By Fredrick Ameh
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Command Area 5 has recorded a strong revenue performance in the first quarter of 2026, generating N6.23bn and surpassing its quarterly target by N1.69bn, a 37% overall surplus driven by improved compliance, operational discipline, and strengthened stakeholder collaboration.
The performance was disclosed in an official statement dated Apr. 2, 2026, issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, on behalf of Customs Area Controller Comptroller Usman Yahaya.
According to the statement, the Command exceeded its monthly targets consistently between January and March 2026, demonstrating a steady upward trajectory in revenue generation across the quarter.
In January 2026, the Command generated N1,846,128,990.16 against a target of N1,512,861,477.02, a surplus of N333,267,513.14, representing a 22% increase. February saw the Command record N1,633,663,637.07 against the same monthly target of N1,512,861,477.02, exceeding the benchmark by N120,802,160.05, representing an 8% increase.
Revenue rose most significantly in March, when the Command generated N2,751,263,813.80 — surpassing the monthly target by N1,238,402,336.78 and translating to an 82% increase, the strongest single-month performance of the quarter.
Cumulatively, the Command generated N6,231,056,441.03 against a quarterly target of N4,538,584,431.06, resulting in a surplus of N1,692,472,009.97 and a 37% overall increase for the first quarter.
The Command attributed the performance to reforms introduced by Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, strict adherence to directives from Customs Headquarters, and the rigorous implementation of extant customs laws guiding revenue collection and trade regulation.
Speaking on the development, Comptroller Yahaya commended officers and stakeholders for their commitment to compliance and operational efficiency.
“This remarkable performance reflects the collective dedication of our officers and the growing cooperation of our stakeholders. With the strategic reforms introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, we are witnessing improved compliance and more efficient revenue collection processes,” he said.
Yahaya added that the Command would sustain its enforcement drive while facilitating legitimate trade.
“Our focus remains on strengthening compliance, enhancing transparency in our operations, and ensuring that the Command continues to contribute meaningfully to national revenue while facilitating legitimate trade,” he stated.
The statement further attributed the strong outing to the discipline, dedication, and professionalism of the Command’s officers, which played a critical role in ensuring accurate cargo assessments, proper classification, and diligent revenue collection. Improved internal coordination, streamlined operational procedures, and proactive supervision were also cited as key factors that enhanced cargo clearance efficiency.
In addition, the Command intensified stakeholder engagement through sensitisation programmes aimed at strengthening collaboration with importers, clearing agents, and terminal operators. According to the statement, these engagements improved compliance levels, enhanced awareness of customs procedures, and strengthened transparency between the Service and the trading community.
The Command said it remains committed to optimising revenue generation while facilitating legitimate trade, adding that its current performance trajectory positions it to surpass subsequent quarterly targets.
