Tag: Nigeria Customs Service

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, has intercepted 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 1,431 kilogrammes of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud” and  other prohibited items worth N3.32 billion within Lagos and its environs.

Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, its Area Controller,  Aliyu Gambo, described the seizures as the outcome of a strategic operation anchored on intelligence-led enforcement.

Gambo added that the unit made 144 seizures after reorganising patrol patterns, strengthening internal supervision and shifting from predictable checkpoints to targeted deployments across the Lagos metropolis.

According to him, the seizures included 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 12 trailer loads), 77 bags of foreign sugar, 21 units of used vehicles, 3,362 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil, 20,700 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 915 bales of used clothing and a 20-foot container loaded with stone-coated aluminium roofing sheets.

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In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Gambo revealed that officers intercepted 3,029 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing about 1,431kg, describing the operation as a significant disruption of criminal supply networks fueling insecurity in the country.

“These seizures occurred against the backdrop of rising banditry, terrorism and other social vices threatening national stability. Drug trafficking fuels these crimes by providing chemical stimulants that embolden perpetrators and erode social order,” he said.

He disclosed that the command lost one of its officers in the line of duty on Tuesday, noting that the development had been formally communicated to the Customs high command.

The Comptroller also announced notable environmental and wildlife-related interceptions, including four live pangolins rescued along Alapa Creek, Ajilete, and handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre.

Similarly, the unit seized 581 used refrigerator compressors concealed in a vehicle, which Aliyu said posed serious environmental and public health risks due to hazardous substances and greenhouse gas emissions.

He explained that the seizure aligned with Section 55(1)(d) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the Basel Convention, both of which regulate trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste.

Aliyu said eight suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and are currently under investigation.

In line with inter-agency collaboration, he disclosed that the seized cannabis would be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

Beyond enforcement, Gambo said the unit recovered N36.89 million between December 10, 2025 and date through demand notices issued over cargo misdeclaration and other import-export compliance breaches.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to combating smuggling, trans-border crimes and economic sabotage, while facilitating legitimate trade through professionalism, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies and border communities.

He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve, and urged officers of the unit to sustain the momentum in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy, environment and national security.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday announced the commencement of a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for regulating courier companies operating under the Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) regime.

The new framework provides a unified framework for registration, manifest submission, declaration, valuation, clearance, delivery and compliance monitoring, in line with global best practices

The newly implemented SOP sets out a unified framework for courier activities, covering registration, manifest submission, declaration, valuation, clearance, delivery, and compliance monitoring, in line with global best practices.

The DDP initiative, according to a statement by the NCS’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, derives its legal foundation from International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Incoterms 2020, relevant sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, the Revised Kyoto Convention, the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, the NCS Courier Clearance Guidelines, and the Nigeria Postal Service Act 2023.

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Customs said under the newly commenced procedure, courier companies intending to operate the DDP regime are requested to obtain a license from the NCS Headquarters License and Permit Unit under the Tariff and Trade Department.

“They are expected to submit all mandatory documents, including CAC registration papers, valid courier licenses, compliance bonds and a formal application to operate under DDP. It is pertinent to note that all licensed operators are required to submit an Advance Electronic Manifest (AEM) 24 hours before shipment arrival, clearly indicating DDP as the Incoterm and providing complete details such as HS codes, item descriptions, values, origins and consignees, in line with the WCO safe framework of standards,” the statement read.

The SOP, the Service noted, further mandates courier companies to act as declarants by filing Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) via the B’Odogwú platform.

Customs said declarations should include the declared FOB values, supported by invoices, airway bills, and packing lists. Also, full payment of customs duties, VAT, and other statutory levies must be completed through authorised NCS payment channels before clearance.

“Additionally, risk-based cargo profiling will guide inspections, with physical examinations conducted when discrepancies or high-risk indicators are identified. Delivery to the consignee is permitted only after full clearance, and Proof of Delivery (POD) must be provided upon request,” the service stated.

To ensure strict adherence, the NCS has instituted a robust monitoring and enforcement mechanism through periodic Post-Clearance Audits (PCA).

These audits, Customs said, will verify the accuracy of DDP declarations, prevent revenue leakages, and confirm compliance with classification and valuation standards.

According to the Service, violations, including false declarations, non-payment of duties, or operational misconduct, will attract sanctions such as suspension or revocation of clearance licences, seizure of goods, penalties with interest, and prosecution under the NCS Act, 2023.

“Courier operators are also required to submit monthly reports of all DDP shipments, including duty payments, classification details and delivery records, to the relevant Area Commands.

