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

Oshoba, Apapa Customs boss, charges officers on discipline, revenue, trade facilitation

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged officers and men of the Command to intensify revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations and uphold professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties.

Comptroller Oshoba gave the charge during the Command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at the Command headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.

The Area Controller emphasized the need for greater operational interventions across terminals to block revenue leakages while ensuring seamless trade facilitation and timely cargo clearance.

“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. That is why any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated.

“Even at the gates. If a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay at the gates,” he stated.

He also urged officers to remain accessible and professional in their dealings with stakeholders.

“You must make yourself accessible to our stakeholders and we must avoid actions capable of tarnishing the good image of the Service and the good work being done by the CGC and members of his management.

“We should not be seen as slugs in the wheels of progress,” Oshoba added.

The CAC further called for heightened vigilance against smuggling activities, especially illicit drugs and prohibited items, while warning officers against misconduct and improper dressing.

Highlight of the parade was the recognition of outstanding Officers and Units for exemplary service.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month, while CSC Augustine Ondoma, ASCI Bukola Olaleye and IC Olalekan Salawu were recognized for professionalism, innovation and punctuality respectively.

Similarly, officers of APM Terminal received the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while Officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal received the Excellence Award on Revenue Generation.

Comptroller Oshoba explained that the award initiative was introduced to encourage hard work, excellence, professionalism and healthy competition among Officers and Units of the Command.

Customs

PTML donates smart office complex to Customs for enhanced performance

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), Tin Can Island port, has demonstrated a rare commitment to the welfare and well being of the officers of the PTML command of the Nigeria Customs Service when the terminal operator donated a new fully furnished office complex with modern Information and Communications Technology (ICT) facilities to enhance their operations and boost their efficiency.

While handling the smart office complex to the management of the command on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, the Managing Director of PTML), Mr Ascanio Russo, described the project as a clear demonstration of PTML’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigeria Customs Service and ensuring that officers operate in an environment that promotes efficiency, professionalism and productivity.

According to him, the new office complex reflects PTML’s broader vision of fostering stronger institutional partnerships that will ultimately benefit port users and the Nigerian economy.

“This project symbolises our enduring partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service and our collective determination to improve operational standards at the port.

“We promised to provide additional offices to Customs, to complement the existing offices, and today we are proud to fulfil that commitment with a facility designed to provide a modern, comfortable and highly functional workspace for officers.

“We firmly believe that when regulatory agencies are provided with the right work environment and support, they are better positioned to carry out their responsibilities efficiently.

“This new modern facility will undoubtedly enhance productivity, strengthen operational effectiveness and contribute significantly to the seamless movement of cargo and trade facilitation at the terminal,” Russo stated.

He further commended officers and men of the PTML Command for their dedication, professionalism and consistent efforts in sustaining cargo throughput and boosting government revenue generation despite operational challenges.

Receiving the new office complex on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, expressed deep appreciation to the management of PTML for delivering the project, which he described as timely and impactful.

Comptroller Anani noted that a conducive working environment remains critical to the effectiveness, morale and overall performance of officers, stressing that the newly renovated complex would greatly enhance administrative efficiency and operational coordination within the Command.

“This is truly a dream come true for us. I was informed that this project had been in the pipeline for quite some time, so witnessing its successful completion during my tenure gives me immense satisfaction and joy.

“PTML has demonstrated genuine commitment, responsibility and partnership through this laudable gesture.

“A modern workplace like this has a direct impact on the efficiency and motivation of officers.

“This facility will undoubtedly improve our operational capacity, create a better working atmosphere and support our mandate of facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring compliance with government regulations.

” We sincerely appreciate PTML for honouring this promise and for continuously supporting the activities of the Command,” Anani said.

Industry stakeholders at the event noted that the development will contribute positively to faster cargo clearance procedures, improved administrative processes and stronger synergy between terminal operators and regulatory authorities, all of which are essential to achieving greater efficiency within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

PTML, which is Nigeria’s leading roll-on roll-off terminal, is widely recognised for handling vehicle and container imports as well as providing integrated logistics and terminal services.

The terminal has continued to play a strategic role in supporting Nigeria’s maritime trade through its significant investments in infrastructure, operational efficiency and technology-driven cargo handling processes aimed at improving port productivity and reducing cargo dwell time.

Customs

Nigeria’s business community lauds Customs performance in Q1 2026, seeks improvement in service delivery

Funso OLOJO,Editor

The critical section of stakeholders in the maritime and aviation industries have expressed satisfaction with the level of performance, service delivery and discipline among officers in the Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Their commendation was based of the performances of all the commands in the Zone in the last three months

Customs Commands in Zone ‘A’ are those located across the six states of the South west geopolitical zone, at the land, airport and sea port borders.

Some of the prominent Commands in Zone ‘A’ include the Apapa Port Command, Tincan Island Port (TCIP) Command, Ports and Terminals Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Command, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command and the Western Marine Command.

Others are the Ijora Export Terminal, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Murtala Mohammed Cargo Airport Command, Seme Border Command, Idiroko Border Command, Ogun State, the Oyo/Osun Command and Ondo Command.

Many stakeholders who volunteered comments on the scorecard of the NCS Commands in Zone ‘A’ within the first three months of the year, said although Customs officers needed to improve in their service delivery, they however rated their performance high within the period under review.

The assessment focused mainly on resumption time, closing time, prompt attention to, and resolution of complaints from the business community, physical appearance, trade facilitation and revenue generation.

Many stakeholders scored the NCS in the Zone high on resumption time and closing time.

According to them, in most of the Commands, resumption time and closing time, as well as prompt response to complaints and physical appearance of officers are rated grade A.

