By BON PETERS

The Tincan Island Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service says it has surpassed the revenue target of N1,524,669,999,478.52 assigned to it for the 2025 fiscal year as the command generated a total revenue of N1,576,507,651,601.84, exceeding the annual target by over N51,837,652,129.32.

This disclosure was made while addressing journalists Tuesday at the Command’s Headquarters in Lagos.

Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, described it a milestone that reflected discipline, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty, even as he noted that the revenue growth did not happen by chance but an outcome of deliberate reforms, improved processes, and collective responsibility.

He hinted that major revenue contributors remained bulk cargo, general merchandise, and the importation of used vehicles, which according to him, constituted a significant volume of trade passing through the port.

His words: "Through diligent cargo examination, and strict adherence to customs procedures, the Command ensured that government revenue due on these imports was fully collected. One of our key focus areas in 2025 was the elimination of revenue leakages and operational inefficiencies. We deliberately addressed the issue of multiple and unnecessary alerts, which had previously slowed down clearance processes and created room for abuse.”

“By streamlining alerts and strengthening internal coordination, we improved efficiency while maintaining effective control,” Comptroller Onyeka emphasized.

He went further to posit that the command made conscious efforts to create an enabling environment for legitimate trade and to this end, the Command sustained regular and meaningful engagement with stakeholders which included Importers, Licensed Customs Agents, Terminal Operators, and Shipping Companies among others.

He added that beyond Revenue collection, the Command remained firm on its enforcement mandate which was achieved through intelligence-driven operations and vigilant monitoring.

The Tincan customs boss further stated that in the course of the year, the command recorded significant seizures of prohibited and improperly declared goods, including items imported in contravention of existing laws and regulations.

“These seizures are a clear reminder that while we facilitate trade, we will not compromise national security, public safety, or economic integrity.”

“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” he reiterated.

However, Comptroller Onyeka vowed, that the Command would not relax its vigilance, even for the remaining part of the year, insisting that all officers and men of the Command remained fully mobilized and operationally focused to sustain revenue generation, intensify compliance enforcement, and ensure that every legitimate collection due to the Federal Government would be assessed, collected, and accounted for.

He expressed his unweaving gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR psc (+) for his exemplary leadership, clear strategic direction, and consistent institutional support to the Command emphasizing that CGC’s commitment to professionalism, automation and constructive stakeholder engagement has provided the solid framework upon which the achievements of the Command have been built. “The Command remains firmly guided by his vision and is aligned with the Service reform and modernization agenda.”

Compt. Onyeka, therefore applauded stakeholders for their cooperation and improved compliance with customs regulations while appreciating the officers and men of the Command for their continued demonstration of discipline and hard work in the discharge of their duties.