Customs rakes in N202.9bn at Lagos airport, beats 2025 target by 13%

The Murtala Muhammed Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) closed 2025 with a strong revenue performance, generating N202.9 billion between January and December, a 13 per cent increase over the N181.01 billion recorded in 2024.

The figure also represents 113 per cent of the Command’s annual revenue target, underscoring a year of tighter controls, stronger compliance, and more effective oversight of import activities at Nigeria’s busiest aviation gateway.

Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller G.A. Otunla, attributed the improved performance to a combination of enhanced trader compliance, closer monitoring of import transactions, early detection of irregularities, and deliberate efforts to block revenue leakages.

According to him, these measures helped the Command not only meet but surpass its revenue expectations despite the operational complexities associated with airport-based cargo processing and fluctuating trade volumes during the year.

Otunla also credited the achievement to the commitment and professionalism of officers and men of the Command, noting that teamwork and discipline played a critical role in sustaining revenue growth throughout the year.

He further acknowledged the importance of inter-agency cooperation, saying collaboration with sister government agencies operating within the airport environment helped to streamline processes and strengthen enforcement outcomes.

The Customs boss equally commended compliant traders and licensed customs agents, describing their cooperation and adherence to regulations as a key factor in achieving the impressive revenue result.

Beyond revenue figures, Otunla reaffirmed the Command’s focus on transparency and accountability, stressing that sustained engagement with stakeholders remains central to its operations.

He said the Command would continue to align its activities with the broader mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service, which includes facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring the effective collection of government revenue.

With the 2025 performance, the Murtala Muhammed Area Command has positioned itself as one of the top revenue-generating formations within the Service, setting a higher benchmark as Customs moves into the new fiscal year amid ongoing reforms in trade facilitation and border management.