Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a revenue of N302 billion from trade at the Apapa port in October, representing a month-on-month growth of approximately 7.13 per cent.
This figure represented an increase of N20.16 billion over the N282.79 billion recorded in September 2026, reflecting the NCS’ continued drive to strengthen revenue generation while facilitating legitimate trade at the Apapa port.
The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Murtala Mu’azu, told journalists yesterday that the October collection marked another significant revenue performance above the N300 billion threshold, following the Command’s record-breaking collection of over N323 billion in July 2026.
As part of measures to improve operational efficiency, the Command has intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire.
Mu’azu said the initiative is aimed at eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving inter-departmental coordination and reducing processing time, while retaining the necessary compliance and control measures.
He said this initiative seeks to ensure that the various offices involved discharge their responsibilities more efficiently, while maintaining the necessary compliance and control measures.
He added that the initiative is also driven by the command’s 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 stated.
In furtherance of this commitment, Mu’azu has directed that cargo examinations must be conducted strictly in accordance with extant procedures and the requisite documentation and authorisation.
He also emphasised that examinations must not become a source of avoidable delays and has cautioned officers against unwarranted, repetitive or unnecessary checks capable of frustrating legitimate business transactions.
Officers have also been charged to discharge their responsibilities promptly and professionally, without compromising compliance, revenue protection or national security.
The Controller said these directives are intended to ease cargo clearance, improve turnaround time, promote a more predictable trading environment, while adhering strictly to the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.
He said the Command is also strengthening coordination among relevant departments and port stakeholders to address operational bottlenecks affecting cargo movement.
According to him, these engagements are part of the deliberate efforts to build bridges, strengthen institutional relationships, promote mutual understanding and foster the collaboration required to create a more conducive business environment for traders and other port users.
In the area of enforcement, the controller said officers of the Command intercepted a total of 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing 392.5 kilogrammes in two separate containers with the numbers MSKU0486747 and TEMU6149358 during the period under review.
He said the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized narcotics stands at N196.13 million, noting that 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.
