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Mu’azu moves to tackle cargo clearance delays, bureaucratic bottlenecks
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By Steve Agbota
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, generated ₦302.95 billion in October 2026, representing a 7.13 per cent increase over the ₦282.79 billion recorded in September, while intercepting cannabis consignments with a Duty Paid Value of ₦196.13 million at the Lagos port.
The revenue figure represents an increase of ₦20.16 billion compared with the previous month’s collection, sustaining the Command’s performance above the ₦300 billion mark following its record-breaking collection of over ₦323 billion in July.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu.
Mu’azu, who assumed duty on September 29, 2026, has also initiated measures to improve port operations, strengthen stakeholder relations and address delays affecting cargo clearance.
According to the statement, since taking over the Command, the new Area Controller has prioritised stakeholder engagement and operational efficiency in line with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
“As part of the initiative, he held a stakeholder engagement meeting on October 5, bringing together importers, exporters, licensed Customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to discuss challenges affecting port users.
“The meeting addressed issues including delays in Demand Notices, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other operational concerns confronting businesses operating within the port.
“Mu’azu has also embarked on courtesy visits to strategic stakeholders and partners in the port community to strengthen institutional relationships and promote cooperation towards creating a more conducive business environment,” the statement added.
In a major operational reform, the Controller has directed a review and streamlining of Transire processing to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, improve interdepartmental coordination and reduce processing time.
He said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that traders were not subjected to unnecessary hardship arising from administrative lapses and avoidable delays.
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“Traders should not suffer the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses or delays. We must identify challenges, address their root causes and adopt practical solutions that will promote seamless business operations, enhance service delivery and create a more efficient trading environment,” Mu’azu said.
He stressed that the reforms would improve service delivery while retaining the necessary compliance and control measures.
The Customs boss has equally directed officers to conduct cargo examinations strictly in accordance with established procedures, documentation and authorisation.
He warned against unnecessary, repetitive and unwarranted cargo examinations capable of frustrating legitimate business transactions, urging officers to discharge their responsibilities promptly and professionally.
According to him, the directives are designed to reduce cargo clearance delays, improve turnaround time and promote a predictable trading environment without compromising revenue protection, regulatory compliance and national security.
Meanwhile, he said the Command recorded a major enforcement breakthrough with the interception of 437 sachets of Cannabis sativa weighing 392.5 kilogrammes in two separate containers.
“The first seizure involved 162 sachets weighing 125 kilogrammes in container number MSKU0486747, while the second comprised 275 sachets weighing 267.5 kilogrammes in container number TEMU6149358. The combined Duty Paid Value of the seized narcotics was put at ₦196,131,606.82.”
The consignments were jointly examined with relevant sister agencies, according to the statement, which reaffirmed the Command’s determination to prevent the use of Nigeria’s maritime gateways for illicit trade. The interceptions, alongside the revenue performance, underscore the Command’s dual responsibility of facilitating legitimate trade and enforcing laws against prohibited imports.
He said that the Apapa Area Command would sustain efforts to strengthen revenue generation, intensify enforcement and deepen stakeholder collaboration to improve port efficiency.
He added that the Command would continue to pursue a balanced approach that protects government revenue and national security while creating an enabling environment for legitimate trade and economic growth.
