Customs
New costs of clearing Tokunbo cars under VIN regime at Nigerian ports
The situation was further compounded by the free fall of the Naira in exchange for Dollars in the foreign exchange market, thus effectively taking the purchase of second-hand vehicles out of the reach of average Nigerians due to the high tariff of the item at the ports.
Buying used foreign cars is fantastic, some believe it’s better than buying Nigerian used cars.
So in this article, we will disclose the charges such as Nigerian customs duty charges on imported cars, port charges, and clearing agent charges that you must pay before your car can be claimed and cleared from Apapa Port or any other port in Nigeria.
Following the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increase in the official exchange rate for cargo importation into Nigeria, the Valuation Department of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Nigerian ports has issued an update to assist importers in determining rates of duty payable on various brands of vehicles and their levies.
Recently, the official exchange rate was increased from N409 per $1 Dollar to N422.3 per Dollar.
The update which was prepared by Valuation SIFAX Bonded Terminal also took into consideration the ex-factory price and VIN Valuation of the vehicles and the NAC Levy.
Rules For Importing Cars Into Nigeria
Let’s brief you on a step-by-step shipping guide.DURATION: the ship takes about 2-3 weeks to arrive in Lagos (unless the vessel will stop in the other ports) from the moment it takes off from the USA port.TRANSIT TIME: Once the ship drops off your car at the destination port in Nigeria, the estimated time of clearance usually takes a maximum of THREE DAYS under VIN valuation regime.
You should keep in mind that when the ship gets to port in Lagos, the process does not end here. Usually, the off-loading process takes several weeks. And this is the best moment to get your clearing agent to work.
Here is the step-by-step guide on shipping cars if you do it yourself or with the help of an agent:
How to ship any car by yourself
Download their application form called Docket Receipt
Complete the docket receipt and fax or email it to the shipping broker.
The broker will process and send it back to you in 1-2 days depending on their response timing
Make 6 copies of the docket receipt and 6 copies of the car title front and back
Take your car and paper-work to the port
The port staff will give you a receipt confirming that your car was accepted for shipping
The broker then sends you a bill for the shipping
Once you make the payment, they will mail your bill of lading to you
Make a copy of the bill of lading and send the originals immediately to your clearing agent preferable by courier
Your clearing agent will clear the car from the port
All this process may take up few weeks, depending on the compliance level of the importer.
Complete the Agent’s paper-work form
Give him the car, Keys and original title
You may be required to pay the shipping fee immediately or when the ship leaves
Once the bill of lading is ready, the agent will call you for pick-up
Make a copy of the bill of lading and send the original copies to your clearing agent.
Your cleaning agent clears the car from the Port
This whole process may take up few weeks depending on the complaint level of the importer and his agent
You pay the shipping cost to the foreign country;
