By Peace Udugba
Apapa Area Command records its highest-ever monthly revenue as Customs reforms, digital systems, trade facilitation and improved compliance boost collections.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has recorded a historic ₦323 billion revenue collection in July 2026, its highest monthly revenue figure since the Command’s establishment.
The landmark performance was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, during the Command’s monthly meeting with Deputy Comptrollers of Terminals and Unit Heads held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The latest record surpasses the ₦304 billion revenue collection achieved by the Command in October 2025 under Oshoba’s leadership.
The CAC attributed the July performance to the combined impact of policy support, operational reforms, improved compliance, intelligence-driven enforcement and a more stable foreign exchange environment.
Oshoba commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, and the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service for their commitment to the ongoing modernisation of the Service.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the reforms are producing measurable results across the Command, particularly with improvements in the B’Odogwu digital platform, which had earlier encountered operational challenges but has since been enhanced.
He also highlighted the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative, saying it has helped accelerate cargo delivery and created a more predictable business environment capable of encouraging legitimate trade.
Oshoba further identified the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) framework as another key contributor to the Command’s revenue performance. He disclosed that more than 200 beneficiaries are currently operating under the framework.
“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 said.
The CAC also attributed part of the revenue growth to intelligence-driven enforcement operations aimed at detecting false declarations and ensuring compliance with the Service’s valuation principles.
He said officers and men of the Command had intensified interventions designed to protect government revenue while facilitating legitimate trade.
Oshoba also credited the business environment created by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the relative stability in the foreign exchange market.
He explained that a more predictable foreign exchange regime had enabled importers and other business operators to plan better, make informed decisions and conduct their businesses with greater confidence.
The CAC, however, challenged officers to look beyond routine revenue generation and identify other areas where they could contribute to the Command’s performance.
“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.
Oshoba stressed the importance of trade facilitation and ease of doing business, describing the current operating environment as more predictable and conducive to business growth.
He directed officers to resolve disputes promptly and ensure that consignments requiring further scrutiny are handled in accordance with proper documentation and the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) process.
On stakeholder relations, the CAC urged officers to maintain professionalism, respect and empathy in their dealings with members of the business community.
“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.
The Area Controller acknowledged the cooperation of stakeholders and sister agencies, noting that their support had contributed to improved compliance and greater sanity in the business environment.
He urged officers to continue building trust through professionalism, collaboration and respect while upholding transparency and discipline.
Oshoba also charged personnel to work smarter, remain abreast of evolving digital processes and seek guidance from more experienced colleagues when necessary.
He described effective leadership as a collective responsibility and called on Staff Officers to support Deputy Controllers in strengthening discipline and promoting a healthy work environment built on compassion, empathy, teamwork and concern for the welfare of subordinates.
The CAC further called for heightened security consciousness, effective supervision, continuous in-house training and strict adherence to approved procedures.
While commending officers of the Command and compliant stakeholders for the record revenue collection, Oshoba described the achievement as a stepping stone to further breakthroughs, urging all personnel to sustain the momentum as the year 2026 progresses.
