Apapa Customs revenue rises ₦20.16bn in October as Mu’azu tackles clearance delays

…Records 7.13% growth, seizes 392.5kg cannabis

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, generated ₦302,952,570,769.24 in October 2026, representing an increase of ₦20.16 billion over the ₦282,791,140,247.40 recorded in September, as the new Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, moves to eliminate operational bottlenecks and accelerate cargo clearance.

The October collection represents a month-on-month growth of approximately 7.13 per cent, sustaining the Command’s revenue performance above the ₦300 billion threshold following its record-breaking collection of over ₦323 billion in July 2026.

The revenue performance comes barely a month after Mu’azu assumed duty on September 29, 2026, with a commitment to strengthen revenue generation, facilitate legitimate trade and improve operational efficiency at the nation’s busiest seaport.

The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman.

According to the statement, Mu’azu has prioritised stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency and improved service delivery in line with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.

As part of efforts to address challenges confronting port users, the new CAC convened a stakeholder engagement meeting on October 5, bringing together importers, exporters, licensed Customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators.

The meeting provided an avenue to address operational difficulties, particularly delays in Demand Notice processing, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other administrative challenges affecting port operations.

Beyond the meeting, Mu’azu has embarked on courtesy visits to key stakeholders and strategic partners within the port community to strengthen institutional relationships, promote mutual understanding and encourage cooperation in improving the business environment.

A major component of his initial reforms is the review and streamlining of Transire processing to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, improve inter-departmental coordination and reduce processing time without compromising compliance requirements.

Explaining the initiative, Mu’azu said the Command was determined to address administrative inefficiencies capable of subjecting traders to unnecessary delays and additional costs.

“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. This initiative seeks to ensure that the various offices involved discharge their responsibilities more efficiently, while maintaining the necessary compliance and control measures,” he said.

He stressed that legitimate traders should not suffer the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses, adding that the Command would continue to identify operational challenges and implement practical solutions.

“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,” Mu’azu added.

In another measure aimed at accelerating cargo clearance, the CAC has directed that examinations must be conducted strictly in accordance with established procedures, requisite documentation and appropriate authorisation.

He cautioned officers against unnecessary, repetitive or unwarranted examinations that could frustrate legitimate business transactions and prolong cargo clearance.

The officers have been directed to discharge their responsibilities promptly and professionally while ensuring compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, protecting government revenue and safeguarding national security.

The Command said the directives were designed to improve cargo turnaround time, strengthen coordination among relevant departments and port stakeholders, and create a more predictable operating environment for importers and other port users.

Meanwhile, the Command has sustained its enforcement operations with the interception of 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 combined Duty Paid Value of the seized narcotics was put at ₦196.13 million.

The consignments were intercepted during joint examinations with relevant sister agencies, underscoring the Command’s commitment to preventing the use of Nigeria’s maritime gateway for illicit trade and protecting public health and national security.

The Apapa Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to consolidating revenue performance, strengthening enforcement and deepening stakeholder partnerships to improve port operations.

It said the administration of Mu’azu would continue to pursue a balanced approach that safeguards government revenue and national security while removing avoidable obstacles to legitimate trade and supporting economic growth.