The Rivers and Cross River Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a remarkable revenue collection of N76 billion for the month of October 2025, surpassing its monthly target and recording one of the highest single-month performances in its history. The feat underscores the command’s growing efficiency in trade facilitation, enforcement, and anti-smuggling operations within the South-South maritime corridor.
According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Superintendent Emmanuel Onuegbu, the achievement was attributed to strategic reforms implemented by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Salihu Kazaure, who prioritised compliance-driven operations and digital monitoring systems to plug revenue leakages. The figure marks a significant increase compared to the N59.8 billion collected in September, representing a 27 percent rise in monthly revenue performance.
Comptroller Kazaure, while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Port Harcourt, described the result as a reflection of enhanced stakeholder engagement and strict adherence to customs procedures by importers, clearing agents, and terminal operators. He noted that the command had intensified its efforts in trade facilitation while balancing revenue collection with enforcement to ensure efficient border management.
He said, “Our record-breaking revenue collection in October is the outcome of a collective effort. We have strengthened our processes, prioritised transparency, and engaged stakeholders in compliance sensitisation. This achievement demonstrates that when the trade community adheres to customs regulations, both government and business operators benefit.”
Kazaure further explained that the command’s improved use of digital platforms such as the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) and e-payment solutions had significantly reduced manual bottlenecks, enabling faster clearance of goods and better revenue tracking. He also commended officers for their professionalism and commitment despite challenging operational conditions, especially amid high cargo traffic and port congestion in the region.
The controller attributed the performance to enhanced collaboration with sister agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigeria Police Force. He added that joint patrol operations had helped to curb smuggling activities along the waterways and border communities under the command’s jurisdiction.
“Our anti-smuggling teams have been working round the clock to protect the economy from illegal trade activities. We have intercepted several consignments of contraband, ranging from imported rice and frozen poultry to petroleum products diverted from approved depots. These seizures not only safeguard local industries but also protect lives,” Kazaure stated.
The command’s revenue growth has been praised by industry stakeholders, who say it reflects the broader efficiency drive of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Since assuming office, Adeniyi has prioritised operational reforms, capacity building, and technology integration to enhance trade facilitation and revenue generation across customs formations nationwide.
Maritime analyst and freight forwarder, Mr. Stanley Okechukwu, noted that the impressive revenue performance in Rivers and Cross River commands demonstrates the success of ongoing reforms. “Customs officers are becoming more proactive and transparent in their duties. The use of digital tools and data-driven management is paying off, and this is what the Service needs to sustain in order to boost investor confidence and attract more port activity,” he said.
He, however, urged the federal government to improve infrastructure at the Onne and Calabar ports, arguing that bad roads, slow cargo evacuation, and inadequate storage facilities remain major bottlenecks affecting port efficiency. “If the government can rehabilitate key access routes like the East-West Road, revenue collection in the South-South corridor could double within a few months,” Okechukwu added.
In addition to its revenue achievements, the Rivers Customs Command also reported notable enforcement successes during the month. Comptroller Kazaure disclosed that his officers seized smuggled goods with a combined duty-paid value of N2.8 billion. The items included used vehicles, foreign parboiled rice, and unregistered pharmaceuticals concealed in shipping containers.
He said, “We remain vigilant against smugglers who attempt to sabotage the economy through illegal imports. Our officers have been trained to identify concealment techniques and enforce customs laws without compromise. The command’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling is yielding positive results.”
Kazaure also reiterated the Service’s commitment to maintaining cordial relationships with licensed customs agents and other stakeholders in the maritime industry, stressing that compliance and collaboration were key to sustaining the upward revenue trend. He urged stakeholders to take advantage of the Customs dispute resolution mechanism to address valuation or documentation concerns rather than resorting to unethical practices.
“We encourage all importers and agents to comply fully with the provisions of the Customs and Excise Management Act. Compliance not only ensures smooth clearance of goods but also enhances our collective credibility as a trading nation,” he said.
The command has also embarked on capacity building for officers through regular training sessions on trade modernisation, risk management, and digital operations. According to Kazaure, these training initiatives have improved officers’ technical knowledge and response time, particularly in cargo examination and documentation verification.
He added that the command was ready to maintain momentum as the year draws to a close, setting new benchmarks for operational efficiency. “We are determined to surpass our annual target and continue contributing to national economic growth. Our focus remains on transparency, accountability, and service excellence,” he affirmed.
The Nigeria Customs Service, under Adeniyi’s leadership, has projected that total national revenue collection will exceed N5 trillion by the end of the year, supported by strong performances from major commands such as Apapa, Tin Can, Onne, and Rivers. Economic observers believe that improved automation, better port coordination, and stricter enforcement are responsible for the Service’s growing financial performance.
As the Rivers Customs Command consolidates its October gains, stakeholders say sustained collaboration between Customs, port operators, and the business community will be vital to maintaining progress. The command’s strong showing is also expected to encourage higher compliance levels among traders and further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime trade hub in West Africa.
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