Customs
Nigeria Customs increases revenue target for 2022 by 300 percent over 2021 target
|
—-sets N4.1 trillion revenue target for 2022 as against N1.679 trillion in 2021 —-as Apapa command collects N870.388 billion in 2021.
Eyewitness reporter
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to push the frontier of revenue generation of the service when it grossed a princely sum of N870.388 billion in 2021.
This is even as the Customs High command has increased the 2022 revenue target by about 300 percent when it set N4.1 trillion as revenue target for the year.
It could be recalled that the Service set the sum of N1.679 trillion as its revenue target for 2021 but realised the sum of N2.3 trillion.
Addressing the press Thursday in Lagos, the Area Controller of Apapa Command of NCS, Comptroller Yusuf Malanta Ibrahim, disclosed that the command achieved a 68 percent increase in 2021 revenue over the previous years despite the enormous challenges faced in the trade supply chain which were occasioned by Covid-19 pandemic, high cost of fright, incessant traffic gridlock, rail construction through the Port as well as the low compliance level of some stakeholders.
The command realised the sum of N870.388 billion in 2021 as against the sum of N518.046 billion realised in 2020.
On the anti-smuggling operations, the command made a total seizure of 103 with a Duty Paid Value of N31.227 billion.
Some of the seized items include the 46.55kg of Cocaine concealed on vessels MV KARTERIA and MV CHAYANEE NAREE laden with raw sugar.
Other seized items are containers of foreign parboiled rice, tomatoes paste, second-hand clothing, unregistered pharmaceuticals like Captagon pills, Tramadol, Codeine syrup, etc.
On exports, the command, in the year under review, handled five million, three hundred and eighty metric tonnes of export cargo as against one million, three hundred metric tonnes of export cargo treated in 2020.
This was about a 110 percent increase in tonnage above the previous years.
According to Comptroller Yusuf, who was giving details of the activities of the command in 2021, the Free on Board (FOB) value for the exported items rose from $340million in 2020 to $641 million in 2021 with the naira equivalent of N245 billion.
He said that the increased export cargo treated at the command in 2021 was due to the sustained trade facilitation strategies put in place at the command, which he believed had a positive impact on export trade.
Malanta, while lauding the commitment and dedication of men and officers of the Command, declared that the Command is poised to surpass these laudable feats in 2022.
“We have diligently strengthened our risk assessment capacity through forensic system audit and dispute resolution procedures in accordance with the World Customs Organisation ( WCO) standard.
“Trade disputes were amicably resolved in an atmosphere that promoted compliance with visible results in higher revenue, indicating less cost of doing business and seizures” the Apapa Customs Chief noted.
He also acknowledged the robust industrial harmony and seamless synergy with all the Government agencies, shipping companies, terminal operators as well as the Port landlord, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
He said this harmonious collaboration has helped the command in no small measures to record the unprecedented achievements in 2021.
|
|
Customs
Again, Apapa Customs intercepts, seizes two containers – laden Codeine syrup worth N3.398 billion
Funso OLOJO, Editor
In what has now become a routine exercise, the Apapa customs command of the Nigeria Customs Service has once again intercepted handful substance suspected to Codeine syrup.
The latest seizure was made barely five days after the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, declared that Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation
In a swift follow-up operation on Sunday, March 15th, 2026, the Command, in a joint collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), intercepted and seized two containers laden with a total number of 3,398 cartons (339,800 bottles) of Codeine-containing Syrup (CSP Codeine) carefully concealed in household utensils at the Apapa Port.
Cumulatively, the seizures have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Three Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety Eight Million, Naira (₦3,398,000,000.00) only.
The details of the seizures arevas follows: a Container No. MRKU 3816476 found to contain 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of CSP Codeine concealed with 38 cartons of pearl plating insulated casserole/5′ Bullet Insulated Hotspot and Container No. TGBU 5399178 was found to contain 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of CSP Codeine concealed with 36 cartons of pearl plating casserole.
Both containers have been converted to seizure in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 as amended.
Speaking on the latest interception, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the seizure serves as a clear demonstration of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the directives and vision of the CGC.
“This fresh seizure, coming just five days after the CGC’s visit and strong warning to criminal elements, is a direct response to his charge on us.
“We are fully aligned with the Service’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy and will continue to make Apapa Port extremely hostile to smugglers and drug traffickers,” he stated.
He commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its seamless collaboration and unwavering support in the successful operation.
Comptroller Oshoba maintained that the Apapa Area Command remains steadfast in its resolve to protect public health, safeguard national security and facilitate only legitimate trade, in line with the CGC’s renewed emphasis on technology-driven operations and zero tolerance for smuggling activities.
Customs
Apapa Customs records major breakthrough in anti- smuggling operations.
– intercepts 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals, other contraband goods worth N6.38billion
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a huge success in its relentless war against traders of illicit products when its officers intercepted 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals and other contraband goods.
