Summary:
The Nigeria Customs Service has redefined fiscal efficiency in 2025, recording a historic N2.93 trillion revenue at the Apapa Command and a staggering 117% growth at the Seme border, driven by advanced technology and strategic enforcement.
The year 2025 has marked a pivotal turnaround for the nation’s port administration and border control, as the Nigeria Customs Service reported unprecedented financial gains. In a significant boost to the federal government’s fiscal policy, the Apapa Area Port Command cemented its status as the country’s premier commercial hub by generating a colossal N2.93 trillion. This figure represents a robust 24.32% year-on-year growth compared to the N2.35 trillion accrued in 2024.
The surge in revenue generation is being attributed to a strategic overhaul in operations led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. Central to this success was the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System, technically known as B’Odogwu. According to the Customs Area Controller, Emmanuel Oshoba, this digital infrastructure significantly enhanced transparency and streamlined cargo clearance processes, effectively closing revenue leakages that previously plagued the system.
Beyond the balance sheets, the command also tightened its grip on national security. Through rigorous anti-smuggling operations, the Apapa Command intercepted 53 containers laden with illicit substances, including cocaine and Tramadol, with a Duty Paid Value of N12.6 billion. The command is also set to deploy the FS6000 non-intrusive cargo scanner, capable of processing 200 containers hourly, to further bolster trade facilitation.
Simultaneously, the Seme Area Command has rewritten its financial history. In a remarkable display of efficiency, the border command announced a total collection of N15.5 billion for the year, marking a massive 117% increase from the N7.1 billion collected in 2024. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Tunde Ayagbalo, noted that December 2025 alone witnessed a historic monthly peak of N3.6 billion.
This efficiency at the border is largely credited to the One-Stop Shop initiative and the reduction of checkpoints along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor. By streamlining these control posts, legitimate trade has flourished, minimizing delays for international travelers and merchants while maximizing state revenue.