Lawmakers Pledge Support as Tincan Customs Command Posts N347 Billion Revenue in First Quarter
The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a remarkable revenue performance in the first quarter of 2025, posting a total of N347.94 billion.
The feat, achieved between January and March, represents a 14.54% increase over the N303.79 billion collected in the corresponding period in 2024.
According to a statement signed by OE Ivara (PRO), this development was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise to the Command in Lagos.
Addressing the lawmakers, Comptroller Onyeka noted that the N44.14 billion year-on-year difference was a testament to the Command’s strategic operational reforms and unyielding commitment to curbing revenue leakages.
“The Tincan Island Port Command has demonstrated significant growth and efficiency in its revenue generation strategies,” Onyeka stated. “This growth reinforces our dedication to national development and economic advancement.”
According to Onyeka, the N347.94 billion collected constitutes 91.2% of the Command’s quarterly revenue target of N381.17 billion, and 22.81% of the annual target of N1.52 trillion. This performance underlines the Port’s strategic importance in driving government revenue.
In addition to its revenue accomplishments, the Command also recorded notable seizures in the first quarter.
Comptroller Onyeka revealed that the Command had handed over illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), including 1,863 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 931.25 kilograms and 97 packets of Crystal Methamphetamine. These substances, concealed in two 20-foot containers, had a combined street value exceeding N8.05 billion.
“These seizures underscore our unwavering resolve to protect national security and prevent illicit trade through our borders,” he said.
Comptroller Onyeka further emphasised the Command’s robust stakeholder engagement strategy, noting strong collaborative ties with Customs Licensed Agents, shipping companies, the Armed Forces, paramilitary agencies, and civil society organisations. He credited these partnerships with enhancing port security and facilitating trade.
“Through regular engagements, joint operations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, we have collectively bolstered our capacity to secure the port environment and promote economic activities,” he said.
On capacity building, Onyeka highlighted the Command’s investment in staff development, revealing that officers and men of the Command participated in various training sessions during the quarter.
Topics covered included integrity, emotional intelligence, and inspection procedures. These trainings, he said, were aimed at raising the professional standards of the workforce and aligning operations with global best practices.
Looking ahead, the Controller pledged that the Command would intensify its operational efforts in the subsequent quarters of the year.
“We are determined to sustain our revenue drive, eliminate leakages, and improve operational procedures. We will also continue to engage stakeholders in a manner that supports national economic aspirations,” he assured.
Comptroller Onyeka expressed gratitude to the Committee for its visit and acknowledged the consistent support from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team.
He also commended stakeholders for their role in maintaining a secure and efficient operational environment at the Port.
Responding, the Chairman of the Committee on Customs and Excise, Rt. Honourable Leke Abejide, praised the Command for its commendable performance and professionalism in revenue collection.
He pledged the Committee’s continued support to the Command and expressed satisfaction with the results seen during repeated visits.
“This is the sixth visit by the Committee in the last eight months, and we remain impressed by the strides made by the Tincan Island Port Command,” Abejide remarked.
He further assured that any legislative bill concerning the Customs Service would receive priority attention in the House, and he lauded CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his trailblazing leadership since assuming office.
The visit and commendations signal a strengthening of institutional cooperation aimed at boosting Nigeria’s customs revenue and securing the nation’s ports.
