By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
… Mu’azu prioritises trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement; intercepts 392.5kg of cannabis
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, generated ₦302.95 billion in revenue in October 2026, representing an increase of ₦20.16 billion over the ₦282.79 billion recorded in September.
The October collection represents a month-on-month growth of approximately 7.13 per cent, marking another impressive revenue performance above the ₦300 billion threshold.
The development comes barely a month after Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu assumed duty as the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command on September 29, 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, the Command attributed the performance to its renewed commitment to revenue generation, operational efficiency and legitimate trade facilitation under Mu’azu’s leadership.
Since assuming office, the Customs Area Controller has prioritised stakeholder engagement and improved service delivery in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, which focuses on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
As part of the initiative, Mu’azu convened a stakeholder engagement meeting on October 5, bringing together importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to address operational challenges affecting port activities.
The meeting addressed issues including delays in the issuance of Demand Notices, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other concerns affecting port users.
The CAC has also embarked on courtesy visits to key stakeholders and strategic partners within the port community to strengthen institutional relationships and promote a more conducive business environment.
In another move to improve efficiency, the Command has intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improve inter-departmental coordination and reduce processing time.
Mu’azu stressed that traders should not suffer the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses or delays, adding that practical solutions were being introduced to promote seamless business operations and enhance service delivery.
He also directed officers to conduct cargo examinations strictly in accordance with established procedures, relevant documentation and authorisation.
The Customs Area Controller cautioned officers against unwarranted, repetitive and unnecessary examinations capable of frustrating legitimate business transactions, stressing that cargo clearance must be handled promptly and professionally without compromising compliance, revenue protection and national security.
The directives, according to the Command, are designed to improve cargo turnaround time and ensure adherence to the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Meanwhile, the Command recorded a major enforcement breakthrough with the interception of 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing 392.5 kilogrammes in two separate containers.
The seized consignments 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 intercepted narcotics was put at ₦196.13 million.
The seizures were made during joint examinations with relevant sister agencies, underscoring the Command’s resolve to prevent the use 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 operations and deepening collaboration with stakeholders to improve port efficiency.
It added that it would continue to pursue a balanced approach that protects government revenue and national security while creating an enabling environment for legitimate trade and economic growth.
