Customs

ETO still impeding free access of export containers into port–Customs

— as government suspends NXP policy on export goods

Funso OLOJO

The Customs Area Controller of Lilypond Export Command (LEXC), Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, has reiterated the impediment which ETO system has continued to pose for the easy access of export containers into the Apapa port terminals.

Comptroller Odusanya lamented that despite the efforts of the Export command to facilitate fast process and entry of the export containers into the terminals for quick exportation to their different destinations, ETO has continued to slow down the process of quick evacuation from the export terminal.

While giving account of the activities of the command during the first quarter in 2025, the Customs Comptroller said the logistics challenge to evacuate the containers into the terminal has continued to hold back the exports.

ETO system is an electronic device that profiles the movement of container- laden trucks in a bid to facilitate their quick and seamless access into the terminals.

It was developed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and driven by its contractor, Truck Transit Park(TTP).

However, the Customs has accused the system of hampering free movement of exports into the terminals.

Odusanya said almost all the export containers still stranded at the export terminal have been cleared by the customs but could not be admitted into the Port as a result of slow admittance method of ETO system.

He said the situation is worsened due to the high volume of exports characteristically experienced during this period.

“You people, you are here with us that you can see that we have a lot of containers here, which all of them, almost 100 of them, have nothing to do with customs.

“Because as the volume is increasing, you can see a lot of export containers here.

“Now as you see them there, Customs has nothing to do with them.

“It is the logistic aspect of taking them inside the port that is holding them and the problem still persist.

“Now we have more volume of export than before.

“This is a high season for exports.You understand the volume of export has also increased.

“We have not been able to achieve improvement in the admittance of export boxes into the port.

“Maybe before, we used to have like 100 export containers or thereabout, entering the port daily.

“But when the volume increases to like 200, 250 so they have to also step up their job there” the CAC declared.

He said his command is worried about the slow admittance of the boxes into the terminal and has therefore decided to engage the Apapa port management on how to resolve the problem and improve on the level of admittance of the boxes into the terminal.

“As the volume of exports is increasing, we will not fold our arms and sit down here.

“We need to go and meet those that are in charge of logistics to make sure that exporters’ goods do not stay here longer than necessary.

” Immediately we finish this press briefing, me and some of my team will be on our way to Apapa to meet the port Manager” Odusanya started.

The LEXC CAC however disclosed that the controversial Nigerian Export Proceed(NXP) form has been suspended.

He disclosed that ETO and the NXP have been the major drawbacks for exports processes at the terminal due to the delay they cause in processing and evacuating export containers from the export terminal.

The Customs chief however said the NPA and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which introduced the NXP, has seen reason with the Customs to halt the implementation of the policy.

“Again, it was a problem that was brought about by misunderstanding the NXP from the NPA side.

“As soon as we held that meeting, they were able to know that the way they designed it could not work that way.

“So it was suspended.

” So now we don’t have any NXP inhibiting the exporters from attaining their ETO from the TTP

“So that’s why we don’t have that problem again.

“Again, not that it is uhuru yet, but we are always on top of any issue coming up so that we solve them because it’s a Central Bank policy.

“You see, the NXP issue came up between the Central Bank and the NPA for genuine reasons in such that they want a situation whereby all exports going out of the country, they make sure they bring back their proceeds.

“So with NXP to make sure that the dollars, the foreign exchange related to that goods is repatriated back to the country.

“But export is not as simplistic as that.

“It is not all exports that are commercial export, you understand that we have none- commercial exports like personal effects, repair and return and some others.

“And again, at the time that they are expecting the NXP to contain the list of containers before they can access the port, NXP does not have the list of containers at that period.

“And if they are to wait for the containers list to copulate on the NXP, many exporters may lose their contracts.

“Some goods may turn bad, because it is when you get that one that you could access the Port.

“The containers list will not come until maybe when the containers are already inside the port and about to be shipped away.

“Some may not even come until maybe the ship has already sailed

“Because there are some administrative processes that will take place before you get to the final destination where the container will copulate on the NXP.”The NPA, unlike Customs and agents, do not know all these details.

“But we Customs and the Agents know.

” The NPA and the CBN who brought this policy don’t know any of these technicalities”

” But we had a meeting and explained to them that not that the agents are afraid of NXP neither the Customs has anything to gain from the policy, but we told them the policy needs to be looked at holistically so that it would not have a drawback effect on the Federal government desire to encourage and promote exports.

” Now that they have now suspended it or maybe they cancelled it, I don’t know, I know they would be looking for an alternative way to effect the NXP policy so that it won’t have any negative effect on export processes” Odusanya explained.

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.

Customs

Customs takes charge of implementation of National Single Window project

– rallies stakeholders for successful take-off

Funso OLOJO, Editor

As the preparations for the official launch of National Single Window(NSW) project on March 27th, 2026 gather momentum, the Nigeria Customs service may have been designated as the lead agency to drive the modernisation project.

This much was confirmed by the Director of the Project, Tola Fakolade who acknowledged the pivotal leadership of the NCS in the implementation process.

At one of the stakeholders sensitisation programmes in Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Fakolade declared “Our number one stakeholder is the NCS,”

“We have maintained a strong and constructive working relationship.

Customs’ participation and institutional experience are critical to the success of this project.” the project coordinator confirmed.

Confirming the lead role of the NCS, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, described the NSW as a major milestone in the Service’s ongoing modernisation drive.

She revealed that the NCS has been actively engaged in preparatory work for months to ensure that the framework being developed reflects operational realities and supports seamless implementation.

“This is a national project, but Customs is at the centre of its execution,” DCG Adebakin said.

“The success of the Single Window depends on collective understanding and cooperation. We must all appreciate its value because we cannot effectively promote what we do not fully understand.”

She reassured officers and stakeholders that the initiative is designed to strengthen institutional capacity rather than replace human resources, explaining that technology will enhance efficiency, transparency, and speed in cargo clearance and trade documentation processes.

Reaffirming the critical role of the service in the implementation of the NSW project, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Abuja stakeholders engagement with airlines and shipping companies held on March 4th, 2026, emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring the successful rollout of the initiative.

He noted that the support of critical stakeholders has played a significant role in the achievements recorded in the Service’s modernisation journey so far.

Adeniyi disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the Service to take a bold step forward towards a successful launch of the National Single Window, a move aimed at positioning Nigeria as a major player in global trade.

He added that airline and shipping line operators remain vital partners in ensuring a seamless transition to the new system.

He further assured stakeholders that adequate support structures are being put in place to ease the migration process.

“A help desk with well-trained personnel will be available to address any operational challenges that may arise during the rollout”, the Comptroller-General stated.

The NCS described the National Single Window as a strategic reform that aligns with Customs’ mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and inter-agency coordination.

With the NCS spearheading coordination and stakeholder engagement, the NSW project is expected to transform Nigeria’s trade environment, enhance revenue generation, and strengthen the country’s position in the global trading community.