… New CAC warns against operational delays, illicit trade
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, generated ₦302.95 billion in October 2026, representing an increase of ₦20.16 billion over the ₦282.79 billion collected in September.
The October revenue represents a month-on-month growth of approximately 7.13 per cent, marking another collection above the ₦300 billion threshold, following the Command’s record-breaking performance of over ₦323 billion in July 2026.
The performance comes barely a month after Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu assumed duty as Customs Area Controller (CAC) on September 29, 2026, with his leadership agenda focusing on revenue optimisation, trade facilitation, operational efficiency and stronger stakeholder collaboration.
Since taking over, Mu’azu has prioritised stakeholder engagement and improved service delivery in alignment with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
This was evident at the stakeholder engagement meeting held on October 5, 2026, which brought together importers, exporters, licensed Customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to address operational challenges affecting port users.
Key issues discussed included delays in the issuance of Demand Notices, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other concerns impeding efficient port operations.
Beyond the meeting, the new CAC has embarked on courtesy visits to key stakeholders and strategic partners within the port community to strengthen institutional relationships, promote mutual understanding and build the cooperation required for a more conducive business environment.
In a move to further improve operational efficiency, the Command has also intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire, with the objective of eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving inter-departmental coordination and reducing processing time without compromising compliance and control requirements.
Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Mu’azu said the Command was determined to address operational inefficiencies that expose traders to avoidable delays and hardship.
“Traders should not suffer the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses or delays. We must identify challenges, address their root causes and adopt practical solutions that will promote seamless business operations, enhance service delivery and create a more efficient trading environment’, he stated.
He stressed that the initiative was part of his commitment to trade facilitation and ensuring that the various departments involved in the processing of cargo-related documentation discharge their responsibilities more efficiently.
The CAC has also directed officers to conduct cargo examinations strictly in accordance with extant procedures, requisite documentation and authorisation.
He cautioned against unwarranted, repetitive or unnecessary examinations capable of frustrating legitimate business transactions, stressing that cargo inspections must not become a source of avoidable delays.
Officers have consequently been charged to discharge their responsibilities promptly and professionally while safeguarding revenue, ensuring compliance and protecting national security.
The directives, according to the Command, are designed to ease cargo clearance, improve turnaround time and promote a predictable trading environment in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The Command is also strengthening coordination among relevant departments and port stakeholders to address operational challenges affecting cargo movement.
Meanwhile, the Apapa Command has reinforced its enforcement operations with the interception of 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing 392.5 kilogrammes in two separate containers during the period under review.
The seizures comprised 162 sachets weighing 125 kilogrammes in container number MSKU0486747 and 275 sachets weighing 267.5 kilogrammes in container number TEMU6149358.
The combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized narcotics is estimated at ₦196.13 million.
The consignments were jointly examined with relevant sister agencies, underscoring the Command’s resolve to prevent the exploitation of Nigeria’s maritime gateway for illicit trade and safeguard public health and national security.
The Apapa Area Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining revenue growth, strengthening enforcement and deepening stakeholder partnerships to improve port operations.
Under Mu’azu’s leadership, it said, the Command would continue to pursue a balanced approach that protects government revenue and national security while facilitating legitimate trade and supporting economic growth.