Apapa Customs Hits Record N323 Billion Revenue in July

By Victor Idajil

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue collection of N323 billion in July 2026.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, Sulaiman Isah, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday. He said the figure was announced by the Customs Area Controller, Emmanuel Oshoba, during the command’s monthly meeting with Deputy Comptrollers of Terminals and Unit Heads last week.

According to Isah, the July collection surpasses the command’s previous record of N304 billion achieved in October 2025 under Oshoba’s leadership.

Speaking on the feat, Oshoba attributed the growth to policy support from Customs headquarters, operational reforms, and improved compliance by importers and agents.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the management team for driving the modernisation of 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.

Oshoba said the reforms are already yielding results. He cited the improved performance of the B’Odogwu clearance system, which previously had challenges but has now been upgraded. He also pointed to the One-Stop Shop initiative, which has shortened cargo delivery times and created a more predictable environment for legitimate trade.

He added that the Authorised Economic Operator framework, with over 200 beneficiaries, has contributed positively to the command’s revenue profile.

On enforcement, the Controller said intelligence-driven operations have helped officers detect false declarations and enforce proper valuation, thereby protecting government revenue.

Oshoba noted that a more stable foreign exchange regime has also given businesses confidence to plan and trade better. He however urged officers to look beyond routine collection and ask what additional value they are adding in their units.  
“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 need for faster dispute resolution, proper documentation during scrutiny, and strict adherence to Post Clearance Audit procedures.

On stakeholder engagement, Oshoba directed officers to be professional and empathetic.  
“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 support of stakeholders and sister agencies, saying their cooperation has improved compliance and sanitised the port environment. He urged personnel to embrace transparency, discipline, and continuous training on digital processes, and to consult senior colleagues when needed.

The Controller described effective leadership as a collective duty and called on Staff Officers to support Deputy Controllers in maintaining discipline and a healthy work culture built on teamwork and welfare.

He also charged all units to strengthen security, supervision, and compliance with approved procedures as the year winds down.

While congratulating officers and compliant stakeholders on the record collection, Oshoba urged them to treat the achievement as a foundation for even bigger results before the end of 2026.