The Nigeria Customs Service, Lagos Free Trade Zone Command ,has made significant strides in revenue generation, recording ₦113 billion in the first quarter of 2025.
The Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Olanrewaju Olumoh disclosed this achievement to the House of Representatives Committee on Customs during an oversight visit to the Command on 11th April ,2025.
Comptroller Olumoh in his speech said that the Special Economic Zones also known as Free Zones, are designated areas that allow the importation of goods, raw materials, semi-finished, and finished products without requiring immediate duty payment.
According to him, the impressive figure indicates a potentially record-breaking fiscal year for the command, which was established in February 2022, and it’s strategic policy aims to boost economic growth, foster industrialization, and lure foreign direct investment.
Speaking further, he reiterated the command’s focus on trade facilitation, revenue generation, and suppression of illicit activities which has contributed to its success. With a modest start, generating ₦25.05 billion in its first year, the command has consistently demonstrated year-on-year growth, increasing to ₦74.05 billion in 2023 and surging to ₦358 billion in 2024.
While attributing the command’s operational excellence which has been a key factor in its success, he also commended the Lekki Port’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and scanning technologies which has enabled the command to achieve a 24hour cargo clearance, making it a major maritime hub in West Africa.
Comptroller Olumoh, revealed to the committee the significant strides the command has achieved in suppressing illicit activities, with successful interceptions of smuggled goods, including Tramadol and unregistered pharmaceuticals while attributing it’s success to strong inter- agency collaboration.
On challenges faced by the command, particularly the need for a permanent headquarters and staff accommodation, he prayed that they receive immediate attention to ensure operational independence and long-term sustainability.
“Our Command, established in February 2022, has recorded remarkable progress within a short period. The command began operations with eight (8) Free Zones. We currently oversee fifteen (15) free zones housing a growing number of enterprises. In addition, the Lekki Deep Seaport, under our jurisdiction, continues to experience substantial growth, fast becoming a major maritime hub within Nigeria and across the West African sub-region. We look forward to showcasing some of these enterprises and port operations during your visit. The Free Zones under the command are: Lagos Free Trade Zone ,Lekki Free Trade Zone ,Dangote Free Trade Zone, Alaro Free Trade Zone, Eko Atlantic Free Trade Zone ,Ladol Free Trade Zone ,Snake Island Free Trade Zone ,Eko Support Free Zone ,Bestaf Free Trade Zone,Nasco Free Trade Zone ,Muritala Muhammed International Airport Free Trade Zone ,Flour Mill Apapa Free Trade Zone
,Flour Mill Iganmu Free Trade Zone ,Flour Mill Tincan Free Trade Zone ,Koko Beach And Wellness Value Chain Resort FTZ Lekki Deep Sea Port.
“Under the visionary leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we remain committed to operational excellence while fostering a supportive, compliance-driven business environment. Regular stakeholder engagements has allowed us to promptly address challenges and encourage sustained investment and innovation.
“ Our officers are renowned for their professionalism, discipline, and motivation. Notably, our port infrastructure and scanning technologies at the Lekki Port are currently among the most advanced not only in Nigeria, but across the West African sub-region enabling same-day cargo clearance with unmatched efficiency.
“Despite being one of the youngest commands, the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command has emerged as a front-runner in revenue performance. Starting with a modest ₦25.05 billion in its first year, the Command has recorded consistent year-on-year growth. In 2023, it generated ₦74.05 billion. By 2024, revenue soared to an impressive ₦358 billion, surpassing the target of ₦133 billion. As of Q1 2025, the Command has already recorded ₦113 billion, indicating another potentially record-breaking fiscal year.
“ While revenue generation remains key, we also maintain strong inter-agency collaboration to combat smuggling and illicit trade. Last year, through credible intelligence and synergy with relevant agencies, we intercepted two containers of Tramadol and one container of unregistered pharmaceuticals. These were promptly handed over to NDLEA and NAFDAC in accordance with established protocols.
“One of the most pressing challenges currently facing the Command is the urgent need for a permanent Command Headquarters and staff accommodation. At present, the Command is operating from facilities graciously provided by our host Free Zones. While we remain grateful for this support, it is imperative that this matter receives immediate attention and prioritization to ensure operational independence, security, and long-term sustainability”
In response, the delegation from the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise , led by Chairman Hon. Leke Abejide commended the controller and his team for their diligence and effective revenue generation strategies, which have significantly boosted revenue collection.
Abejide also emphasised the importance of advanced technology, such as scanners and artificial intelligence equipment, in facilitating customs operations and detecting illicit activities adding that these tools are crucial in emerging ports with high volumes of brief transactions, where linkages can be blocked immediately in their system.
The committee’s concerns were sparked by the command’s interception of illicit goods, including Tramadol and unregistered pharmaceuticals and highlighted the need for capital punishment for offenders to reduce the smuggling of illicit drugs to the barest minimum.
