The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, achieved significant strides in anti-smuggling operations and revenue generation during the first half of 2025. Between January and June, the command seized 27 containers laden with prohibited and illegally imported goods, underscoring their commitment to protecting the nation from harmful products and bolstering local industries. The seized items ranged from unregistered pharmaceuticals and expired food products to used clothing, codeine syrup, wild animal skins, and stolen vehicles. This proactive approach reflects the command’s dedication to safeguarding public health, combating illicit trade, and upholding international conventions. The seizures, with a total duty paid value of N9.2 billion, represent a substantial blow to smuggling networks and highlight the effectiveness of the command’s enforcement strategies.
Further demonstrating their resolve to maintain compliance and deter illegal activities, the Apapa Area Command sealed three bonded terminals during this period for various infractions. One terminal is currently facing prosecution, while investigations are ongoing for the remaining two. This decisive action sends a clear message that the command will not tolerate any compromise on established regulations and procedures. By holding these terminals accountable, the Customs Service aims to strengthen the integrity of the import/export process and ensure a level playing field for legitimate businesses. The stringent enforcement measures contribute to building a more transparent and compliant trading environment within the Apapa Port.
The command’s anti-smuggling efforts extend beyond the seizure of illicit goods to encompass the prevention of potentially harmful imports. One notable instance involved the detention of a container of imported matches lacking the mandatory End User Certificate. This proactive measure demonstrates the command’s vigilance in scrutinizing all consignments passing through the Apapa Port, ensuring adherence to established regulations and safeguarding against potential risks. Every shipment undergoes rigorous screening, including scanning and physical examination where deemed necessary, further reinforcing the command’s dedication to protecting the nation from harmful imports.
The Apapa Customs command’s commitment to enforcing international agreements is evident in their condemnation of the importation of wild animal parts. This practice violates the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory. By actively combating this illegal trade, the command contributes to global conservation efforts and upholds its responsibility to protect endangered species. Their actions underscore the importance of international cooperation in preserving biodiversity and combating wildlife crime.
Beyond its enforcement activities, the Apapa Area Command recorded remarkable success in revenue generation. During the first half of 2025, the command collected a total revenue of N1.37 trillion, representing a significant 35% increase compared to the N1.02 trillion collected during the same period in 2024. This translates to a N354 billion increase in revenue collection, showcasing the command’s effectiveness in optimizing revenue streams and contributing substantially to the nation’s coffers. This impressive growth reflects the command’s commitment to efficient revenue collection and its positive impact on national economic development.
Finally, the Apapa Area Command is actively pursuing strategies to improve logistical efficiency and facilitate smoother movement of goods within the country. The command has initiated discussions with officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and various stakeholder associations to develop a standardized operating procedure for transporting goods by rail from Apapa Port to other states. This initiative aims to alleviate congestion at the port, reduce transportation costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of the supply chain. By leveraging the railway network, the command seeks to create a more streamlined and cost-effective system for the distribution of goods throughout Nigeria, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers alike.
