Apapa Customs Surges to ₦323bn Monthly Revenue, Credits Reforms and Stable Forex
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue collection, generating a staggering ₦323 billion in July 2026.
The landmark performance represents another major milestone under the leadership of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, who previously led the Command to a record ₦304 billion collection in October 2025.
Oshoba disclosed the latest achievement during the Command’s monthly meeting with Deputy Comptrollers of Terminals and Unit Heads held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. He attributed the impressive performance to the combined impact of government policy support, operational reforms, improved compliance and enhanced trade facilitation.
The Area Controller commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, and the management team of the NCS for their commitment to the Service’s ongoing modernisation programme.
“We recognise and acknowledge the CGC’s devotion and dedication to the modernisation project of the Nigeria Customs Service. The management team has introduced several innovations that have streamlined our activities and given us clear direction,” Oshoba said.
He noted that the reforms were producing measurable results across the Command, particularly with improvements to the B’Odogwu system, which he said had overcome earlier operational challenges and was now delivering stronger outcomes.
Oshoba also highlighted the impact of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative, saying it had improved cargo delivery timelines while creating a more predictable business environment for legitimate importers.
He further identified the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) framework as another major contributor to the Command’s revenue performance, noting that more than 200 beneficiaries are currently participating in the programme.
“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,” he added.
According to the CAC, intelligence-driven enforcement operations have equally strengthened compliance, with officers intensifying efforts to detect false declarations and ensure adherence to the Service’s valuation principles in order to protect government revenue.
Forex Stability Boosting Trade Confidence
Oshoba also credited the enabling business environment created under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly the relative stability in the foreign exchange market.
He explained that greater predictability in the forex market has enabled businesses to plan more effectively, make informed decisions and undertake international trade with increased confidence.
However, the CAC challenged officers to look beyond routine revenue generation and identify how their individual units could contribute additional value through strategic interventions.
“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 Area Controller stressed the importance of sustained trade facilitation and ease of doing business, describing the current operating environment as increasingly predictable and conducive to economic growth.
He directed officers to resolve disputes promptly, ensure proper documentation where consignments require further scrutiny and adhere strictly to the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) process.
‘Give Stakeholders Hope’
On stakeholder engagement, Oshoba charged officers to maintain professionalism and ensure that interactions with traders and other stakeholders build confidence in the Customs system.
“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, noting that their support had contributed to improved compliance and a more orderly business environment.
The CAC urged personnel to sustain trust through professionalism, respect, transparency and collaboration while remaining disciplined and abreast of evolving digital processes.
He also called on Staff Officers to support Deputy Comptrollers in maintaining discipline and fostering a healthy workplace built around compassion, empathy, teamwork and concern for the welfare of subordinates.
Oshoba further directed personnel to maintain heightened security consciousness, strengthen supervision, participate in continuous in-house training and comply fully with approved operational procedures.
While congratulating officers of the Command and compliant stakeholders for the record-breaking revenue performance, the Area Controller described the ₦323 billion July collection as a stepping stone rather than an end in itself, urging personnel to sustain the momentum and pursue even greater achievements as 2026 progresses toward its final quarter.