The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a historic revenue generation of N2.93 trillion for the year 2025. This impressive figure represents a significant leap in the facilitation of imports and exports through Nigeria's busiest seaport.
Breaking Down the Record Revenue Milestone
Disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, Emmanuel Oshoba, the N2.93 trillion collection marks a substantial 24.32 per cent growth over the N2.35 trillion recorded in the preceding year, 2024. This translates to an increase of N573.2 billion.
In a statement signed by the Command's Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, Controller Oshoba attributed this outstanding performance to a combination of strategic factors. He highlighted the critical role of effective leadership, disciplined manpower, and most importantly, the strategic deployment of technology.
Technology and Initiatives Driving Efficiency
A cornerstone of this success was the full deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), popularly known as B'Odogwu. This system has revolutionized operations by enhancing transparency, speeding up processes, and ensuring greater accountability in cargo clearance.
Oshoba further detailed other key initiatives that bolstered revenue collection. The Command intensified stakeholder engagement following the rollout of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme. It also expanded the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative, which ensures faster processing and release for compliant traders.
Looking to the future, the Controller revealed that efforts are at an advanced stage to deploy the FS6000 cargo scanning system. This non-intrusive inspection technology is capable of scanning up to 200 containers per hour, promising even greater efficiency and security.
Regular performance reviews and timely revenue recovery measures were also cited as vital components that strengthened overall collections.
Enforcement Successes and Future Outlook
Beyond revenue generation, the Apapa Command recorded significant enforcement victories in 2025. The Command intercepted 53 containers laden with illicit drugs and prohibited items. The seized contraband included substances like cocaine, Canadian Loud, tramadol, and expired pharmaceuticals, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N12.6 billion.
These intercepted items were handed over to relevant agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and prosecution.
Expressing optimism for 2026, Controller Oshoba projected that the Command is poised to achieve even greater revenue milestones. This confidence is driven by plans for deeper implementation of the B'Odogwu system, the AEO programme, the OSS, stronger intelligence-led enforcement, and expanded collaboration with sister agencies.
He assured all port stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators, and the media, of enhanced engagement. The goal remains to promote transparency, compliance, and seamless trade at the Apapa Port.
