Tin Can Island Customs: Benchmark for Revenue Generation, Rakes in Record ₦1.57trn Revenue in 2025
The Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded an unprecedented revenue collection of ₦1.57 trillion in 2025, the highest in the Command’s history and above its annual target.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Mr. Frank Onyeka, disclosed the achievement during a stakeholders’ briefing held in Lagos on Wednesday. He revealed that the Command surpassed its 2025 revenue target of ₦1.524 trillion by ₦51.8 billion, describing the performance as a major milestone in its operational history.
According to Onyeka, the 2025 figure represents a sharp rise from the ₦1.13 trillion generated in 2024, attributing the growth to deliberate reforms, improved operational discipline and a renewed focus on efficiency.
The CAC said the revenue surge was driven by three key strategies: stronger engagement with stakeholders, aggressive blocking of revenue leakages and the effective deployment of manpower and technology across the Command. He explained that the leadership approach emphasized process over personality, ensuring strict adherence to customs regulations while promoting accountability among officers.
Onyeka identified bulk cargo, general merchandise and used vehicle imports as the major contributors to the revenue growth, supported by thorough cargo examinations and enhanced compliance verification procedures. He highlighted the streamlining of the clearance alert system as one of the major reforms implemented in 2025. The move, he said, eliminated unnecessary alerts that previously delayed cargo clearance, leading to improved turnaround times and smoother port operations.
The CAC noted that the revenue success was achieved alongside intensified enforcement activities. In March 2025, Customs officers intercepted two containers carrying more than one metric tonne of illicit drugs valued at over ₦8 billion.
In another operation, a 40-foot container falsely declared as used vehicles was seized and found to contain pistols, live ammunition and handcuffs worth more than ₦2 billion, which were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).
Further seizures were recorded in October, when two 20-foot containers originating from Canada were intercepted, yielding methamphetamine, Canadian loud and hashish oil valued at approximately ₦5.3 billion.
Onyeka commended officers of the Command and industry stakeholders for their commitment, noting that operations often extended into late hours to clear cargo backlogs and promptly resolve complaints. He added that efficiency gains were now evident, with cargo moving from ship to shore and exit within two days or less.
Looking ahead, the CAC said the planned rollout of the National Single Window project early next year would further simplify documentation, streamline processes and enhance transparency in port operations.
He stressed that the ₦1.57 trillion revenue milestone reflected not only effective leadership but also disciplined processes, reform-driven policies and strong collaboration with stakeholders. The achievement, Onyeka said, positions Tin Can Island Port Command as a benchmark for revenue generation and trade compliance within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
