Technology-driven reforms, stronger enforcement fuel historic performance at Nigeria’s busiest port
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded an unprecedented ₦2.93 trillion in revenue for the 2025 fiscal year, marking a 24.32 per cent increase over the ₦2.36 trillion generated in 2024.
The disclosure was made in Lagos by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, through the command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman.
Oshoba attributed the impressive performance to a combination of purpose-driven leadership, disciplined personnel, strategic deployment of technology, and improved compliance by importers and port users.
In addition to revenue growth, the command recorded major enforcement successes, seizing illicit consignments valued at ₦12.63 billion during the year. The seizures included cocaine, tramadol, Canadian Loud, and other prohibited and expired pharmaceutical products.
According to the controller, 53 containers carrying contraband items were intercepted at the port and subsequently handed over to relevant regulatory agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), for further investigation and prosecution.
Oshoba noted that the adoption of modern customs technologies and trade facilitation initiatives significantly enhanced operational efficiency at the port. These include the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as the B’Odogwu platform, alongside the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and One-Stop Shop (OSS) programmes.
He said the reforms improved transparency, reduced human interference, and accelerated cargo clearance processes, while strengthening compliance and revenue assurance.
Looking ahead, the Apapa Customs boss expressed confidence that 2026 would deliver even stronger results, revealing plans to expand automation and deploy advanced inspection technologies.
One of the key initiatives expected to be rolled out is the FS6000 cargo scanning system, a non-intrusive inspection solution capable of scanning up to 200 containers per hour. Oshoba said the system would boost enforcement capacity while significantly reducing delays at the port.
Beyond revenue and enforcement, Oshoba commended importers, clearing agents, terminal operators, and other port stakeholders for adhering to lawful trade practices, noting that their cooperation played a critical role in achieving the record performance.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained engagement with shipping companies, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators, terminal managers, and the media, as part of efforts to promote transparency and seamless trade operations at Apapa Port.
According to him, the strong showing at Apapa reflects a broader improvement in revenue generation across Nigeria’s ports, offering positive signals for government finances, trade facilitation, and economic growth.
“We remain committed to improving our processes, strengthening enforcement, and deepening collaboration with sister agencies and stakeholders to deliver even better outcomes in the coming year,” Oshoba said.
About the Author
