Felix Kumuyi
… Targets Faster Cargo Clearance, To Become Trade Enabler Personified, Higher Revenue in 2026
A new operational drive aimed at transforming cargo clearance efficiency and strengthening revenue performance has been unveiled at TinCan Island Port, as Customs authorities pledged stronger collaboration with relevant stakeholders and the media in the year 2026 ahead.
At a recent press engagement held on Tuesday 17, 2026 in Lagos, the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) thanked journalists for what he described as impactful reporting that helped defined operations and sustain accountability within port activities.
He however revealed that January 2026 revenue collections surged to about ₦145.9 billion compared to about ₦116.4 billion recorded in same January period in the previous year, marking a major leap in revenue performance, with a remarkable difference of N29.5billion.
The Controller explained that the Command is shifting focus from merely generating revenue to becoming a true trade enabler, ensuring cargo owners and logistics operators experience fewer bottlenecks, while maintaining compliance standards.
He disclosed plans to deploy a fully digital and paperless cargo clearance system designed to eliminate unnecessary personal interface, speed up processing time, and improve transparency.
He also praised the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service under Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR for supporting reforms that are modernizing Customs operations nationwide.
Emphasizing accessibility, he assured stakeholders that his office remains open to resolving operational concerns through dialogue and cooperation.
While addressing questions from the media during the interactive session at the event, Comptroller Frank Onyeka affirmed that Customs operations are increasingly technology-driven, with officers adapting to modern global standards.
He admitted that occasional internet or system downtime sometimes disrupts operations but assured that corrective measures are being strengthened. He further noted that if the service can overcame the teething challenges from B’Odogwu modernisation platform to record success, then it can succeed with the newly introduced “One Stop Shop’ trade clearance model.
Explaining its revenue strategy for the ongoing year, the CAC said the Command now focuses on realistic, collectible duties, rather than imposing burdens in the name of maximum revenue collection that could cripple importers’ businesses.
He further clarified that consignments correctly declared and palletized would enjoy faster clearance through scanning processes, while only suspicious shipments would be subjected to physical examination.
He maintained that strict monitoring remains necessary for cargo from high-risk sources to protect national security, stressing that trade facilitation would not come at the expense of safety.
The Controller however concluded that continuous engagement with port users, freight forwarders, and the media would further drive operational improvements throughout the year.
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