Apapa Customs generates N302.9bn in October, warns against illicit trade
By Godwin Oritse
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reported a revenue generation of N302.9 billion for October 2026, marking a 7.13 percent increase from the N282.79 billion collected in September 2026.
Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer for the Command, Isah Sulaiman, stated that the October figures highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance revenue generation while facilitating legitimate trade.
The revenue performance is credited to the leadership of Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, who began his tenure as Customs Area Controller on September 29, 2026. Mu’azu has emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency, and improved service delivery.
The statement noted that Mu’azu is focused on the Customs Service’s key strategic initiatives, which include consolidation, collaboration, and innovation, particularly in addressing operational challenges faced by port users.
These efforts were evident during a stakeholder engagement meeting held last month, which involved importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, and terminal operators. The meeting aimed to tackle issues such as delays in Demand Notices and cargo clearance bottlenecks.
In addition to the meeting, Comptroller Mu’azu has conducted courtesy visits to essential stakeholders and strategic partners in the port community. These visits aim to strengthen institutional relationships, promote mutual understanding, and foster collaboration to create a more favorable business environment for traders and port users.
To further enhance operational efficiency, the Apapa Area Command has intensified its review and streamlining of Transire processing. This initiative seeks to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic delays, improve inter-departmental coordination, and reduce processing times while maintaining compliance and control measures.
