The Apapa Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reported handling 6.4 million metric tons of export cargo valued at $68.5 million (approximately N28.2 billion) in 2022, alongside collecting N1.022 trillion in revenue, as disclosed by Customs Area Controller (CAC) Yusuf Malanta during a press briefing on the command’s 2022 activities, reported on January 4, 2023. This performance, significant as of 09:24 PM WAT on August 27, 2025, reflects the command’s role in Nigeria’s economic diversification and revenue generation.
Revenue and Export Performance
The N1.022 trillion revenue collection marks a 16.07% increase from the N870.3 billion recorded in 2021, contributing about one-third of the Federal Government’s N3.1 trillion customs target. Malanta highlighted the command’s intensified anti-smuggling efforts, leveraging technological infrastructure to curb illicit trade threatening national security. The export cargo, valued at $68.5 million FOB (Free on Board), included non-oil commodities such as steel bars, agricultural products (hibiscus, sesame seeds, cocoa, cashew nuts, ginger, soya beans), and mineral products, aligning with the government’s push for non-oil export diversification.
Seizures and Enforcement
The command seized 157 containers with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N14.4 billion in 2022, a decrease from 102 containers with a DPV of N31.8 billion in 2021, indicating a shift in enforcement focus. Sixty suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures, underscoring the command’s proactive stance against smuggling. Malanta emphasized that these measures ensure illicit goods do not infiltrate society, enhancing economic stability.
Economic Context and Impact
The 6.4 million metric tons of exports through Apapa Port highlight its critical role in Nigeria’s trade infrastructure. The revenue surge and export growth reflect resilience amid global economic challenges, supporting the nation’s diversification agenda. As of August 2025, this 2022 performance remains a benchmark for evaluating the customs service’s contribution to fiscal targets and non-oil sector development.
The command’s success in exceeding the previous year’s revenue while managing significant export volumes positions it as a key player in Nigeria’s economic landscape, with potential lessons for ongoing trade policies.
