By Godwin Oritse
LAGOS — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Apapa Area Command has recorded a monthly revenue collection of N323 billion in July 2026, its highest ever in a single month.
The record surpassed the N304 billion collected by the command in October 2025 under the leadership of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba.
Oshoba disclosed the latest revenue figure during the command’s monthly meeting with Deputy Comptrollers in charge of terminals and unit heads.
He attributed the performance to policy support, operational reforms, improved compliance and the adoption of technology-driven processes across the command.
The Customs Area Controller commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the service for their commitment to the ongoing modernisation of the NCS.
“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.
Oshoba said improvements in the B’Odogwu system had contributed to the command’s performance, noting that the platform, which previously faced operational challenges, had been enhanced and was now delivering better results.
He also cited the One-Stop Shop, OSS, initiative as another factor, saying it had helped reduce cargo delivery time and created a more predictable environment for legitimate importers.
“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 him, intelligence-driven enforcement operations have also strengthened compliance, with officers intensifying interventions to detect false declarations and ensure adherence to the service’s valuation principles.
He said the measures were aimed at protecting government revenue while facilitating legitimate trade.
Oshoba also attributed part of the command’s improved performance to what he described as the enabling business environment created by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, particularly the relative stability in the foreign exchange market.
He said the more predictable foreign exchange environment had enabled businesses to plan better, make informed decisions and conduct international trade with greater confidence.
The Customs boss, however, challenged officers to look beyond routine revenue collection and assess their individual contributions 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 growth.
He directed officers to resolve disputes promptly and ensure that consignments requiring further scrutiny were handled in accordance with proper documentation and the Post Clearance Audit, PCA, process.
On stakeholder relations, he urged officers to deal with traders and other stakeholders professionally and respectfully.
“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, saying their support had contributed to improved compliance and a more orderly business environment.
Oshoba urged officers to build greater trust through professionalism, respect and collaboration.
He also charged personnel to maintain transparency and discipline, embrace evolving digital processes and seek guidance from experienced colleagues when necessary.
The controller described effective leadership as a collective responsibility and urged staff officers to support Deputy Comptrollers in enforcing discipline and promoting a healthy working environment based on teamwork, empathy and concern for staff welfare.
He further called for increased security consciousness, proper supervision, continuous in-house training and strict adherence to approved procedures.
Oshoba urged all units to sustain the momentum, deepen professional development and remain focused on productivity, trade facilitation and efficient service delivery.
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