The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, collected N323 billion in revenue in July 2026, recording its highest monthly revenue since the command was established.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Sulaiman Isah, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the Customs Area Controller, Emmanuel Oshoba, announced the figure during a monthly meeting with Deputy Comptrollers of Terminals and unit heads.
The July collection surpassed the command’s previous record of N304 billion, recorded in October 2025.
Oshoba attributed the latest performance to policy support, operational reforms and improved compliance among stakeholders.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management for their efforts to modernise the service.
“We recognise and acknowledge the CGC’s devotion and dedication to the modernisation project of the NCS. The management team has introduced several innovations that have streamlined our activities and given us clear direction,” he said.
According to Oshoba, the reforms were already producing measurable results, particularly improvements to the B’Odogwu system, which had previously faced operational challenges.
He also cited the One-Stop Shop initiative, saying it had helped to reduce cargo clearance times and create a more predictable environment for legitimate importers.
Oshoba identified the Authorised Economic Operator framework as another factor contributing to the command’s revenue performance, noting that more than 200 operators currently benefit from the initiative.
“Another important development is the Authorised Economic Operator framework, which currently has more than 200 beneficiaries. This has positively impacted the revenue profile of the Command,” he said.
He added that intelligence-led enforcement operations had strengthened compliance by enabling officers to detect false declarations and ensure adherence to the service’s valuation principles.
The Area Controller also attributed part of the improved trading environment to what he described as relative stability in the foreign exchange market under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He said the greater predictability had enabled businesses to plan more effectively, make informed decisions and conduct international trade with greater confidence.
Oshoba urged customs personnel to look beyond routine revenue collection and identify additional ways to contribute to the command’s performance.
“In your area of responsibility, you must ask yourself, apart from the normal revenue generated by your unit, what is your own contribution in terms of intervention? What have I added?” he asked.
He stressed the importance of trade facilitation and ease of doing business, describing the current operating environment as more predictable and conducive to growth.
The Customs Area Controller directed officers to resolve disputes promptly where consignments required further scrutiny and to adhere to proper documentation and Post Clearance Audit procedures.
On stakeholder relations, Oshoba urged officers to maintain professionalism and ensure that traders and other stakeholders received constructive guidance.
“When you interact with stakeholders, let them leave your office with hope rather than despair. As a leader, do not allow anyone who comes to you to depart feeling hopeless or depressed. Give people hope,” he said.
He acknowledged the cooperation of stakeholders and sister agencies, saying their support had contributed to improved compliance and a more orderly business environment.
Oshoba also urged personnel to uphold transparency and discipline, stay abreast of evolving digital processes and consult experienced colleagues when necessary.
He called on staff officers to support Deputy Controllers in maintaining discipline and fostering a workplace built on teamwork, empathy and concern for staff welfare.
The Area Controller further directed personnel to strengthen security awareness and supervision, undergo continuous training and comply fully with approved procedures.
While commending officers and compliant stakeholders for the record revenue collection, Oshoba urged them to view the achievement as a springboard for further growth before the end of 2026.
