The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has posted a remarkable first quarter performance in 2025, with a combined revenue of N236.2 billion and the interception of contraband goods valued at over N10.2 billion, reflecting increased operational efficiency and enhanced border surveillance across its key commands.
In Lagos, the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command reported a Q1 2025 revenue of N45.7 billion, surpassing the N45.4 billion recorded during the same period in 2024. This growth, amounting to N276.9 million or 0.61%, was attributed to heightened stakeholder compliance and strategic enforcement of trade regulations.
Customs Area Controller Comptroller Michael Awe, in a press briefing, emphasized the command’s zero tolerance for revenue leakages, stating that proactive enforcement and continuous profiling of high-risk shipments have been key to their performance.
During the quarter, the command also recorded multiple seizures including:
- Immigration camouflage uniforms
- Motorola walkie-talkies
- Colorado CAT leaves
These items had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N132.4 million. Awe credited these interceptions to effective intelligence sharing and enhanced officer vigilance.
“We shall enforce all applicable laws and regulations with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” Awe affirmed.
Meanwhile, at the Onne Port Command II in Port Harcourt, Customs Area Controller Mohammed Babandede announced the seizure of 20 containers of high-risk contraband between January and March 2025.
Items seized include:
- Over 670,000 bottles of codeine syrup
- Vegetable oil in jerry cans
- Used clothing and sanitary wares
- Millions of tablets and capsules, including Tamol-X and Pregabalin
- Soupy tomato paste, toys, and assorted household goods
The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted items stood at a staggering N10,293,677,040.
“These seizures are products of courage, integrity, and the unwavering dedication of our officers,” said Babandede.
In addition to enforcement, the Onne Port Command also reported:
- Revenue collection of N190.57 billion
- Export of 1.274 million metric tons of mostly agricultural and solid mineral products valued at N2.34 billion
Both Comptrollers praised strategic partnerships with sister agencies, trading communities, and stakeholders as instrumental in achieving these successes. Comptroller Awe emphasized that ongoing dialogue and trust-building efforts have led to greater compliance and transparency.
He lauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for providing strategic direction and support, while also commending customs officers for their professionalism and unwavering commitment.
Awe also acknowledged the media’s role in ensuring transparency, encouraging continued collaboration for the good of national economic security.
As Nigeria Customs Service advances into Q2 2025, both commands remain focused on boosting legitimate trade, securing national borders, and increasing revenue generation, aligning with national economic goals amidst global trade uncertainties.
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