The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted 27 containers of prohibited and illegally imported items, valued at over N9.2 billion in duty-paid value, between January and June 2025.

The command also announced the sealing of three bonded terminals for various infractions uncovered during its uncompromising anti-smuggling operations. One of the terminals is currently undergoing prosecution in court, while investigations are ongoing concerning the remaining two.

The Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Dr Babatunde Olomu, disclosed this yesterday during the mid-year media briefing on the command’s performance in the first half of the year.

Providing a breakdown of the anti-smuggling operations, Olomu said nine containers were found to contain unregistered pharmaceuticals, used clothing, expired margarine, codeine syrup, wild animal skins, and stolen vehicles.

Other seizures included an additional 10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, two containers of codeine syrup, two containers of stolen vehicles, and four containers of second-hand clothing, among other contraband.

He stated that the seizures reflect ongoing efforts to prevent Nigerians from consuming unwholesome food and drugs, curb illicit trade, and protect local industries.

He also noted that a container of imported matches was detained for lacking the required End User Certificate, in accordance with existing regulations.

“All consignments passing through Apapa Port are subjected to rigorous screening via scanning and physical examination where necessary. We are fully committed to protecting our nation from harmful imports and illegal trade,” he stated.

Olomu condemned the importation of wild animal parts, stressing that such activities violate the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, to which Nigeria is a signatory.

On revenue generation, Olomu said the command collected N1.37 trillion, representing a 35 per cent increase over the N1.02 trillion generated during the same period in 2024 — a difference of N354 billion.

He further revealed that the command is in discussions with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and stakeholders from various associations to develop a standard operating procedure for transporting goods by rail from Apapa Port to other parts of the country.

“This effort to revive cargo movement by rail aims to decongest the port, reduce pressure on the Apapa roads, and provide a viable and cost-effective option for cargo movement to our importers, exporters, freight forwarding practitioners, haulage operators, and licensed customs agents,” he stated.