You pay clearing fees and different port charges;
Your payment includes customs duty, levy, and VAT;
You are charged for the commission, that goes to shipping and clearing agents;
You pay charges to the shipping company at the delivery point;
The costs also may include some miscellaneous expenses.
Type of Vehicle Year Price
TOYOTA COROLLA 2000-2013 ₦299,430
TOYOTA COROLLA 2014 ₦369,642
TOYOTA COROLLA 2015 ₦432,625
TOYOTA COROLLA 2016 ₦505,934
TOYOTA COROLLA 2017 ₦573,000
TOYOTA COROLLA 2018 ₦769,684
TOYOTA COROLLA 2019 ₦899,323
TOYOTA COROLLA 2020 ₦1,110,990
TOYOTA COROLLA 2021 ₦1,509,300
TOYOTA RAV 4 2000-2013 ₦408,877
TOYOTA RAV 4 2014 ₦504,901
TOYOTA RAV 4 2015 ₦590,600
TOYOTA RAV 4 2016 ₦690,754
TOYOTA RAV 4 2017 ₦808,462
TOYOTA RAV 4 2018 ₦1,051,104
TOYOTA RAV 4 2019 ₦1,228,697
TOYOTA RAV 4 2020 ₦1,517,802
TOYOTA RAV 4 2021 ₦2,060,907
TOYOTA VENZA 2000-2013 ₦622,609
TOYOTA VENZA 2014 ₦768,194
TOYOTA VENZA 2015 ₦899,323
TOYOTA CAMRY 200-2013 ₦346,926
TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID 2000-2013 ₦441,918
TOYATA CAMRY 2014 ₦428,495
TOYOTA CAMRY 2015 ₦500,771
TOYOTA CAMRY 2016 ₦585,438
TOYOTA CAMRY 2017 ₦685,592
TOYOTA CAMRY 2018 ₦891,063
TOYOTA CAMRY 2019 ₦1,041,811
TOYOTA CAMRY 2020 ₦1,286,518
TOYOTA CAMRY 2021 ₦1,747,021
TOYOTA C-HR 2018 ₦862,153
TOYOTA C-HR 2019 ₦1,008,770
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2000-2013 ₦545,170
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2014 ₦673,202
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2015 ₦787,811
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2016 ₦922,039
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2017 ₦1,077,949
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2018 ₦1,401,127
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2019 ₦1,638,606
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LE 2020 ₦2,023,736
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2021 ₦2,747,631
TOYOTA YARIS 2000-2013 ₦204,438
TOYOTA YARIS 2015 ₦295,300
TOYOTA SIENNA 2000-2013 ₦509,031
TOYOTA SIENNA 2015 ₦720,698
TOYOTA SIENNA 2017 ₦986,055
TOYOTA SIENNA 2018 ₦1,281,355
TOYOTA SIENNA 2021 ₦2,513,150
TOYOTA SIENNA 2022 ₦2,824,865
TOYOTA AVALON 2000-2013 ₦565,820
TOYOTA AVALON 2014 ₦697,982
TOYOTA AVALON 2015 ₦816,722
TOYOTA AVALON 2016 ₦956,112
TOYOTA AVALON 2018 ₦1,452,753
TOYOTA AVALON 2021 ₦2,849,680
TOYOTA TACOMA 2000-2013 ₦410,942
TOYOTA TACOMA 2015 ₦592,666
TOYOTA TACOMA (10%) 2017 ₦811,559
TOYOTA TACOMA 2018 ₦1,055,234
TOYOTA TUNDRA 2000-2013 ₦529,682
TOYOTA TUNDRA 2014 ₦653,584
TOYOTA TUNDRA 2019 ₦1,590,078
TOYOTA TUNDRA 2021 ₦2,665,962
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 2000-2013 ₦609,126
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 2020 ₦2,257,085
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 2021 ₦3,065,547
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 2022 ₦7,620,339
TOYOTA PRADO 2020 ₦3,539,698
TOYOTA PRADO 2022 ₦4,136,888
TOYOTA PRADO TXL 2022 ₦4,193,191
TOYOTA FORTUNER 2020 ₦1,988,630
TOYOTA FORTUNER 2022 ₦3,336,404
TOYOTA COASTER (10%) 2019 ₦1,761,476
TOYOTA COASTER (10%) 2020 ₦1,988,630
TOYOTA HIACE BUS (10%) 2020 ₦1,583,790
TOYOTA HIACE BUS (10%) 2022 ₦1,478,050
TOYOTA HILUX 2000-2013 ₦331,420
TOYOTA HILUX (10%) 2016 ₦545,170
TOYOTA HILUX (10%) DOUBLE CABIN 4WD) 2020 ₦1,189,700
TOYOTA SEQUOIA 2015 ₦1,138,868
TOYOTA TUCSON 2000-2013 ₦371,707
TOYOTA PRIUS 2000-2013 ₦339,699
HONDA ACCORD 2000-2013 ₦378,934
HONDA ACCORD 2014 ₦467,730
