The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, generated ₦302.95 billion in October 2026, recording a 7.13 per cent increase over the ₦282.79 billion collected in September, as the new Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, intensifies efforts to strengthen revenue generation, improve trade facilitation and deepen stakeholder collaboration.
The October revenue of ₦302,952,570,769.24 represents an increase of ₦20.16 billion over the previous month’s collection of ₦282,791,140,247.40. The performance also marks another significant milestone above the ₦300 billion threshold, following the Command’s record-breaking collection of over ₦323 billion in July 2026.
The achievement comes barely a month after Comptroller Mu’azu assumed duty on September 29, 2026, signalling the Command’s continued commitment to revenue optimisation and efficient port operations.
Since taking over, Mu’azu has prioritised stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency and improved service delivery in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
This commitment was demonstrated during a stakeholder engagement meeting held on October 5, 2026, which brought together importers, exporters, licensed Customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to address operational challenges affecting port activities.
Key issues discussed included delays in Demand Notice processing, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other concerns affecting port users. The CAC has also embarked on courtesy visits to strategic partners and stakeholders within the port community to strengthen institutional relationships, encourage mutual understanding and promote a more business-friendly operating environment.
In a further move to improve trade facilitation, the Command has commenced efforts to review and streamline Transire processing, with the objective of eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving interdepartmental coordination and reducing processing time without compromising regulatory compliance.
Speaking on the initiative, Mu’azu emphasised that traders should not bear the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses and operational inefficiencies.
“Under my leadership, the Command has intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire, with a view to eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving inter-departmental coordination and reducing processing time,” he stated.
He explained that the initiative was driven by his commitment to trade facilitation and the need to address operational challenges capable of subjecting traders to unnecessary delays and hardship.
According to him, the Command would continue to identify the root causes of operational difficulties and implement practical solutions to promote seamless business operations, enhance service delivery and create a more efficient trading environment.
On cargo examination, the CAC has directed officers to strictly adhere to established procedures, documentation requirements and necessary authorisations. He cautioned against unwarranted, repetitive and unnecessary examinations capable of frustrating legitimate business transactions.
Officers have also been directed to discharge their responsibilities promptly and professionally while maintaining the required standards of compliance, revenue protection and national security.
The measures are designed to improve cargo clearance, reduce turnaround time and establish a more predictable trading environment in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Meanwhile, the Command has sustained its enforcement drive against prohibited and illicit imports, intercepting 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing 392.5 kilogrammes in two separate containers during the period under review.
The seizures comprised 162 sachets weighing 125 kilogrammes in container number MSKU0486747 and 275 sachets weighing 267.5 kilogrammes in container number TEMU6149358.
The seized narcotics have a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦196,131,606.82.
The consignments were intercepted and jointly examined with relevant sister security agencies, reinforcing the Command’s determination to prevent the exploitation of Nigeria’s maritime gateways for illicit trade and protect public health and national security.
The Apapa Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining revenue growth, strengthening border enforcement and building productive partnerships with stakeholders.
Under Mu’azu’s leadership, the Command is expected to maintain a balanced operational strategy that safeguards government revenue and national security while facilitating legitimate trade and supporting economic growth.
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