The Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has set a new revenue benchmark, generating ₦1.57 trillion in 2025 to record the highest collections in the Command’s history and surpass its annual target.
The milestone was announced amid applause at a briefing attended by Customs officers and journalists, where the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, presented the Command’s performance scorecard for the year.
Assigned a revenue target of ₦1.524 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, the Command exceeded expectations by ₦51.8 billion, a significant leap from the ₦1.13 trillion collected in 2024.
Describing the feat as the outcome of deliberate and well-coordinated reforms, Comptroller Onyeka attributed the success to improved processes, operational discipline and collective commitment across the Command.
The CAC anchored his strategy on three key pillars: sustained stakeholder engagement, aggressive blocking of revenue leakages and efficient deployment of manpower and technology. Officers noted that his leadership emphasised process-driven operations and strict compliance with Customs procedures, reinforcing accountability across all units.
Bulk cargo, general merchandise and used vehicle imports emerged as the strongest revenue drivers, supported by rigorous cargo examinations and compliance checks that ensured full capture of government revenue.
A major reform involved the streamlining of multiple alerts within the clearance system. By eliminating unnecessary notifications that previously slowed operations, the Command achieved faster cargo turnaround times and boosted stakeholder confidence.
Beyond revenue, the Command recorded notable enforcement successes.
In March 2025, officers intercepted two containers carrying more than one metric tonne of illicit drugs, including cannabis indica and crystal methamphetamine, with an estimated value exceeding ₦8 billion.
In another operation, a 40-foot container falsely declared as used vehicles was found to contain pistols, live ammunition and handcuffs valued at over ₦2 billion, which were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).
Further seizures were made in October when two 20-foot containers from Canada, also falsely declared, were intercepted. The containers yielded methamphetamine, Canadian loud and hashish oil valued at approximately ₦5.3 billion, underscoring the Command’s firm stance on trade compliance and border security.
Comptroller Onyeka commended the dedication of officers and the cooperation of compliant stakeholders, noting that operations often extended late into the night to clear backlogs and address traders’ concerns promptly.
He added that efficiency gains were evident, with cargo now moving from vessel to exit within two days or less, restoring confidence among traders and attracting increased business activity to the port.
Looking ahead, Onyeka disclosed that the National Single Window project, expected to commence early next year, will further simplify documentation, enhance transparency and improve ease of doing business at the port.
The ₦1.57 trillion revenue milestone, he said, stands as a testament to the impact of disciplined processes, reform-driven leadership and strong collaboration between Customs and stakeholders at Nigeria’s busiest seaports.
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