The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has recorded a staggering revenue of N747.1 billion in the first half of 2025—marking a remarkable 29.85% increase over the same period in 2024.
This was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, during a media briefing in Lagos, where he also took a hard stance against bonded terminal operators, accusing them of aiding revenue leakages and facilitating illicit trade.
The new revenue figure represents a surplus of over N171.7 billion compared to the N575.3 billion generated during the first half of 2024. Comptroller Onyeka attributed the success to the strategic implementation of the B’ Odogwu clearance system, increased compliance, and robust enforcement mechanisms.
“Bonded terminals have become hotspots for duty evasion, cargo diversion, and the concealment of illicit goods,” Onyeka stated, noting that some terminals have been blacklisted and are no longer receiving container transfers.
Revenue Breakdown (Jan–Jun 2025):
January: N116.4 billion (vs N88.4 billion in 2024)
February: N103.3 billion (vs N100.2 billion)
March: N128.3 billion (vs N115.1 billion)
April: N145 billion (vs N95.7 billion)
May: N128.4 billion (vs N92.6 billion)
June: N125.7 billion (vs N83.2 billion)
The Command achieved 98.03% of its projected revenue target for the half year.
Operational Milestones:
3,450 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) received; 2,749 entries processed and exited using the upgraded B’ Odogwu system.
282 vessels docked at the port, delivering bulk cargoes such as wheat, sugar, aluminum nitride, lab chemicals, and drilling rods.
Anti-Smuggling Success:
Tin Can Customs also intensified its anti-smuggling drive, making major seizures of contraband including illicit drugs, firearms, and ammunition. Highlights include:
Two 20-foot containers containing:
128 packets of Cannabis Indica
97 packets of crystal methamphetamine
1,735 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing over 1,000 kg
Street value: over N8 billion
Handed over to the NDLEA
One 40-foot container disguised with four used vehicles was found to conceal:
2 pistols (Ruger P345 and Austria Gen 4)
134 rounds of 9mm ammunition
5 magazines, 2 handcuffs, and military gear
Transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS) along with the consignee and declarant.
Onyeka emphasized that these seizures reflect the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national security, combating arms proliferation, and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.
“We are not just focused on revenue generation—we are gatekeepers at Nigeria’s frontlines, and our priority is also national security,” he added.
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2025-07-03