Nigeria’s leading seaports, Apapa and Tin-Can Island, recorded a combined revenue of N1.1 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, according to data released by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The performance underscores the critical role of the ports in federal revenue generation amid persistent operational challenges.
The Apapa Customs Command accounted for N753.8 billion, marking a 54 percent increase from the N489 billion collected in the same period of 2024.
The Tin-Can Island Command generated N347.9 billion, representing a 12.6 percent year-on-year increase from N304 billion.
Speaking during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, Apapa Area Controller Babatunde Olomu attributed the surge to improved compliance levels and intelligence-led enforcement.
He noted that the command’s alignment with the NCS modernisation strategy contributed significantly to the revenue boost.
Olomu disclosed that on March 14, the Apapa Command recorded its highest single-day revenue in the history of the Nigeria Customs Service with N18.9 billion collected.
The previous record stood at N18.2 billion, achieved in October 2024.
At Tin-Can Island Port, Area Controller Frank Onyeka provided a monthly breakdown of Q1 figures. January revenue stood at N116.4 billion, a 24 percent increase compared to the same month in 2024.
February saw a 2.9 percent rise, while March revenue rose by 10.3 percent year-on-year.
Despite the revenue growth, both commands identified systemic inefficiencies that continue to hinder trade efficiency.
At Apapa, Olomu highlighted a critical shortage of scanning machines and obsolete technology infrastructure.
He urged lawmakers to support the procurement of advanced scanning systems, surveillance drones, and cargo tracking devices.
Olomu also addressed challenges surrounding the electronic truck call-up system (ETO), which nearly led to industrial action before intervention by the Comptroller-General of Customs.
He confirmed that dialogue with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria helped avoid a port shutdown.
He further appealed to lawmakers to engage terminal operators such as Eko Support, ENL, and APM Terminals to upgrade their equipment in line with the terms of their concession agreements with the Federal Government.
According to Olomu, the success of the customs modernisation programme depends on broader stakeholder cooperation.
“Customs modernisation cannot succeed in isolation. Other stakeholders must also move with the tide,” he said.
At Tin-Can Island, Onyeka called on importers and clearing agents to ensure honest declarations and compliance with regulatory procedures.
He stressed that transparency and integrity in documentation would lead to faster processing times and a more efficient trading environment.
While revenue performance remains strong, stakeholders agree that matching infrastructure and technology investment with Nigeria’s rising trade volume is critical to sustaining growth and optimising port operations.
The NCS continues to push for reforms aimed at improving clearance timelines and strengthening supply chain security.