HONDA ACCORD 2015 ₦547,235
HONDA ACCORD 2016 ₦640,161
HONDA ACCORD 2017 ₦748,575
HONDA ACCORD 2018 ₦972,632
HONDA ACCORD 2019 ₦1,137,835
HONDA ACCORD HYBRID 2019 ₦1,213,209
HONDA ACCORD 2020 ₦1,404,224
HONDA ACCORD 2021 ₦1,908,094
HONDA CIVIC 2000-2013 ₦312,853
HONDA CIVIC 2020 ₦1,160,551
HONDA FIT 2000-2013 ₦255,032
HONDA PILOT 2000-2013 ₦474,958
HONDA PILOT 2015 ₦686,624
HONDA CR-V 2000-2013 ₦363,446
HONDA CR-V 2014 ₦448,113
HONDA CR-V 2015 ₦524,519
HONDA CR-V 2016 ₦614,362
HONDA CROSSTOUR 2000-2013 ₦425,397
HONDA CROSSTOUR 2014 ₦525,552
HONDA CROSSTOUR 2015 ₦615,291
HONDA RIDGELINE 2000-2013 ₦534,844
HONDA INSIGHT 2000-2013 ₦361,911
HONDA ODYSSEY 2000-2013 ₦485,898
HONDA ODYSSEY 2014 ₦599,893
AUDI Q5 2000-2013 ₦483,219
AUDI Q7 2000-2013 ₦581,676
AUDI Q7 2017 ₦1,875,181
AUDI A4 2017 ₦1,207,014
AUDI A6 2019 ₦1,597,308
ACURA MDX 2000-2013 ₦596,796
ACURA MDX 2014 ₦1,020,784
ACURA MDX 2015 ₦1,193,591
ACURA MDX 2017 ₦1,632,411
ACURA RDX 2000-2013 ₦633,966
ACURA TSX 2000-2013 ₦406,421
ACURA TL 2000-2013 ₦634,999
ACURA ILX 2014 ₦522,454
ACURA TLX 2015 ₦919,974
SCION TC 2014 ₦489,414
SCION XD 2000-2013 ₦360,349
SCION XB 2000-2013 ₦368,609
SCION IM 2016 ₦637,588
SUBARU OUTBACK 2000-2013 ₦420,235
SUBARU FORESTER 2000-2013 ₦386,162
SUBARU TRIBECA 2000-2013 ₦543,105
LEXUS RX350 2000-2013 ₦695,917
LEXUS RX350 2014 ₦860,088
LEXUS RX350 2015 ₦1,005,673
LEXUS RC350 2015 ₦1,007,738
LEXUS RX350 2016 ₦1,176,038
LEXUS RX350 2017 ₦1,375,314
LEXUS RX350 2019 ₦2,240,565
LEXUS RX350 2020 ₦2,766,117
LEXUS RX350 2021 ₦3,507,033
LEXUS ES300 2000-2013 ₦658,747
LEXUS ES350 2000-2013 ₦628,804
LEXUS ES350 2014 ₦776,454
LEXUS ES350 2019 ₦1,889,509
LEXUS ES350 2020 ₦2,333,883
LEXUS GS 350 2000-2013 ₦805,364
LEXUS GX460 2000-2013 ₦873,511
LEXUS GX460 2014 ₦1,077,949
LEXUS GX460 2015 ₦1,260,705
LEXUS GX460 2017 ₦1,725,338
LEXUS GX460 2018 ₦2,241,597
LEXUS GX460 2020 ₦3,237,978
LEXUS GX460 2021 ₦4,397,157
LEXUS GX460 2022 ₦4,786,589
LEXUS IS 250 2000-2013 ₦608,153
LEXUS IS 250 2014 ₦751,272
LEXUS LX 570 2000-2013 ₦1,363,184
LEXUS LX 570 2017 ₦2,692,585
LEXUS LX 570 2020 ₦5,052,112
LEXUS LX 570 2021 ₦6,861,530
LEXUS LX600 VIP 2022 ₦7,706,018
LEXUS NX 300 2020 ₦2,155,898
LEXUS GS 300 2000-2013 ₦805,364
LINCON AVIATOR 2000-2013 ₦806,397
L/R FREELANDER 2000-2013 ₦258,130
LAND RANGE ROVER 2000-2013 ₦672,169
L/R RANGE ROVER SPORT 2000-2013 ₦1,083,112
L/R RANGE ROVER 2018 ₦1,727,713
L/R RANGE ROVER VELAR 2018 ₦2,279,800
L/R RANGE ROVER VELAR 2019 ₦2,666,995
L/R DISCOVERY 2000-2013 ₦595,763
LAND ROVER LR2 2000-2013 ₦717,600
LAND ROVER LR3 2000-2013 ₦461,536
LAND ROVER LR4 2015 ₦1,406,934
NISSAN PATHFINDER 2000-2013 ₦499,739
NISSAN PATHFINDER 2014 ₦616,413
NISSAN PATHFINDER 2018 ₦1,282,388
NISSAN FRONTIER 2000-2013 ₦449,145
NISSAN ROGUE 2000-2013 ₦398,552
NISSAN ROGUE 2015 ₦576,145
NISSAN ROGUE 2017 ₦787,811
NISSAN ALTIMA 2000-2013 ₦379,967
NISSAN VERSA 2000-2013 ₦232,317
NISSAN QUEST 2000-2013 ₦420,235
NISSAN ARMADA 2000-2013 ₦742,381
NISSAN XTERRA 2000-2013 ₦401,650
NISSAN KICKS 2021 ₦1,498,184
NISSAN SENTRA 2014 ₦371,707
NISSAN SENTRA 2017 ₦594,731
NISSAN TITAN 2000-2013 ₦589,550
NISSAN TITAN 2018 ₦1,466,176
NISSAN MURANO 2000-2013 ₦497,554
NISSAN MAXIMA 2000-2013 ₦540,007
M/BENZ E-CLASS 2000-2013 ₦852,860
M/BENZ E-CLASS 2014 ₦1,052,136
M/BENZ E-CLASS 2017 ₦1,684,807
M/BENZ S500 4M 2021 ₦7,482,493
M/BENZ S-CLASS 2000-2013 ₦1,486,826
M/BENZ S-CLASS 2015 ₦2,147,638
M/BENZ S-CLASS 2021 ₦7,485,758
M/BENZ E-CLASS 2021 ₦4,293,211
