Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Customs achieves 63% revenue growth in first half of 2025, generates ₦89.2b

…Intercepts expired Pharmaceuticals

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command of the Nigerian Customs Service has recorded a significant 63% growth in revenue collection, generating ₦89,205,500,741.85 in the first half of 2025, compared to ₦54,806,893,697 in the same period of 2024.

Comptroller Eghosa Joy Edelduok, Customs Area Controller of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, at a media briefing held on Friday, 15th August 2025 revealed that the achievement demonstrates the Command’s enhanced operational efficiency and improved compliance levels.

In a release signed by Chief Superintendent of Customs Victor Ogabor, Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the command affirmed the command’s commitment to increasing revenue, supporting legitimate trade, and tackling smuggling in all its forms.

Emphasizing that during this period, the Command implemented focused reforms, targeted enforcement activities, and practical strategies to boost compliance, protect the national economy, and secure the borders under its jurisdiction, measures she revealed produced clear results.

The Command Edelduok revealed recorded a total revenue of ₦89,205,500,741.85 only. The figure she highlighted represented a substantial increase compared to the corresponding period in 2024, which stood at ₦54,806,893,697.00.

According to the area controller, the difference of ₦34,398,607,044.85 reflects a 63 per cent growth, demonstrating the Command’s enhanced operational efficiency and improved compliance levels.

Emphasizing on anti-smuggling operations, Edelduok reported that the Command maintained a posture of alertness, discipline, and zero tolerance for infractions. She revealed that the enforcement team intercepted two 40 foot containers, identified as HLBU 1067338 and HLBU 2239792, both loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) ₦130,000,000.00) only.

Stated that the items contravened the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other import laws, adding that the Command has commenced the formal process of handing them over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for necessary action.

She reaffirmed the command’s commitment to applying the law without compromise in order to protect public health, and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and professionalism in all aspects of its operations.

She assured that the Command would continue to engage constructively with stakeholders through open communication, inter-agency cooperation, and compliance-driven facilitation.

Comptroller Edelduok expressed sincere appreciation to all stakeholders and partner agencies for their continued cooperation and support. She described their contributions as critical to the effective delivery of the Command’s mandate and the advancement of the national economy.

She also commended the officers and men of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command for their diligence, discipline, and commitment to duty. She urged them to maintain this high standard and continue to uphold the values of the Service in all their engagements.

Furthermore, Comptroller Edelduok conveyed deep gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his Management Team for their strategic guidance, motivation, and the enabling environment provided for operational success.

Comptroller Edelduok expressed gratitude to the media for their consistent and objective reporting, highlighting the crucial role they play in fostering public trust and promoting institutional accountability.

She reaffirmed the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command’s commitment to diligently fulfilling its statutory duties, aligning with the nation’s objectives of ensuring national security, driving economic growth, and delivering exceptional service.