Customs LFTZ collects N408.86bn in six months

The Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it collected a sum of N408.86 billion in the first half of 2026 into the coffers of the Nigerian government.

This revenue represents an increase of N91.5 billion over the N317.3 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2025, amounting to a 28.85 percent increase in revenue performance.

The Customs Area Controller of the LFTZC, Hauwa Abubakar, disclosed this revenue feat while presenting the mid-year performance of the command in Lagos on Thursday, July 2, announcing that the command recorded its highest monthly revenue collection since inception in the month of June 2026, generating a total of N87.1 billion.

The Controller  said the historic achievement demonstrates the command’s growing capacity and the increasing confidence of investors and stakeholders operating within the free trade zones and the Lekki deep sea port.

Abubakar said the unprecedented growth is the product of deliberate strategies aimed at strengthening compliance, improving operational efficiency, and fostering constructive engagement with all stakeholders operating within the Free Trade Zones and Lekki Port.

According to her, the command’s sustained stakeholder engagement programs have continued to build mutual trust and encourage voluntary compliance with extant customs laws and regulations.

The Customs Area Controller added that through continuous dialogue, education, and collaboration, the service has created an environment where legitimate trade can flourish while ensuring that government revenue is adequately protected.

“Since its establishment four years ago, the Lagos Free Trade Zones Command has become a model of trade facilitation within the service. Its commitment to efficient trade processes and operational excellence has enhanced the ease of doing business while positioning the Command as one of the country’s major revenue-generating commands,” she said.

Abubakar commended the professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by the officers and men of the Command, noting that their diligence, discipline, and dedication to duty have contributed significantly to these outstanding achievements and have strengthened the confidence of the trading community in the operations of the NCS.

She also acknowledged the invaluable support and cooperation of all sister security and regulatory agencies operating within the port and the free zones.

According to her, the synergy among various agencies has continued to enhance security and facilitate legitimate trade in line with the federal government’s economic objectives.

She also commended stakeholders, investors, licensed customs agents, importers, exporters, and members of the business community for their cooperation and growing level of compliance.

The controller assured that the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command will continue to provide an enabling environment for legitimate trade by promoting trade facilitation in accordance with global best practices while ensuring strict compliance with all extant laws and regulations.

Abubakar maintained that the command was determined to consolidate on these achievements, improve service delivery, and surpass its performance targets without compromising statutory responsibilities.