Unveiling the contraband goods at the APM Terminals,Apapa port on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the intercepted consignments are worth over N6.38 billion.
Adeniyi, while speaking with Journalists, revealed that the interception and seizures were made possible through intelligence-driven operations supported by cargo scanning technology and targeted physical examination.
He explained that officers detected irregular cargo profiles during routine scanning procedures, prompting detailed physical inspections that uncovered several prohibited and falsely declared consignments.
According to him, among the seizures was a 40-foot container loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, including Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, Chloroquine injections and Diclofenac tablets.
Customs officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers filled with unregistered pharmaceutical products, including Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate.
In another discovery, a 20-foot container carrying 800 cartons of codeine was found carefully concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware.
Other pharmaceutical seizures included cartons of Artesunate injections, while a separate container was discovered to contain restricted security equipment such as bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies and tactical torches imported without the required End User Certificates.
The Service also uncovered multiple containers loaded with expired food items, including muffin cookies, 36,000 cans of expired energy drinks, and large quantities of expired tomato paste brands.
In addition, officers seized a 40-foot container containing 1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup concealed among luxury food flasks.
Another container was found carrying 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine hidden with electric kettles, alongside additional cartons of Co-codamol tablets.
Customs further intercepted 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing 347.57 kilograms, which were concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle.
Adeniyi described the seizures as a major breakthrough in the Service’s ongoing crackdown on illicit trade and smuggling through Nigeria’s seaports.
He warned that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses serious risks to public health, while the smuggling of codeine-based products contributes to the growing problem of substance abuse.
The Comptroller-General emphasized that under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized goods are liable to outright forfeiture, adding that investigations are ongoing and all persons connected to the shipments will face prosecution.
He also stressed that the Service is expanding the use of Non-Intrusive Inspection (cargo scanning) to improve cargo clearance efficiency while strengthening enforcement against high-risk consignments.
According to him, Apapa Port processes thousands of containers daily, making it one of the most strategic trade gateways in West Africa.
“Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation,” Adeniyi stated.
He assured compliant traders that Customs enforcement is not aimed at legitimate business but at protecting Nigeria’s economy and citizens from dangerous and illegal imports.
Customs
Dera Nnadi bows out of Customs in a blaze of glory
Geraldine Samuel, Reporter
Dera Nnadi, a Deputy Comptroller- General of Customs(rtd), has dropped anchor of service in the Nigeria Customs and graceful bowed out of the agency in a blaze of glory.
In a commemorative retirement ceremony conducted by his appreciative colleagues at the Customs’ Headquarters, Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Nnadi was pulled out of the Service he has diligently served amidst glowing tributes.
Incidentally, his pull- out ceremony coincided with his 60th birthday.
Leading the management staff, men and officers of the service in paying moving tributes to the retiring Nnadi was the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who described DCG(rtd) Nnadi as an exemplary officer whose professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty significantly strengthened the values and operational effectiveness of the NCS.
According to the CGC, the retirement ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate a successful career but also to appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of officers who devote their lives to safeguarding the nation’s economic and border security interests.
He noted that Nnadi’s career reflects the core ideals of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in leadership, revenue generation and trade facilitation.
“Today is a moment of celebration and reflection. It is also an opportunity for us to thank Almighty God for the grace that has sustained our colleague throughout his years of service,” the CGC said.
The CGC also highlighted the personal and professional bond he shares with the retiree, noting that their relationship extends beyond official duties to family ties.
He expressed confidence that DCG Nnadi still possesses the energy and experience to continue contributing meaningfully to national development through academic and other professional engagements.
Members of the Service’s management team also paid glowing tributes to the retired DCG, commending his leadership qualities, integrity and mentorship.
Officers who served under him described him as a dependable leader who provided guidance and encouragement to younger personnel while strengthening the Service’s institutional capacity.
Responding to the honour, DCG Dera Nnadi (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, the management team, officers and Men of the Service for their support and cooperation throughout his career.
He described his years in the NCS as a fulfilling journey of growth, learning and service to the nation.
The ceremony featured the presentation of awards, gift items and commemorative photographs in honour of the distinguished officer.
-
Headlines4 weeks agoFIFA sends Nigeria’s Super Eagles to 2026 World Cup, awards boardroom scoreline of 3 goals to nil against DR Congo
-
Headlines2 months agoAyobo residents protest deplorable road at LCDA, complain of 10- year neglect by successive local council administrations.
-
Headlines3 months agoFG approves 50 percent price slash on Yuletide train services
-
Customs2 months agoApapa Customs stretches illicit drug seizures streak with another new year interdiction of 30.1 kg of cocaine on board vessel.
-
Headlines3 months agoFG trains 75 boat operators on safe inland waterway navigation
-
Headlines3 months agoMobereola, NIMASA DG, reflects on year 2025 with satisfaction, says 2026 holds promising opportunities for maritime industry