By, Bon Peters
Lagos, Nigeria – According to The Bureau Newspaper, The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Tincan Island Port, Lagos, has reported an impressive revenue haul of over ₦747 billion for the first half of 2025, representing a 29.85% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
This development was revealed in a press release issued on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Oscar Ivara.
According to the statement, the Port Command, under the leadership of Comptroller Frank Onyeka, generated ₦747,079,233,259.91, amounting to 98.03% of its projected revenue for the period. In comparison, the command collected ₦575.3 billion in the first half of 2024 — marking a revenue growth of over ₦171 billion.
Breakdown of Revenue Collections
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January 2025: ₦116.4 billion
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February 2025: ₦103.3 billion
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March 2025: ₦128.3 billion
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April 2025: ₦145 billion
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May 2025: ₦128.4 billion
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June 2025: ₦125.6 billion
These figures surpassed the command’s monthly revenue target of ₦127 billion and outperformed the same months in 2024.
Progress on New B’odogwu Clearance Platform
Comptroller Onyeka also disclosed progress on the B’Odogwu electronic clearance system, with 3,450 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) received and 2,749 successfully processed and exited.
He said the command had intensified stakeholder training sessions — both online and in-person — to streamline the new process and ensure compliance.
Vessel Traffic and Cargo Composition
In Q1 2025 alone, 282 vessels berthed at the port. Import tonnage included bulk wheat, malt, chemicals, drilling rods, sugar, aluminum nitride, and general cargo, further strengthening Tincan’s position as a major maritime hub.
Anti-Smuggling Success: Seizure of Illicit Drugs and Arms
The Customs Command made significant strides in anti-smuggling operations, confiscating illicit drugs worth over ₦8 billion, which were handed over to the NDLEA. These included:
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128 packets of Cannabis Indica
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97 packets of crystal methamphetamine
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1,735 packets of Cannabis Indica
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Total weight: Over 1,000kg
In a separate operation, a 40-foot container concealing arms and military gear was intercepted. Recovered items included:
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Ruger P345 Pistol
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GEN 4 Austria Pistol
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100 live rounds of 9mm ammunition
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34 blank rounds
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5 empty magazines
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2 handcuffs
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1 tactical flashlight
These were handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) along with the consignee and declarant.
Stakeholder Engagement and Transparency
Comptroller Onyeka emphasized ongoing engagement with terminal operators, licensed agents, civil society groups, and private sector players. The command has also hosted open forums and regular press briefings to ensure transparency.
He urged importers to always declare their consignments accurately to foster faster clearance and improve trade facilitation.
Appreciation to Customs Leadership and Call for Excellence
The Area Controller praised the Comptroller-General of Customs and newly elected WCO Council Chairman, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, describing his leadership as a “divine victory” for Nigeria.
He also encouraged officers and men of the Command to remain professional and vigilant, adding that the unit’s success is a result of teamwork and dedication.