Customs Free Trade Zone Command hits ₦408.8 billion in half-year revenue
The Nigeria Customs Service’s Free Trade Zone Command generated ₦408.8 billion in the first half of 2026, a 28.85% increase from 2025.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lagos Free Trade Zone Command, generated ₦408.8 billion in revenue between January and June 2026. This represents a 28.85% increase from the ₦317.3 billion collected during the same period in 2025.
Speaking at the command’s 2026 half-year media briefing in Lekki, Customs Area Controller Hauwa Abubakar said the ₦91.54 billion increase was driven by improved compliance, operational efficiency and stronger engagement with businesses operating in the Free Trade Zones and Lekki Deep Seaport. Abubakar said continuous dialogue with stakeholders has encouraged voluntary compliance with customs regulations while supporting legitimate trade and protecting government revenue. She also credited the commitment and professionalism of customs officers for the improved performance.
The command recorded its highest monthly revenue since inception in June, collecting ₦87.1 billion. Abubakar expressed confidence that the command would sustain the momentum in the second half of the year through improved service delivery and stronger collaboration with stakeholders and security agencies.
The revenue surge comes as Nigeria’s ports continue to face competition from neighbouring countries. The performance of the Free Trade Zone Command suggests that the combination of improved compliance and operational efficiency can generate significant revenue without raising tariffs. The question is whether this model can be replicated across other customs commands.
The winners: the Federal Government, which collects more revenue, and compliant businesses, which benefit from faster clearance. The losers: smugglers and importers who evade duties, who now face more effective enforcement.
Bottom Line: ₦408.8 billion in six months. Customs is collecting more without raising rates. That is efficiency. That is also rare.