M/BENZ METRIS 2021 ₦2,492,025
MERCEDES BENZSPRINTER 2021 ₦1,986,499
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 2000-2013 ₦356,219
MITSUBISHI L200 (10%) 2022 ₦1,139,820
MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS 4X4 GLS CVT 2022 ₦1,727,019
MAZDA 3 2000-2013 ₦338,666
MAZDA CX-7 2000 – 213 ₦425,398
MAZDA CX-9 2000-2013 ₦533,812
MAZDA CX-9 2014 ₦659,779
MAZDA CX-9 2016 ₦902,421
MAZDA TRIBUTE 2000-2013 ₦345,864
BENTLEY BENTAYGA 2019 ₦7,579,717
BMW X3 2000-2013 ₦661,844
BMW X5 2000-2013 ₦₦929,267
BMW X6 2000-2013 ₦1,014,702
CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2000-2013 ₦236,447
CHRYSLER SEBRING 2000-2013 ₦352,089
CHRYSLER VOYAGER 2000-2013 ₦425,398
CHRYSLER TOWN &COUNTRY ₦2000-2013 416,105
CHRYSLER 300 ₦2000-2013 466,698
CHRYSLER 300 2016 ₦788,603
CADILLAC CTS 2000-2013 ₦586,470
CADILLAC ESCALADE 2015 ₦1,712,948
CADILLAC ESCALADE 2016 ₦2,004,066
CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2000-2013 ₦678,365
CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2017 ₦1,175,006
CHEVROLET VOLT 2000-2013 ₦547,235
CHEVROLET VOLT 2016 ₦924,498
CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 2016 ₦1,745,704
CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2000-2013 ₦446,048
1500 CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2000-2013 ₦374,804
CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2017 ₦741,348
CHEVROLET CAMARO 2000-2013 ₦394,513
DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2000-2013 ₦430,560
DODGE JOURNEY 2000-2013 ₦370,674
DODGE CHARGER 2015 ₦680,430
DODGE CHALLENGER 2014 ₦545,170
DODGE SPRINTER VAN 2000-2013 ₦686,625
DODGE DOKATA (BUS)10% 2000-2013 ₦155,910
DODGE RAM 1500 ST 2000-2013 ₦292,203
HYUNDAI ACCENT 2000-2013 ₦240,577
HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2000-2013 ₦301,495
HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT 2000-2013 ₦325,243
HYUNDAI ELENTRA 2017 ₦596,796
HYUNDAI ELENTRA 2018 ₦775,421
HYUNDAI SANTAFE 2000-2013 ₦411,975
HYUNDAI SANTAFE 2014 ₦509,032
HYUNDAI SANTAFE 2015 ₦595,358
HYUNDAI SANTAFE 2018 ₦1,058,284
HYUNDAI SANTAFE 2020 ₦1,528,127
HYUNDAI SONATA 2000-2013 ₦345,894
HYUNDAI SONATA 2014 ₦427,463
HYUNDAI SONATA 2015 ₦499,739
HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID 2015 ₦614,024
HYUNDAI SONATA 2016 ₦584,405
HYUNDAI SONATA 2017 ₦₦683,527
HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID 2000-2013 ₦424,365
HYUNDAI TUCSON 2000-2013 ₦371,624
HYUNDAI TUCSON 2016 ₦1,254,510
HYUNDAI TUCSON 2019 ₦1,116,008
HYUNDAI GENESIS 2000-2013 ₦359,316
HYUNDAI VERACRUZ 2000-2013 ₦407,845
HYUNDAI VELOSTER 2000-2013 ₦296,333
HYUNDAI AZERA 2000-2013 ₦420,864
FORD EXPLORER 2000-2013 ₦516,259
FORD EXPLORER 2014 ₦638,096
FORD EXPLORER 2016 ₦872,478
FORD EXPEDITION 2021 ₦4,194,958
FORD EDGE 2000-2013 ₦490,446
FORD EDGE 2015 ₦708,308
FORD EDGE 2017 ₦968,502
FORD ESCAPE 2000-2013 ₦392,357
FORD ESCAPE 2014 ₦484,251
FORD ESCAPE 2016 ₦662,877
FORD ESCALADE 2022 ₦7,619,985
FORD TRANSIT CONNECT 2000-2013 ₦514,194
FORD FIESTA 2000-2013 ₦307,690
FORD FUSION 2014 ₦493,544
FORD FUSION 2015 ₦578,210
FORD FUSION 2017 ₦790,909
FORD FLEX 2000-2013 ₦447,080
FORD FOCUS 2014 ₦237,479
FORD RANGER 2000-2013 ₦512,129
GMC SAVANA 2000-2013 ₦678,365
GMC ENVOY 2000-2013 ₦402,682
GMC YUKON DENALI 2000-2013 ₦1,068,419
GMC SIERRA 1500 2000-2013 ₦467,148
GMC ACADIA 2000-2013 ₦723,061
GMC TERRAIN 2000-2013 ₦394,513
KIA OPTIMA 2000-2013 ₦368,609
KIA OPTIMA 2019 ₦1,107,892
