Tin Can port Customs earns N1.58tr revenue

Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has exceeded its 2025 revenue target by N51.84 billion, generating N1.576 trillion as intensified trade controls, streamlined processes and stakeholder engagement boosted port revenue performance.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Command yesterday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, attributed the performance to institutional reforms, tighter internal coordination and improved compliance across cargo categories.

“For the 2025 fiscal year, the Tincan Island Port Command was assigned a revenue target of N1,524,669,999,478.52. I am pleased to inform you that as at the time of this report, the Command has generated total revenue of N1,576,507,651,601.84.

“This means we have exceeded our annual target by over N51,837,652,129.32, a milestone that reflects discipline, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty,” he said.

According to Onyeka, bulk cargo, general merchandise and used vehicle imports remained the Command’s major revenue drivers, accounting for a substantial share of cargo throughput at Tin Can Island Port.

He said Customs ensured full government revenue collection through diligent cargo examination and strict adherence to established procedures.

“Our major revenue contributors remain bulk cargo, general merchandise, and the importation of used vehicles, which constitute a significant volume of trade passing through the Port,” he stated.

A major plank of the Command’s 2025 strategy was the elimination of revenue leakages and operational bottlenecks that had previously slowed cargo clearance and increased compliance risks.

Onyeka disclosed that Customs deliberately addressed the problem of multiple and unnecessary alerts, improving turnaround time while retaining effective control.

“One of our key focus areas in 2025 was the elimination of revenue leakages and operational inefficiencies. By streamlining Alerts and strengthening internal coordination, we improved efficiency while maintaining effective control,” he said.

Beyond internal reforms, the Command sustained regular engagement with importers, licensed customs agents, terminal operators and shipping companies to create an enabling environment for legitimate trade.

“We also made conscious efforts to create an enabling environment for legitimate trade and to this end, the Command sustained regular and meaningful engagement with stakeholders,” Onyeka said.

The Customs boss stressed that exceeding the revenue target did not translate to relaxed enforcement, noting that intelligence-driven operations led to significant seizures of prohibited and improperly declared goods during the year.

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He said: “Beyond revenue collection, the Command remained firm on its enforcement mandate. These seizures are a clear reminder that while we facilitate trade, we will not compromise national security, public safety, or economic integrity.”

He added that officers remain fully mobilised to sustain collections and compliance.

“Let me state unequivocally that the attainment of our annual revenue target does not in any way signify a relaxation of operational standards or enforcement activities.”

Onyeka credited the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, for providing strategic leadership that underpinned the Command’s performance.

“I wish to place on record my deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR psc (+) for his exemplary leadership, clear strategic direction, and consistent institutional support,” he said.

“His commitment to professionalism, automation and constructive stakeholder engagement has provided the solid framework upon which the achievements of this Command have been built.”

The Area Controller also commended Customs officers, stakeholders and the media for their roles in strengthening compliance and transparency at the port.

“As we move forward, the Command remains steadfast in its commitment to consolidating these gains, deepening transparency and contributing effectively to the growth of the Federal Government’s fiscal policies,” Onyeka reassured.