensure that the various offices involved discharge their responsibilities more efficiently, while maintaining the necessary compliance and control measures.

“This initiative is also driven by my commitment to trade facilitation and the need to address operational inefficiencies that could subject traders to unnecessary delays and hardship. Traders should not suffer the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses or delays. We must identify challenges, address their root causes and adopt practical solutions that will promote seamless business operations, enhance service delivery and create a more efficient trading environment,” he said.

To further improve cargo clearance, the CAC has directed that cargo examinations must be conducted strictly in accordance with extant procedures, requisite documentation and appropriate authorisation.

He cautioned officers against unwarranted, repetitive and unnecessary examinations capable of frustrating legitimate business transactions, while charging them to discharge their responsibilities promptly and professionally without compromising compliance, revenue protection and national security.

The directives, according to the Command, are aimed at improving cargo turnaround time, ensuring predictability in port operations and promoting strict adherence to the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

Meanwhile, the Command recorded a major anti-smuggling breakthrough with the interception of 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing a combined 392.5 kilogrammes in two separate containers during the period under review.

The seizures comprised 162 sachets weighing 125 kilogrammes in container number MSKU0486747 and another 275 sachets weighing 267.5 kilogrammes in container number TEMU6149358.

The combined Duty Paid Value of the seized narcotics stood at N196,131,606.82.

The consignments were jointly examined with relevant sister agencies, underscoring the Command’s resolve to prevent the use of Nigeria’s maritime gateway for illicit trade and protect public health and national security.

The Apapa Area Command said it would sustain its revenue drive, strengthen enforcement and deepen partnerships with stakeholders to improve port operations.

It added that the administration would continue to pursue a balanced approach that protects government revenue and national security while creating an enabling environment for legitimate trade and economic growth.

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