TCIP Customs Nets ₦747bn in Half Year Report
… intensifies anti smuggling drive with over N8bn worth of seized prohibited goods
Nifemi Coker
The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a landmark revenue collection of ₦747.07 billion in the first half of 2025, under the leadership of Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka.
The represents a 29.85% increase over the ₦575.36 billion collected during the same period in 2024, surpassing the Command’s revenue expectations by 98.03%.
Comptroller Onyeka, who assumed duty at the Command on December 20, 2024, attributed the achievement to the diligent implementation of the service-wide policy of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
A monthly breakdown of the revenue shows the Command generated ₦116.41 billion in January, compared to ₦88.43 billion in 2024. February saw a collection of ₦103.25 billion, while March to May recorded ₦128.27 billion, ₦145.02 billion, and ₦128.45 billion respectively—each figure exceeding the Command’s monthly target of ₦127.06 billion and the corresponding collections for the previous year.
In June, the Command’s collection stood at ₦125.68 billion, up from ₦83.19 billion last year.
Digital Adaptation
In line with Customs’ digital transformation, Comptroller Onyeka revealed that the Command processed 3,450 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) using the new B’ Odogwu clearance system, successfully exiting 2,749 entries.
Multiple online and physical training sessions were conducted to familiarise stakeholders with the system’s operations.
In the area of trade facilitation, 282 vessels were received in the first half of the year. The import tonnage included bulk wheat, sugar, malt, chemicals, drilling rods, aluminium nitride, and general cargo.
Anti smuggling drive
On anti-smuggling efforts, the Command made significant interceptions, notably seizing and handing over to the NDLEA hard drugs worth over ₦8.05 billion. Two 20-foot containers were found to contain 128 and 1,735 packets of Cannabis Indica, along with 97 packets of crystal methamphetamine, weighing over 1,000 kilograms.
Additionally, a 40-foot container transporting four used vehicles was intercepted, uncovering military-grade items including pistols, 134 rounds of live and blank ammunition, magazines, handcuffs, and a flashlight. The items, alongside the consignee and declarant, were handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).
Closing remarks and felicitations
Comptroller Onyeka stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding national borders. He also highlighted the Command’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, citing regular meetings with terminal operators, Customs agents, private sector players, and civil society groups.
He congratulated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his recent appointment as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, calling it a divine elevation.
He further commended officers of the Command for their professionalism and urged continued dedication to duty.
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