# Nigeria customs digital reforms and revenue milestones > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-port-task-forces-against-extortion > Updated: 2026-09-10T13:58:01.000Z. Sources: 51. Developments: 18. Nigeria’s digital customs reforms continue to drive revenue and operational modernization. The deployment of the indigenous ‘B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System’, alongside geospatial technology and expanded post-clearance audits, remains central to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) strategy to balance enforcement with trade facilitation. Financially, the NCS reported generating ₦4.30 trillion in revenue during the first half of 2026, representing 36.4 per cent of its ₦11.074 trillion annual target. Broader macroeconomic data indicates a significant merchandise trade surplus of ₦12.6 trillion in the second quarter of 2026. Regional enforcement has seen significant breakthroughs in contraband interception. In September 2026, the NCS conducted major seizures at the Apapa Port in Lagos, intercepting 13 containers with a combined duty paid value of approximately ₦43.59 billion. These items included 7.6 tonnes of cannabis sativa, 169,998 bottles of codeine syrup, security-sensitive equipment, and various expired products. The narcotics and expired goods were transferred to the NDLEA and NAFDAC. Additionally, the Kwara Area Command intercepted smuggled goods valued at ₦604.33 million, including Tramadol, foreign parboiled rice, spaghetti, premium motor spirit (PMS), and two high-value vehicles. Acting Area Controller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi stated that the command is utilizing “actionable intelligence and inter-agency collaboration” to prevent the state from serving as a transit route for illicit cross-border trade. ## Claims - The Nigeria Customs Service collected ₦4.30 trillion in revenue by the end of June 2026, which is 36.4% of its ₦11.074 trillion annual target. (disputed by 6 sources) - The Nigeria Customs Service generated ₦3.35 trillion in revenue in Q1 2026, representing 30.25 % of its ₦11.074 trillion annual target. (disputed) - Nigeria's total merchandise trade rose to approximately ₦41.44 trillion in the second quarter of 2026. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Total exports for Q2 2026 were valued at ₦27.02 trillion, accounting for 65.20% of total merchandise trade. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Total imports for Q2 2026 were valued at ₦14.42 trillion. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Crude oil was the largest single export commodity, valued at ₦12.91 trillion. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The Nigeria Customs Service Board approved the appointment of one Deputy Comptroller-General and five Assistant Comptroller-Generals. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Nigeria recorded a merchandise trade surplus of approximately ₦12.6 trillion in Q2 2026. (corroborated by 5 sources) - China remained Nigeria's largest import partner during the second quarter. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Comptroller‑General Adewale Adeniyi urged Public Relations Officers to adopt strategic, proactive communication to strengthen public trust at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Public Relations Congress (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Nigeria Customs Service recruited 3,852 candidates from 573,680 applicants in the 2024/2025 recruitment exercise. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Nigeria Customs Service will adopt an annual recruitment cycle, with the 2026 exercise to open later in 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Nigeria Customs Service intercepts billions in smuggled goods and narcotics The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted massive quantities of contraband, including 7.6 tonnes of cannabis and N43.6 billion worth of goods in Lagos, alongside N604 million in seized items in Kwara. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-service-intercepts-billions-in-smuggled-goods-and-narcotics ### 2026-09-06: Nigeria merchandise trade rises to ₦41.44tn in Q2 2026 Nigeria's merchandise trade rose to ₦41.44 trillion in Q2 2026, yielding a ₦12.6 trillion surplus as exports reached ₦27.02 trillion. The Nigeria Customs Service has also confirmed new leadership appointments. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-service-appoints-new-leadership-and-reviews-revenue ### 2026-09-04: Nigeria Customs Service reports major seizures and record revenue The Nigeria Customs Service has seized N2.16 billion in contraband and 48 endangered animals, while generating N88.93 billion in revenue through enhanced enforcement and AI-driven technology initiatives. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-kanojigawa-command-reports-n889bn-revenue-and-n216bn-in-seizures ### 2026-08-23: Apapa Customs records N28.1 billion in single-day revenue The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service set a new single-day revenue record of N28.1 billion on August 18, 2026, a nearly 40% increase over its previous record. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apapa-customs-records-n281-billion-in-single-day-revenue ### 2026-08-21: Nigeria Customs Apapa Command sets ₦28.1bn single-day revenue record The Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Area Command set a new single-day revenue record, collecting ₦28.1 billion on August 18, 2026, driven by digital reforms and improved trade compliance. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-apapa-command-sets-281bn-single-day-revenue-record ### 2026-08-18: Nigeria Customs Service modernizes enforcement for AfCFTA The Nigeria Customs Service is adopting intelligence-driven technology and risk-assessment systems to enhance border enforcement and facilitate trade under the AfCFTA framework. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-service-modernizes-enforcement-for-afcfta ### 2026-08-16: Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Command hits record ₦323b monthly revenue The Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Command hit a record ₦323 billion in July 2026 revenue, while Zone A targets ₦8 trillion for the year through automation and improved trade facilitation. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-service-apapa-command-hits-record-323b-monthly-revenue ### 2026-08-13: Nigeria Customs Service cites insecurity and denies smuggling allegations The Nigeria Customs Service reports that insecurity in the North-West is hindering revenue, while simultaneously dismissing allegations of smuggling surges and revenue leakage. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-service-cites-insecurity-and-denies-smuggling-allegations ### 2026-08-09: Nigeria Customs Service digital reforms gain AfCFTA support The Nigeria Customs Service’s digital reforms and B’Odogwu management system have been endorsed by AfCFTA for potential continent-wide adoption to modernize African trade and border management. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-service-seeks-legislative-support-for-digital-reforms ### 2026-08-04: Nigeria Customs Service adopts annual recruitment and expands digital trade reforms Nigeria Customs Service moves to yearly recruitment, reports strong revenue growth, pushes digital trade platforms and seeks legislative oversight of reforms. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-service-wins-commonwealth-csr-award-and-launches-annual-recruitment-plan ### 2026-07-28: Nigeria Customs launches electronic cargo tracking system at PTML command Nigeria Customs has begun a pilot of an Electronic Cargo Tracking System at the PTML command, replacing physical escorts with GPS monitoring to boost security, trade efficiency and revenue. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-launches-electronic-cargo-tracking-system-at-ptml-command ### 2026-07-25: Nigeria Customs Service rolls out digital tracking system and pushes strategic communication reforms Nigeria Customs Service launched a digital tracking pilot at PTML, aims to cut cargo clearance to one hour, and urged PR officers to boost strategic communication; awards were given and major anti‑smuggling se­ 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-service-streamlines-cargo-clearance-and-earns-antismuggling-award ### 2026-07-22: Nigeria Customs Service Intervenes in Truck Release and Defends Waiver Policy Nigeria Customs Service chief Bashir Adewale Adeniyi released seized trucks in Lagos and defended a ₦34 trillion waiver program, saying waivers support industry and are overseen by the finance ministry. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-service-intervenes-in-truck-release-and-defends-waiver-policy ### 2026-07-13: Nigerian Ports Authority ramps up truck controls to ease Lagos port congestion Nigeria’s NPA is tightening truck releases and clearing Apapa/Tin Can roads to cut Lagos port congestion, while advancing a $726 million rehabilitation and an 80 % complete digital Single Window system. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-ports-authority-ramps-up-truck-controls-to-ease-lagos-port-congestion ### 2026-07-08: Lagos Apapa Port Shows Faster Vessel Turnaround and Reduced Traffic Congestion Lagos officials say Apapa traffic has improved and the port cut vessel turnaround to 6.18 days, with plans to reach five days by year‑end through reforms and digital upgrades. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lagos-apapa-port-shows-faster-vessel-turnaround-and-reduced-traffic-congestion ### 2026-07-02: Nigerian Ports Authority launches task force to ease Lagos port congestion Nigeria’s ports authority and customs agents formed a task force to clear Lagos port road gridlock, improve the electronic truck call‑up system and sustain recent World Bank‑ranked efficiency gains. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-ports-authority-launches-task-force-to-ease-lagos-port-congestion ### 2026-06-29: Nigerian Ports Authority launches regional safety programme and traffic‑gridlock task force The Nigerian Ports Authority launched a regional Port State Control capacity‑building programme and a multi‑agency task force to curb Lagos port traffic gridlock, aiming to improve safety standards and cargo‑in 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-ports-authority-launches-regional-safety-programme-and-trafficgridlock-task-force ### 2026-06-24: Nigeria launches joint task force to curb extortion and illegal checkpoints on Lagos port corridors Nigeria's Ports Authority, police and Lagos state formed a joint task force to eliminate illegal checkpoints and extortion on the Apapa and Tin Can Island corridors, aiming to ease congestion and improve cargo 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-launches-joint-task-force-to-curb-extortion-and-illegal-checkpoints-on-lagos-port-corridors --- Cite as: Nigeria customs digital reforms and revenue milestones. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-port-task-forces-against-extortion