Customs

Again, Apapa Customs Command sets new revenue record, collects N86b in October

Eyewitness reporter

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service has continued to break revenue frontiers with its humongous collection of ₦86 billion for the month of October 2021.

This feat was achieved despite initial glitches that slowed its operations

According to the press statement signed by Abubakar Usman, the Public Relations Officer on behalf of Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Yusuf Ibrahim Malanta, the tempo of increase in revenue collection is being sustained through the volume of trade and strategies put in place by Comptroller Yusuf.

The CAC achieved this milestone by raising stakeholders’ compliance level and inter-agency collaborations between Apapa Customs Command and other government agencies.

A breakdown of the total collection shows federation and non-federation figures thus:

Figures under the federation account are as follows:

Import duty at ₦38,436,536,897.00;

Excise duty at ₦199,038,533.00;

CET Levy at ₦5,625,077,502.00; and

Fees at ₦401,830,622.00.

All of these come in at a subtotal of N44,662,483,554.00.

Figures for the Non-federation Account are as follows:

Port Levy at ₦2,690,572,938.00;

NAC at ₦165,872,139.00;

1% CISS at ₦4,612,963,465.00;

0.5% ETLS at ₦2,688,286,656.00;

Sugar Levy at ₦598,518,814.00;

Wheat Flour Levy at ₦488,959.00;

Iron Levy at ₦47,220,994.00;

Wheat Grain Levy at ₦7,892,567,890.00;

Ness Levy at ₦102,989,524.77.

All of these at a sub-total of ₦18,799,481,379.77.

For Value added tax the command collected ₦22,560,783,616.00 leading to a grand total of ₦86,022,748,549.77.

While commending most port users and stakeholders for their increasing level of compliance, Comptroller Yusuf urged them to continually avoid unlawful activities such as concealments with intent to smuggle; false declaration and undervaluation to evade accurate duty payments.

According to him, any importation that runs contrary to the provisions of sections 46 and 47 of Customs and Excise Management Act CAP C45 LFN 2004 and Customs and Excise Notices No.1491 will not be allowed into the country.

He said the command will not compromise wherever and whenever the need arises to make arrests and seizures for infractions deserving of such actions

He further charged the command’s compliance team to maintain their zero-tolerance for infractions as a way of protecting the national economy.

The CAC also described the inter-agency collaborations between Apapa Customs and other government agencies as an operational masterstroke yielding great results.

With reference to recent joint seizures of 32.9kg of cocaine uncovered in a vessel, MV Cha Yanee Naree, in Apapa Port in October and 74.119kg of captagon pills hidden in various components of machine parts which were seized in September, Comptroller Yusuf lauded the sustained intelligence sharing between the command and sister agencies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Police, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army and others.

He said only importers and agents who either want to smuggle or evade duty payments will fault the command and its growing synergies with other agencies which are strengthened through collaborations.

He also advised all importers and agents to take advantage of the one-stop shop compliance and dispute resolution mechanism aimed at achieving trade facilitation without compromising national revenue and security.

It would be recalled the command, under the control of Comptroller Yusuf, has been recording an increasing collection of revenues that surpass preceding months, thus setting new records which are being surpassed on a monthly basis.

For instance, the command realised the sum of N55billion in April which was then regarded as a record collection but surpassed this figure in June with the sum of N78billion considered as the highest in the history of the command and the highest revenue collected in a single month by any Customs command.

This record was again broken in October revenue collection with N86billion.

The total revenue collected by the command in the first quarter of 2021 was N159billion while it collected the sum of N366billion in the first six months of 2021.

Customs

Relief as Customs grants January 31st, 2026 extension for fast track operators to migrate to AEO

Funso Olojo

The Nigeria Customs Service has now extended the earlier December 31st, 2025 deadline for the migration of importers from fast track scheme to Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) to January 31st, 2026.

The extension, according to the Customs Authority, is meant to absorb more fast track operators into the AEO programme, deepen trade facilitation, secure supply chain and strengthen compliance in line with global standards.

As a result of the extension, Customs high command advised all existing Fast Track beneficiaries who are yet to complete their migration are to initiate and conclude their AEO applications through the official platform: aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng.

“The extended timeline provides operators with ample opportunity to meet programme requirements and secure AEO certification without disruption to their business operations.

” For enquiries, technical support, or guidance, stakeholders may reach the dedicated helpdesk via aeo@customs.gov.ng.

“Only companies duly certified under the AEO Programme will continue to access the facilitation privileges previously available under the Fast Track Scheme.

The AEO Programme is a globally recognised compliance-based initiative that grants trusted operators enhanced benefits such as expedited cargo release, reduced documentation, lower inspection levels, pre-arrival processing, and greater predictability in cross-border trade.

” The extension reinforces the Service’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and inclusive transition process for all stakeholders.

“This decision to fully migrate from the fast-track scheme to AEO is consistent with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and is supported by Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

To further support stakeholders and sustain ongoing sensitisation efforts, the Service will convene another comprehensive Stakeholders Engagement Forum to provide practical guidance on the migration process, demonstrate application procedures, and address compliance-related concerns.

