Tincan Customs Rakes in N747 Billion in Half-Year Surge, Seizes Arms, Drugs Worth Billions
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, has recorded an impressive revenue of N747,079,233,259.91 for the first half of 2025, representing a remarkable increase of 29.85 percent when compared to the N575.36 billion generated during the same period in 2024.
Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, announced the figures in a statement signed by Oscar E Ivara, Public Relations Officer of the command.
He revealed that the Command exceeded its revenue expectations, achieving 98.03 percent of its target for the first half of the year.
“This performance demonstrates our resolve to meet and surpass expectations, in line with the strategic vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs,” Onyeka stated.
The Command posted strong monthly figures across the first half of the year, with January 2025 generating N116.41 billion, up from N88.43 billion in January 2024. In February, revenue climbed to N103.25 billion, surpassing the N100.25 billion of the same month last year.
March, April, and May saw continued upward trends, recording N128.27 billion, N145.02 billion, and N128.45 billion respectively, all surpassing the Command’s monthly target of N127.06 billion. The same months in 2024 generated N115.11 billion, N95.70 billion, and N92.67 billion respectively.
For June 2025, the Command realised N125.68 billion in revenue, a significant rise from the N83.19 billion collected in June 2024.
Comptroller Onyeka highlighted operational advances, particularly the adoption of the new Bodogwu clearance system.
He noted that 3,450 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) were received, with 2,749 processed and exited successfully. The Command, he said, conducted online and physical training to familiarise stakeholders with the system’s workings.
A total of 282 vessels were reported at the Command in the first quarter, with a diverse import tonnage that included bulk wheat, malt, lab chemicals, drilling rods, sugar, aluminium nitride, and other general cargo.
In its anti-smuggling drive, the Command made significant strides in protecting the nation from illicit and dangerous imports.
Comptroller Onyeka disclosed that the Command confiscated and handed over illegal drugs worth over N8.05 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The seizures included two 20-foot containers found to hold: 128 packets of Cannabis Indica, 97 packets of crystal methamphetamine, and 1,735 packets of Cannabis Indica with a combined weight of over 1,000 kilogrammes.
Also seized was a 40-foot container concealing arms and military gear within four used vehicles. Items recovered included: Ruger P345 pistol (Reg. No. 664–75425), 23 GEN 4 Austria pistol (Reg. No. TO 6252), 100 rounds of live 9mm ammunition, 34 rounds of blank 9mm ammunition and additional blank rounds, five empty magazines, two handcuffs, and a small iron torchlight.
The arms, along with the consignee and declarant, were handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS), reinforcing the Command’s commitment to national security.
“Our dedication to combating the influx of arms and drugs remains unwavering. These handovers highlight our collaboration with sister security agencies in safeguarding Nigeria,” said Onyeka.
The Area Controller also emphasised the importance of continuous engagement with stakeholders across the maritime and trade ecosystem.
According to him, the Command has sustained dialogue with terminal operators, government agencies, customs licensed agents, civil society groups, and private sector representatives to ensure inclusive communication on policies and reforms.
He particularly noted that interactive sessions with captains of industry had already begun yielding trade benefits. He encouraged all stakeholders to ensure proper declaration of their consignments to enhance trade facilitation and transparency.
The Command has also prioritised media engagement through regular press briefings and open forums to keep the public abreast of developments.
Comptroller Onyeka extended heartfelt appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, psc(+), describing his recent election as “divinely inspired.”
He lauded Adeniyi’s unwavering support and thanked all partners operating within the port for their cooperation.
Onyeka further urged officers and men of the Command to continue demonstrating bravery, professionalism, and dedication, stating, “The success of this Command is dependent on your collective contributions.”
