Apapa Customs posts highest-ever monthly revenue of ₦323bn, improves compliance push

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue collection of ₦323 billion in July 2026, with the Command attributing the feat to improved compliance, digital reforms and intensified enforcement.

The figure represents another major revenue milestone for the Command under Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, who previously oversaw a record ₦304 billion collection in October 2025.

Oshoba disclosed the July performance at the Command’s monthly meeting with Deputy Comptrollers in charge of terminals and Unit Heads on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

He said the record collection reflected the combined impact of policy support, operational reforms, improved compliance by stakeholders and a more predictable foreign exchange environment.

CGC Adeniyi

The Customs Area Controller commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, and the NCS management team for their commitment to modernising the Service.

“We recognise and acknowledge the CGC’s devotion and dedication to the modernisation project of the Nigeria Customs Service. The management team has introduced several innovations that have streamlined our activities and given us clear direction,” Oshoba said.

Oshoba identified improvements in the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System as one of the developments contributing to the Command’s improved performance.

He noted that although the digital platform encountered challenges during its earlier stages, subsequent enhancements had strengthened its effectiveness and improved Customs operations.

He also highlighted the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative, saying it had helped accelerate cargo delivery and create a more predictable operating environment for legitimate traders.

Another reform highlighted by the CAC was the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) framework, which currently has more than 200 beneficiaries.

According to Oshoba, the initiative has positively influenced the Command’s revenue profile by promoting compliance and facilitating legitimate trade.

He said intelligence-driven enforcement operations had also been intensified to identify false declarations and other practices capable of undermining government revenue.

The CAC further credited the relative stability in the foreign exchange market under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with improving the business environment.

He said greater predictability in the forex market had enabled importers and other businesses to plan more effectively, make informed decisions and undertake international trade with greater confidence.

Oshoba, however, urged officers not to measure their performance solely by routine revenue collections.

He challenged personnel to identify additional interventions and contributions within their respective areas of responsibility.

“In your Area of Responsibility, you must ask yourself, apart from the normal revenue generated by your Unit, what is your own contribution in terms of intervention? What have I added?” he asked.

Oshoba stressed that revenue generation must be balanced with trade facilitation and ease of doing business.

He directed officers to resolve disputes promptly where consignments require further scrutiny, while ensuring proper documentation and adherence to the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) process.

On stakeholder relations, he urged officers to adopt a professional and constructive approach in their dealings with importers, customs agents and other members of the trading community.

“When you interact with stakeholders, let them leave your office with hope rather than despair. As a leader, do not allow anyone who comes to you to depart feeling hopeless or depressed. Give people hope,” he said.

The CAC acknowledged the cooperation of stakeholders and sister government agencies, saying their support had contributed to improved compliance and greater order in the port business environment.

He urged officers to sustain stakeholder confidence through professionalism, respect and collaboration.

Oshoba tasks officers on sustained performance

The CAC also charged personnel to uphold transparency and discipline, keep pace with evolving digital processes and seek guidance from experienced colleagues when necessary.

He described effective leadership as a collective responsibility and tasked Staff Officers with supporting Deputy Controllers in maintaining discipline and promoting a healthy working environment based on empathy, teamwork and concern for staff welfare.

Oshoba further called for heightened security consciousness, proper supervision, continuous in-house training and strict adherence to approved procedures.

While commending officers and compliant stakeholders for the record July performance, he described the ₦323 billion collection as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint.

Isa Sulaiman, PRO Apapa Customs Command

He charged all units to sustain the momentum, deepen compliance, strengthen revenue assurance and remain focused on efficient service delivery as the year progresses.