The forum is scheduled for Thursday, 18 December 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos, from 0900hrs to 1600hrs.

“Participants will have the opportunity to interact with AEO implementation teams and obtain detailed information on programme requirements, benefits, and operational modalities.

“The NCS urges all fast-track beneficiaries to take advantage of the extension period, participate actively in the engagement forum, and complete their transition to the AEO Programme.

” This proactive involvement not only ensures compliance with applicable regulations but also enhances the supply chain’s effectiveness and sustainability, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits all parties.

“The Service remains committed to driving trade efficiency, enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness, protecting national revenue, and promoting a predictable, transparent, and secure cargo clearance ecosystem that supports legitimate business” the agency declared.

Customs

Again, Customs, NDLEA Collabo intercepts 2,374 packages of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port

– Comptroller Oshoba warns illicit traders against daring resolve of Customs Officers at Yuletide season

Funso OLOJO

For the second times in a week, the impregnable wall of surveillance mounted by the combination of the Apapa Customs and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against the exit of illicit drugs from Apapa Port has interdicted a 20- foot container marked FCIU 6369526 laden with 2,374 packages of cannabis concealed in 55 bags with a total weight of 1,187kg.

This interception, the product of a credible intelligence, came barely 5 days both agencies uncovered 25.5kg cocaine in a Brazilian flagged vessel.

The latest seizure was suspected to be

Canadian Loud, an expensive strain of cannabis concealed inside an imported vehicles.

Both agencies, in the course of joint examination, discovered the seizure which has been taken into the custody of the NDLEA.

A breakdown of the drugs indicates that they were packed in 500 grams per sachet

Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, commended the robust synergy between the NCS and NDLEA while reiterating the service zero tolerance for smuggling.

” Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements.

“No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and economy for any form of trade.

“While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle eyed officers are activated to be alert at all times.

” Let me warn, once again for the umpteenth time, any trader- importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond ,will face the full wrath of the law.

“Investigations are ongoing on this seizure and we shall bring the perpetrators to book” Comptroller Oshoba said.

Customs

Comptroller Aliyu vows to sustain onslaught on smugglers as he assumes duties at FOU A

Funso OLOJO

Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, the new controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU ) A of the Nigeria Customs Service, has expressed his determination to sustain the ongoing stranglehold on smugglers and other illicit traders within the Zone

Comptroller Aliu make this pledge on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 when he assumed duties as the helmsman of the Zone A anti- smuggling unit.

He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the opportunity to serve in the unit.

The new controller also commended outgoing Controller of the Unit, Muhammed Shuaibu, who has been elevated to an Assistant Comptroller General for his outstanding service, achievement and pledged to consolidate on them for greater success.

“I assure you that we will consolidate on these achievements for even greater successes.

“The FOU Zone A plays a critical role in enforcing compliance, suppressing smuggling and safeguarding the economic integrity of our dear nation.

” I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come from this position especially within a zone as strategic, dynamic and challenging as Lagos and its environment.

“However, I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant officers and men of this command , we will continue to fulfill this mandate diligently.”

Aliyu, who until his new disposition, was the Customs Area Controller of Oyo/ Osun Command, outlined other key areas of focus that will guide the unit under his watch to include professional conduct and discipline among officers, stakeholders engagement as well as capacity building and welfare of officers.

He said, “High standards of ethics, discipline and integrity as well as accountability will remain non-negotiable.

” Every officer must ensure that their actions reflect the core values of the service.

“We will deepen collaboration with sister agencies ,community leaders and the trading public to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade.

“The motivation and welfare of officers will be prioritized to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness.”

Aliyu assured stakeholders and the trading public that justice, equity and fairness will guide the unit’s actions at all times.

He added that the unit’s operations under his watch would be underpinned by three cardinal objectives including management change, compliance management, and reputation management.

He called on all officers and stakeholders to join hands with him in this new role, promising to operate an open door policy.

Earlier, in his valedictory speech, outgoing Controller, ACG Shuaibu, highlighted the unit’s major successes during his seven-month tenure, which began on April 23, 2025.

He stated that the unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions, comprising 761 seized items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N10.151 billion.

Some of the notable seizures listed included: 23,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailers).

98 ‘tokunbo’vehicles, 2,350 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, and 1,820 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Others are 15 assorted rifles and 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two industrial drones, 25 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and 4 cylinders of Russian-made explosives (each weighing 50kg), seizure of $30,000 and 110 CFA, totaling N31 million, which has been secured as final forfeiture to the Federal Government.

Additionally, he said the unit within the review period arrested 38 suspects and handed over eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5 billion to NAFDAC, among other items.

Beyond enforcement, ACG Shuaibu stated that the unit recovered a total sum of N419,202,458.85 through demand notices issued on questionable declarations and undervalues, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.

He attributed the successes to the unwavering support of stakeholders and dedicated officers, urging them to extend the same level of cooperation to Comptroller Aliu.

“I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. Our shared objective remains to sustain prudent stewardship and strengthen the fight against smuggling.

” To my successor, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your appointment. I wish you great success and have no doubt that your leadership will usher in new perspectives and further advancement in these pivotal roles, ” he said.