The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue collection, generating N323 billion in July 2026.
The landmark figure represents a new revenue record for the command and surpasses the previous record of N304 billion achieved in October 2025. The latest performance was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, during a monthly meeting with Deputy Comptrollers of Terminals and Unit Heads.
Oshoba attributed the record-breaking collection to a combination of policy support, operational reforms, improved compliance and measures aimed at facilitating legitimate trade within the nation’s busiest port environment.
He particularly acknowledged the role of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, and the management of the service in driving the ongoing modernisation of the NCS.
According to the Area Controller, improvements to the B’Odogwu electronic customs platform have contributed significantly to the command’s performance. The system, which had previously experienced challenges, has reportedly been enhanced and is now producing stronger operational results.
Oshoba also highlighted the One-Stop Shop initiative as another factor behind the improved revenue performance. The initiative is designed to accelerate cargo clearance and delivery while creating a more predictable environment for businesses operating through the port.
Another reform identified by the Customs boss was the Authorised Economic Operator framework, which currently has more than 200 beneficiaries. He said the programme had positively influenced the revenue profile of the command by supporting compliant businesses and improving the efficiency of customs procedures.
Beyond administrative reforms, the command said intelligence-driven enforcement operations had also strengthened revenue collection. Officers and men have intensified interventions aimed at detecting false declarations and ensuring compliance with customs valuation principles.
Such enforcement measures, according to the command, are intended to prevent revenue leakages while ensuring that importers and other port users meet their statutory obligations.
Oshoba also linked the improved revenue performance to relative stability in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market. He said a more predictable foreign exchange environment had enabled businesses to plan more effectively, make informed decisions and undertake international trade with greater confidence.
The development comes as the Federal Government continues to focus on increasing non-oil revenue and strengthening the efficiency of government revenue-generating agencies.
Apapa Command plays a particularly important role in this effort because of the enormous volume of trade passing through the nation’s largest commercial port complex. Its revenue performance therefore remains a major component of the Nigeria Customs Service’s overall contribution to government finances.
While celebrating the N323 billion monthly record, Oshoba cautioned officers and stakeholders against becoming complacent. He described the achievement as a foundation for further improvements and urged personnel to remain focused on professionalism, productivity, trade facilitation and efficient service delivery.
He also called on port users and other stakeholders to continue supporting legitimate trade and complying with customs regulations.
The latest record demonstrates the potential impact of digitalisation, enforcement and trade-facilitation reforms on customs revenue. However, sustaining the momentum will depend on the ability of the command to balance revenue generation with efficient cargo clearance and an environment that encourages legitimate businesses to use Nigerian ports.
With the N323 billion July collection now established as its highest monthly revenue figure, the Apapa Area Command faces the challenge of maintaining the momentum and potentially setting another record before the end of 2026.