“With this commencement, the NCS reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the integrity of the clearance process, enhancing revenue assurance, facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that courier operations under the DDP regime meet the highest global compliance standards,” the statement added.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command  generated a total  N2,930,508,827,110.32 revenue in 2025.

The amount is an impressive increase of N573,295,266,571.10  over the N2,357,213,560,539.22  collected in 2024, representing a 24.32 per cent growth.

The figure reinforces Apapa Command’s position as the nation’s leading revenue hub

The Customs Area Controller, Emmanuel Oshoba, attributed the achievement to effective leadership, disciplined manpower and the strategic deployment of technology under the guidance of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

 He also commended compliant stakeholders whose lawful trade practices contributed significantly to the revenue growth.

A major contributor to the success, Oshoba said, was the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, which enhanced transparency, efficiency and accountability in cargo clearance processes. Regular performance reviews and timely revenue recovery measures further strengthened collections.

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 According to him, “In the area of trade facilitation, the Command intensified stakeholder sensitisation following the rollout of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme and expanded the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative to ensure faster processing and release of compliant cargoes. Efforts are also at an advanced stage to deploy the FS6000 cargo scanning system, a non-intrusive technology capable of scanning up to 200 containers per hour.”

The Command, Oshoba said,  “also recorded enforcement successes, intercepting 53 containers laden with illicit drugs and prohibited items, including cocaine, Canadian Loud, tramadol, and expired pharmaceuticals with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N12,632,239,303.00k. Some of the interceptions in the year 2025 were handed over to relevant agencies such as NDLEA and NAFDAC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Looking ahead, Comptroller Oshoba expressed optimism that the Command would achieve more greater revenue milestone in 2026, driven by deeper implementation of B’Odogwu, AEO, and OSS, stronger intelligence-led enforcement, and expanded collaboration with sister agencies.

Oshoba assured stakeholders of enhanced engagement with terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators and the media to promote transparency, compliance and seamless trade at the nation’s busiest port.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has threatened to sanction some of the designated banks that are involved in delaying remittance of its revenue to the purse of the Federal Government after the reconciliation of collections processed through the B’odogwu platform

Such delays, according to the Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada,  constitute a breach of remittance obligations and negatively impact the efficiency, transparency, and integrity of government revenue administration.

“In line with the provisions of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) executed between the Nigeria Customs Service and Designated Banks, the Service hereby notifies stakeholders of the commencement of enforcement actions against banks found to be in default of agreed remittance timelines.

“Accordingly, any Designated Bank that fails to remit collected Customs revenue within the prescribed period shall be liable to penalty interest calculated at three per cent above the prevailing Nigerian Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) for the duration of the delay. Affected banks will receive formal notifications indicating the delayed amount, applicable penalty, and the timeline for settlement.

“The Service further notes that persistent or repeated non-compliance with the terms of the SLA may attract additional sanctions, including regulatory and administrative measures, as provided under the Agreement and relevant laws guiding Customs revenue collection.

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“The NCS reiterates that prompt, accurate, and complete remittance of Customs revenue is a fundamental obligation of Designated Banks.”

Any payment of collected revenue into unauthorised accounts, whether deliberate or erroneous, will be treated as a serious violation and addressed in accordance with the SLA and applicable legal frameworks.

Designated Banks, he said, “are therefore advised to strengthen internal controls, ensure strict adherence to remittance timelines, and comply fully with the provisions of the SLA. The Service remains committed to enforcing accountability, safeguarding government revenue, and promoting a transparent and predictable financial system in support of national economic development,” Maiwada said.

The outgoing Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operation Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Mohammed Shuaibu, said in Lagos yesterday, that the Unit intercepted prohibited goods worth over N10 billion between 23rd of April and December 10, this year.

Shuaibu disclosed this during a brief handing over ceremony held at the Unit.

At the ceremony, Shuaibu, who was recently elevated to the position of Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG Headquarters, handed over the mantle of leadership of the Unit to the newly appointed Area Controller, Aliyu Gambo.

At the colorful event, Shuaibu was showered with encomium and gift presentations by officers and men of the unit.

In his address,  Shuaibu said it was an honour for him to serve in the Unit.

According to him: “Today marks another significant milestone in my journey as a customs officer, as I formally handover the leadership of the Controller of FOU Zone A to my successor this day 10th December 2025.

“It has been an honor to serve in this capacity, I remain grateful to the Almighty God and to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the confidence reposed in me.

Upon his resumption of office on 23rd of April this year, Shuaibu said, “I pledged to deploy my wealth of experience through intelligence driven operation, we have remained faithful to that commitment. I have witness tremendous dedication, resilience and team work from our officers.”

