Customs collects N97.6 billion duties at Lagos Airport

The Murtala Mohammed International Airport Area Command (MMAC), Nigeria Customs Service, disclosed that it collected between January and June 2025 a total of N97.6 billion as duties and other related fees into the coffers of the government.

The Command’s Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Michael Toyin Awe disclosed this figure while addressing the media on the half year performance of the command in Lagos on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

Awe said in the same period in 2024, the command collected N80.4 billion as the 2025 revenue reflected a significant increase of N16.8 billion, representing 20.92% growth.

He pointed out the command, in the past 6 months, had remained focused on the discharge of its core mandates of revenue generation, enforcement of all relevant trade and customs laws.

‘Through unwavering commitment of our officers, strategic collaboration with partner agencies, and sustained engagement with all stakeholders, we have recorded significant gains in three key areas including Revenue Collection, Anti-Smuggling Operations, Trade facilitation and Stakeholder Relations,” said the Controller.

He said this impressive performance was as a result of increased compliance from  traders, close monitoring of transactions, quick response to irregularities, and effective blockage of revenue leak points. “We extend our sincere appreciation to all compliant importers, exporters and clearing agents for their continued support towards achieving our revenue targets,” according to him.

In the area of anti-smuggling activities, the Controller said in the second quarter, the command successfully intercepted and seized various prohibited items.

The items seized were 18 pieces of Tippmann Semi – Automatic Calibre Mag-Fed Paintball Markers and 32 pieces of empty Tippmann Tank Cylinders with the duty paid value of N18.3 million, 20 pieces of ballistic helmets with the duty paid value of N2.7 million, and 75 bags of pangolin scales weighing 3,765kg valued at N772.5 million.

He said the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures was N792.8 million and attributed these seizures to robust intelligence gathering, heightened surveillance and the unwavering dedication of our officers.

He assured the public that the Command remains firmly committed to curbing all forms of unlawful trade. “We will continue to enforce all applicable laws and regulations with integrity, discipline, and zero tolerance for smuggling,” said he.

Awe informed that the Command has maintained a cordial relationship with all its stakeholders and this, according to him, has been a critical pillar of our successes.

“We have nurtured this relationship through regular interactions, information sharing, and mutual cooperation, which has resulted in faster decision-making and better operational outcomes. The Command remains firmly committed to this collaborative engagement. We would sustain our open-door policy and will continue to nurture stronger, more productive engagements with all stakeholders,” the Controller said.

He pledged that the command would continue to deliver efficient and responsive service, safeguard national interests, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and transparency.