A respondent, Uju Clifford, a freight forwarder who plies his business between the Seme Border Command and Apapa Area 1 Command, said he felt sorry for Customs officers because most of them resumed as early as 7.45 am and closed around 8 PM.

Clifford narrated a story of how his container was one day detained at the FOU for issues that related to documentation, but when he rushed to the Command in the evening to sort out the cargo, he witnessed that some officers closed by 8 PM. He said he felt sorry for the officers.

Clifford, who hinted that he normally pursues his jobs till late in the evening at the Apapa Area 1 Command, added that under the present management of the NCS led by Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,the Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs service, he has witnessed the highest level of discipline among officers.

According to him, “They look neat and decent. They talk to us politely, not like those days when they shouted at us. I commend the leadership of the current CG”.

The NCS has continued to demonstrate resilience and efficiency in the first and second quarters of 2026, with its performance scorecard reflecting strong achievements in revenue collection, enforcement, compliance, and strategic seizures across major commands.

Stakeholders were unanimous that from the Apapa Area Command to Tin Can Island and the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command, operations have remained seamless, with service delivery running smoothly and unhindered.

At Apapa Area Command, revenue collection surged beyond projections, with recoveries from under-declarations and infractions reinforcing the Service’s vigilance.

In the same vein, the Tin Can Island Command recorded significant seizures of contraband, including restricted goods and counterfeit products, underscoring the Service’s commitment to safeguarding national security and economic interests.

Similarly, the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command maintained its reputation for precision enforcement, intercepting illicit consignments while ensuring legitimate trade flows without disruption.

The Idiroko Border Command led by Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, was scored high on enforcement drives, discipline, wellness activities and officers welfare.

Stakeholders across the maritime and aviation sectors also commended the Service’s performance.

“The Customs Service has shown remarkable consistency in revenue generation and enforcement.

“Their efficiency in Q1 and Q2 ,2026 has been a stabilizing factor for the economy,” said Mrs. Adeola Ogunleye, a maritime industry player.

Assessing the Service’s performance scorecard within the period under review, the National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr. Emmanuel Onyeme, noted that men and officers of the NCS attended to their duties with passion and commitment.

He also saluted the high-level of professionalism displayed by personnel, while encouraging management and operatives within the zone to maintain the traction.

“The reality on the ground is that the Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service in Zone ‘A’ have been very patriotic and professional in the discharge of their duties in recent months, particularly as regards promptness to duty and attending to clearing agents with courtesy and professionalism.

“I commend the officers in the commands across the zone for discharging their duties so well.

“This shows that the high-level professionalism and patriotism of the Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is running off down the ladder.

“I also want to commend all the Customs Area Controllers in the zone for being a very good example to their officers.

“The implication of this good development will be more revenue for the government and enhanced trade facilitation, and it will boost the cordial relationship existing between Customs and the stakeholders, especially Clearing Agents and Freight Forwarders”, Onyeme said.

Mr. Chinedu Okafor, a freight forwarder at Tin Can Island, also evaluating service delivery in the cargo clearance system said: “The seizures recorded this year are proof of Customs’ vigilance.

” Beyond that, clearance procedures have become faster, and revenue recoveries are impressive.

” Why we can speak of the need for improvement across board, we must commend the Customs for taking the lead and continue to incline to its appeal for other players like us to step up.”

Also speaking, Dr. Ibrahim Musa, an aviation logistics expert, emphasized the Service’s resilience:

“At the airport command, operations have been seamless. Revenue targets are being met, enforcement remains strong, and compliance levels are high.

” The Service deserves commendation for balancing trade facilitation with security.”

The Nigeria Customs Service posted a strong performance in Q1 and Q2 2026, surpassing revenue targets, recording billions in recoveries, and executing major seizures across key commands.

Stakeholders have lauded the Service’s efficiency, noting its resilience in revenue collection, enforcement, and compliance.

Revenue Performance:

While Q1 2026 export earnings hit $925.84 million, a 38.68% increase compared to Q1 2025, container throughput amounted to 19,014 for Q1 2026, up 95.58% from 9,722 in Q1 2025.

In the same vein, export surcharge collections grossed ₦199.36 million in Q1 2026, with an upswing of 21.81% year-on-year.

This is even as the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) collections amounted to ₦6.03 billion for Q1 2026, amounting to a 20.15% increase, up from ₦5.01 billion collected in Q1 2025.

Instructively, there’s a projected ₦9 trillion revenue for 2026, based on ₦7.28 trillion collected in 2025; with a projected target increase of ₦697 billion.

Enforcement & Seizures

With a total of 473 smuggling operations foiled in 8 weeks, the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Lagos seizures included 8,794 bags of rice (15 trailer loads), 22 used vehicles, 1,863 refrigerator compressors, 328 bales of clothing, and 531 cartons of frozen poultry.

Drug Interceptions records indicate that while 3,340 parcels of cannabis (1,540kg), plus 6.4kg of cocaine and methamphetamine valued at ₦2.35 billion was made within the period under review, revenue recovery by the unit amounted to ₦5.5 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV) and ₦97.7 million recovered via Demand Notices.

Command Highlights:

While Apapa Area Command surpassed revenue projections, with strong recoveries from under-declarations, Tin Can Island the second largest command recorded significant seizures of contraband and counterfeit goods, reinforcing compliance.

This is even as Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command maintained a seamless enforcement trajectory, intercepting illicit consignments, while facilitating legitimate trade.

With stakeholders affirming the Service’s credibility and efficiency, the Nigeria Customs Service continues to uphold its reputation as a cornerstone of trade facilitation and national revenue generation. Its Q1 and Q2 2026 scorecard reflects not only resilience but also a forward-looking commitment to excellence in service delivery.