These collective efforts, Shuaibu added “resulted in huge successes in our anti-smuggling operations, together, we confronted high profile challenges and we tackled emerging issues, we successfully thwarted the activities of smugglers to a minimal level.

During this period, he said, “ the unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions including 761 seizures and items valued at N10.1billion, these include; 38 trailers of foreign parboiled rice, 98 exotic tokunbo vehicles, 2,350 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1,820 Jerrycans of PMS.

Others, he said, “ included; 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, 2 industrial drones, 25kg of crystal methamphetamine, 4 cylinders of explosives each weighing 50kg, 20,000USD and 110CFA amounting to N31million which was handed over to the EFCC.

“A total of 38 suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures, additionally 8 containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.1billion were intercepted.

“Through its activities, the unit recovered a total sum of N419million from under-valuations, false declarations and subsequently issued Demand Notices where necessary.

“As I pass the baton to my successor, I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. I urge all officers to extend the same spirit of cooperation, dedication and professionalism to the new Controller to strengthen the fight against smuggling” he said

On his part, Gambo Aliyu appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for the confidence reposed in him to serve in the new capacity.

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He also commended Shuaibu for his commitment to service and for adding great value to the service mandate.

Gambo assured that the FOU Zone A under his watch would consolidate on the achievements of ACG Shuaibu for even greater successes.

“I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come with this position, especially within the zone as strategic and dynamic as Lagos and its environs. However, I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant men and officers of this unit, we would continue to fulfil these mandates diligently.”

As we move forward together, he said, “our key focus areas would include among others; enhanced enforcement operations. We shall intensify intelligence driven operations to combat smuggling and all forms of illicit trade that threatens national security and economic growth.

“Secondly, high standards of integrity and discipline, as well as accountability would be non-negotiable. Thirdly, we shall deepen collaboration with the stakeholders, sister agencies and community leaders to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade.

“On the aspect of capacity building and welfare, the motivation and welfare of officers would be prioritised to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness.

Their operations, Gambo said, would be underpinned by reputation management, change management and compliance management.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) collected N658.6 billion in revenue in September 2025, marking a strong performance attributed to ongoing reforms aimed at improving trade efficiency and plugging revenue leakages across the nation’s ports and borders.

Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, disclosed this yesterday at the Monthly National Joint Security Press Briefing in Abuja, organised by the NOA in collaboration with security, paramilitary, and regulatory agencies.

Issa-Onilu said the impressive revenue haul reflects Customs’ steady march toward reform, innovation, and stakeholder confidence under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi.

He said: “In the month of September, the NCS recorded a total revenue collection of N658,605,400,392. This figure demonstrates the Service’s sustained fiscal performance amid ongoing reforms and heightened enforcement efforts.

 “It reflects the cumulative contributions of various commands and operations aligning with the broader strategy to strengthen revenue mobilisation and minimise leakages across the system.”

Highlighting the Service’s growing engagement with key sectors, Issa-Onilu noted that the NCS held a high-level strategic meeting with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) during the review period to harmonise trade policies and boost industrial growth.

According to him, the engagement reaffirmed the Service’s reform agenda anchored on collaboration, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility for economic development.

 “The engagement also reflected the Service’s recognition of the manufacturing sector as a key partner in national productivity and a driver of Nigeria’s non-oil revenue diversification efforts,” he stated.

In a bid to accelerate clearance processes and ease trade bottlenecks, Customs introduced a One-Stop-Shop platform, an innovation aimed at integrating cargo clearance procedures and enhancing coordination among port stakeholders.

Issa-Onilu said the platform marks another major step toward enhancing trade efficiency, reducing delays, and improving service delivery across the trade ecosystem.

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On enforcement, Issa-Onilu disclosed that officers of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A made significant interceptions within the Southwest region, including firearms, industrial drones, and other prohibited items.

He said: “This operation exemplifies the Service’s vigilance, operational intelligence, and unwavering resolve to safeguard national borders against illicit trade and transnational threats.

 “The interception further reinforces the Service’s dual mandate of trade facilitation and security enforcement, ensuring that legitimate trade thrives while threats to national safety are neutralised.”

Beyond its fiscal and enforcement strides, the Service, Issa-Onilu, said, also extended its impact to social and institutional collaboration. He noted that the agency supported sister organisations and engaged in community development initiatives across various formations, demonstrating its commitment to corporate social responsibility.

He added that the commendation by the Board of Trustees of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) serves as external validation of the Service’s institutional renewal and professionalism.

 “The feat recorded in September stands as evidence that the Service is not merely evolving; it is setting new standards in institutional excellence, reform communication, and national service delivery,” Issa-Onilu remarked.