KIA SOUL 2000-2013 ₦275,682
KIA SOUL 2022 ₦1,798,998
KIA SPORTAGE 2000-2013 ₦377,902
KIA SORENTO 2000-2013 ₦425,398
INFINITI QX80 2014 ₦1,300,515
PEUGEOT 407 2000-2013 ₦382,032
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2000-2013 ₦345,894
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2000-2013 ₦362,414
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2015 ₦523,487
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2000-2013 ₦393,389
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG 2000-2013 ₦763,031
JEEP (CHEROKEE) 2014 ₦500,771
JEEP GLADIATOR 2021 ₦2,664,628
VOLVO S60 2000-2013 ₦568,918
VOLVO XC60 2000-2013 ₦632,934
VOLVO XC70 2000-2013 ₦757,868
VOLVO XC90 2000-2013 ₦761,998
Customs
Ogun Customs spurns claims of Smugglers’ takeover of Idiroko–Sango Ota trading Route
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed as false reports alleging that smugglers had taken over the Idiroko–Sango Ota trading route in Ogun State, describing the claims as a deliberate misrepresentation of a traffic incident.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs (SC) Chado, the Command clarified that the traffic gridlock on the route resulted from the breakdown of an articulated commercial trailer after it fell into a badly deteriorated section of Atan Road, temporarily obstructing the free flow of traffic.
According to the Command, the vehicles caught in the ensuing congestion were legitimate commercial trucks transporting red palm oil to various local markets and had no connection whatsoever with smuggling activities.
It explained that the large number of heavy-duty trucks trapped in the gridlock may have led some members of the public to wrongly conclude that smugglers had taken over the road.
“The reports that smugglers blocked the road are inaccurate. The disruption resulted from a road accident and poor road conditions. The vehicles involved were lawful commercial vehicles transporting red palm oil for legitimate trade,” Chado stated.
The Command urged journalists, social media users and the general public to verify information before disseminating reports capable of creating unnecessary panic or undermining public confidence in security agencies.
Observers within the border trade sector noted that the allegation does not reflect the prevailing security situation within the Ogun I Area Command, where anti-smuggling operations have been intensified under the leadership of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Comptroller O.O. Afeni.
Since assuming office, Comptroller Afeni has strengthened intelligence-driven surveillance, enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and host communities, and sustained pressure on economic saboteurs operating along the Ogun border corridors.
These measures, according to stakeholders, have resulted in significant seizures of prohibited goods and reinforced the Command’s resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s economy and territorial integrity.
Maritime and border trade stakeholders also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of undermining the efforts of security personnel or creating a false impression of lawlessness in border communities.
They stressed that while combating smuggling remains an ongoing responsibility, responsible and accurate reporting is equally critical to ensuring that operational achievements are not overshadowed by misinformation.
