Apapa Customs Hit Record N323bn Revenue In July, Credit Reforms, Forex Stability

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue collection of N323 billion in July 2026, with the Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, attributing the feat to ongoing reforms, improved compliance, operational efficiency and relative stability in the foreign exchange market.

The latest figure surpasses the Command’s previous record of N304 billion, achieved in October 2025 under the leadership of Oshoba.

Oshoba disclosed the record revenue during the Command’s monthly meeting with Deputy Comptrollers in charge of terminals and Unit Heads held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

He credited the performance to the policy direction and modernisation programme of the NCS management, led by the comptroller-general of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

“We recognise and acknowledge the CGC’s devotion and dedication to the modernisation project of the Nigerian Customs Service. The management team has introduced several innovations that have streamlined our activities and given us clear direction,” Oshoba said.

According to him, the reforms implemented by the Service are increasingly translating into measurable improvements in revenue collection, trade facilitation and compliance.

He specifically cited the improved performance of the B’Odogwu digital platform, which, despite challenges encountered during its earlier implementation, has now been enhanced to deliver better results.

“The B’Odogwu system had its challenges initially, but it has been improved and we are now seeing the results. The innovations introduced by management are helping us to streamline our activities,” he said.

Oshoba also highlighted the impact of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative, saying it had contributed to faster cargo delivery and a more predictable operating environment for importers and other stakeholders.

“Another important development is the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) framework, which currently has more than 200 beneficiaries. This has positively impacted the revenue profile of the Command,” the CAC said.

He explained that the AEO framework, alongside other trade facilitation measures, was helping to promote legitimate trade while improving the ability of the Service to focus enforcement resources on non-compliant operators.

The Area Controller further attributed the record revenue to intelligence-driven enforcement operations, which have enabled the Command to detect false declarations and enforce compliance with approved valuation principles.

“Our officers and men have intensified interventions to detect false declarations and ensure compliance with the Service’s valuation principles. These interventions are important because they protect national revenue,” Oshoba said.

Oshoba also credited the relatively stable foreign exchange environment under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with contributing to the improved performance.

He said greater predictability in the forex market had enabled importers and other business operators to plan more effectively and make informed decisions.

“The current relative stability in the foreign exchange market has allowed business operators to plan better, make informed decisions and conduct their businesses with greater confidence,” he said.

He, however, challenged officers to look beyond routine revenue collection and identify how their individual units could contribute additional value through interventions and improved service delivery.

“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.

The CAC stressed that the Command’s record revenue should not result in complacency, urging personnel to sustain the momentum through professionalism, discipline and continuous improvement.

Oshoba also emphasised the need to sustain the gains recorded in trade facilitation and ease of doing business.

He directed officers to ensure that disputes involving consignments requiring further scrutiny were resolved promptly, while insisting that all necessary documentation and Post Clearance Audit (PCA) procedures must be properly followed.

On engagement with stakeholders, he urged officers to adopt a more professional and compassionate approach.

“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 cooperation of stakeholders and sister government agencies, saying their support had contributed to improved compliance and greater sanity in the business environment.

According to him, Customs officers must continue to build trust through professionalism, mutual respect and collaboration.

The CAC also charged personnel to remain transparent and disciplined while adapting to the changing digital environment of the Service.

He urged officers to work smart, keep abreast of evolving Customs processes and seek guidance from more experienced colleagues whenever necessary.

Oshoba described effective leadership as a collective responsibility, calling on Staff Officers to support Deputy Comptrollers in maintaining discipline and creating a healthy working environment.

He emphasised the importance of compassion, empathy, teamwork and genuine concern for the welfare of junior personnel.

“Leadership is a collective responsibility. We must create an environment where people can work effectively, support one another and remain focused on the objectives of the Service,” he said.

He further directed officers to maintain heightened security consciousness, strengthen supervision, undertake continuous in-house training and comply fully with approved procedures.

While commending officers of the Command and compliant stakeholders for the record performance, Oshoba described the N323 billion July collection as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint.

He charged all units to sustain the momentum, deepen professional development and remain focused on productivity, trade facilitation and efficient service delivery as the year progresses.