Customs Generate N179.9bn At Lagos Airport, Intercept N7.2bn Contraband

The Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja, on Wednesday said, it generated N179.9 billion in import revenue between January and November 2025.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Compt. Michael Awe, also disclosed that the Command intercepted various categories of contraband valued at over N7.2 billion within the same period.

According to Compt. Awe, the N179.9 billion revenue represents a growth of N15.1 billion, reflecting a 9.16% increase over the N164.8 billion generated in the corresponding period in 2024.

“Within the period under review, Murtala Muhammed Area Command generated a total of N179.9 billion from Customs duties and related charges. The revenue generated showed a significant improvement over the N164.8 billion generated in the corresponding period in 2024. This reflects a 9.16 per cent increase amounting to N15.1 billion growth,” he said.

On the Command’s anti-smuggling operations, the CAC said, the seizures made in the last 11 months include Colorado (a synthetic drug), various security apparatus, pangolin scales, and elephant tusks, among others.

“During this period, we intercepted and seized three packages of Colorado leaf; 4 packages of Nigeria Immigration Service uniform materials; a two-way radio walkie-talkie; 1 package of TIPPMANN semi-automatic Magfed paintball marker gun; 75 packages of pangolin scales; and 1 package of elephant tusk,” he said.

Other seizures include: 2 packages of Canadian Cannabis Sativa, 6 packages of 225mg Tramadol Hydrochloride, 17 packages of unregistered 300mg Pregabalin tablets, 5 packages of unregistered Sardulud (2mg) and Norflex (50mg) tablets, 523 pieces of signed Deutsche Bank and AIB Bank cheques.

Compt. Awe stated that all seizures carried a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N7.2 billion, attributing the success to intensified surveillance, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with partner agencies.

“The Command remains firmly committed to its zero-tolerance stance on smuggling and will continue to enforce all applicable trade laws with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, ” he said.

Compt. Awe announced that the Command had achieved 100.1 per cent of its annual revenue target, noting that, the performance was driven by improved trader compliance, real-time monitoring of transactions, and prompt detection of irregularities.

He also commended compliant traders and clearing agents for their cooperation and adherence to regulatory procedures.

The CAC acknowledged the critical role played by stakeholders and sister agencies in the Command’s success.