The Ogun I Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining its anti-smuggling campaign while facilitating legitimate cross-border trade in line with the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Customs
Customs puts smiles on faces of 4,237 retirees as Adeniyi releases N7.61bn to 9 PFAs for payment
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disbursed N7.61 billion to nine Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) for the payment of retirement benefits to 4,237 retired Customs officers, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of its former personnel.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a dialogue with retired officers held on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026, where he announced that the funds had already been released to the PFAs for immediate credit to the retirees’ individual Retirement Savings Accounts.
According to the beneficiary breakdown, Premium Pension has the highest number of beneficiaries with 2,268 retirees, followed by Access-ARM Pension Managers with 1,223.
Leadway Pensions will pay 403 retirees, TrustFund Pensions 156, FCMB Pensions 144, Veritas Glanvills Pensions 28, Norrenberger Pensions 11, while Fidelity Pension Managers will pay four retirees, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 4,237.
Addressing the retirees, Adeniyi stressed that the Customs Service remains committed to ensuring the welfare of both serving and retired officers, noting that the institution’s future is closely tied to how it treats those who devoted their careers to its service.
He said the Service must remain financially strong and capable of meeting its obligations, emphasizing that retirees deserve dignity and timely access to their benefits.
The CGC also called for sustained engagement between the Service and its retirees, explaining that the dialogue was convened to address concerns, foster mutual understanding, and dispel misinformation.
“I acknowledge your concerns and suggestions, and it is in view of this that we convened this dialogue to promote better understanding and reduce the effect of rumours and unofficial information on the relationship between the Service and its retired personnel,” Adeniyi said.
Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, DCG Tijjani Abe, and other members of the Customs Management Team, who assured the retirees that the issues raised would receive due consideration at both the Board and Management levels.
The retired officers commended the Comptroller-General and the Management for creating a platform for direct interaction, describing the engagement as timely and beneficial.
They appealed for the dialogue to become a regular feature to strengthen the bond between the Service and its retired workforce.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of ongoing Federal Government efforts to improve pension administration, following plans to review relevant statutory provisions, including Section 15(4) of the Pension Reform Act 2014, in line with Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), with the aim of enhancing the welfare of pensioners across the public service.
Customs
Apapa Customs intercepts ₦26.57bn cannabis hidden in imported vehicles
Gloria Odion Maritime reporter
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has dealt a major blow to drug trafficking networks with the interception of 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica valued at ₦26.57 billion, cleverly concealed inside a 40-foot container carrying imported used vehicles.
The illicit consignment was uncovered during a joint examination conducted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Command’s Enforcement Unit.
The interception followed credible intelligence, which prompted the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, to order a comprehensive examination of 40-foot container No. FANU1933352.
The operation, carried out on Friday, July 10, 2026, led to the discovery of one of the largest cannabis seizures recorded at the nation’s premier port.
The container had been declared to contain three used vehicles—a 2015 red Nissan Micra, a 2019 black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 grey Toyota Corolla.
However, a meticulous inspection revealed 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, each weighing 500 grams, bringing the total weight of the narcotics to 4,143.5 kilograms.
Investigators found that four of the bags had been concealed inside the red Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were strategically hidden beneath the container floor and in the spaces between the three vehicles.
No narcotics were found inside either the black Toyota Corolla S or the grey Toyota Corolla.
Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Oshoba described the interception as another demonstration of the Apapa Area Command’s unwavering resolve to prevent the importation of prohibited items, particularly illicit drugs that threaten public health, national security, and the economy.
He noted that the successful operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, against smuggling and all forms of illicit trade.
The Customs Area Controller reiterated the Command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while sustaining robust enforcement against prohibited and restricted imports.
He also commended the officers involved for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication.
“This seizure once again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that only legitimate trade thrives at Apapa Port,” Oshoba said.
“As investigations continue, we remain resolute in making the port inaccessible to those engaged in unlawful activities prohibited by our laws.
“I also wish to reassure our compliant traders of our continued support. They will continue to benefit from the trade facilitation measures introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs to promote seamless and legitimate business operations.”
Following the interception, Comptroller Oshoba ordered the seizure of the container in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and other relevant laws.
The seized Cannabis Indica will subsequently be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, prosecution of those involved, and other necessary legal actions.
The seizure underscores the growing synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA in combating transnational organised crime, particularly the trafficking of illicit drugs through the nation’s seaports, while reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and protecting the public from the devastating effects of narcotics.
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THE IBOM DEEP SEAPORT: Nigeria’s ultimate counterweight in West African maritime race
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Sallah celebration: Osun govt offers free train ride to indigenes as NRC increases Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips for Sallah
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NIWA plans to operationalise existing jetties to boost regional inland trade in West Africa
