Apapa Customs Posts Unprecedented Monthly Earnings of N323 Billion, Shattering Previous Mark

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Apapa Area Command, has achieved a milestone by collecting a record N323 billion in revenue in July 2026, marking the highest monthly revenue collection in its history.

n

This feat surpasses the previous record of N304 billion collected in October 2025, under the leadership of Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba.

n

Comptroller Oshoba revealed the latest revenue figure during a monthly meeting with Deputy Comptrollers in charge of terminals and unit heads, attributing the success to policy support, operational reforms, improved compliance, and the adoption of technology-driven processes.

n

The Customs Area Controller praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the service's management for their commitment to modernizing the NCS, acknowledging their devotion to the project and the introduction of innovations that have streamlined activities.

n

Oshoba highlighted the improvements in the B'Odogwu system, which has overcome previous operational challenges and is now yielding better results, as a key factor contributing to the command's performance.

n

The One-Stop Shop, OSS, initiative has also played a significant role, reducing cargo delivery time and creating a more predictable environment for legitimate importers, according to Oshoba.

n

Furthermore, the Authorised Economic Operator, AEO, framework, with over 200 beneficiaries, has positively impacted the command's revenue profile, Oshoba added.

n

Intelligence-driven enforcement operations have strengthened compliance, with officers intensifying efforts to detect false declarations and ensure adherence to the service's valuation principles, aimed at protecting government revenue and facilitating legitimate trade.

n

Oshoba attributed the command's improved performance to the enabling business environment created by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, particularly the relative stability in the foreign exchange market.

n

The more predictable foreign exchange environment has enabled businesses to plan better, make informed decisions, and conduct international trade with greater confidence, according to Oshoba.

n

Oshoba challenged officers to look beyond routine revenue collection and assess their individual contributions to the command's performance, asking them to consider their unique interventions and added value.

n

The Customs boss emphasized the importance of trade facilitation and ease of doing business, describing the current operating environment as more predictable and conducive to growth.

n

Oshoba directed officers to resolve disputes promptly and ensure that consignments requiring further scrutiny were handled in accordance with proper documentation and the Post Clearance Audit, PCA, process.

n

On stakeholder relations, he urged officers to interact with traders and other stakeholders professionally and respectfully, leaving them with hope rather than despair.

n

Oshoba acknowledged the cooperation of stakeholders and sister government agencies, saying their support has contributed to improved compliance and a more orderly business environment.

n

He urged officers to build greater trust through professionalism, respect, and collaboration, and to maintain transparency and discipline, embracing evolving digital processes and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues when necessary.

n

Oshoba described effective leadership as a collective responsibility, urging staff officers to support Deputy Comptrollers in enforcing discipline and promoting a healthy working environment based on teamwork, empathy, and concern for staff welfare.

n

He called for increased security consciousness, proper supervision, continuous in-house training, and strict adherence to approved procedures, emphasizing the importance of these measures.

n

Oshoba urged all units to sustain the momentum, deepen professional development, and remain focused on productivity, trade facilitation, and efficient service delivery.