Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nigeria Customs

  • Customs and NDLEA intercept cocaine consignment at Apapa port in joint operation

    Customs and NDLEA intercept cocaine consignment at Apapa port in joint operation

    In a report by Punch, the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA say they intercepted 30.1kg of cocaine concealed on a vessel at Greenview Terminal, Apapa Port, during a joint operation.

    Authorities said the drugs were packaged in slabs and hidden on board, describing the seizure as part of tightened surveillance at Nigeria’s busiest seaport.

    The bust adds to concerns about maritime smuggling routes and the need for stronger profiling, scanning coverage, and intelligence-led interdiction across port corridors.

    Echotitbits take: Expect follow-up disclosures on arrests, consignee/handler trails, and prosecution. The bigger watch item is whether joint interdiction becomes routine—backed by improved scanning capacity and sustained intelligence-sharing.

    Source: The Punch — January 4, 2026 (https://punchng.com/customs-ndlea-seize-30-1kg-cocaine-at-apapa-port/)

    The Punch January 4, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Tin Can Customs surpasses 2025 target, hits ₦1.576tr in collections

    Tin Can Customs surpasses 2025 target, hits ₦1.576tr in collections

    Photo Credit: The Nation
    2025-12-24 07:22:00

    In an update published by The Nation, the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says it exceeded its 2025 revenue target, citing stronger enforcement and improved processes.

    The command reported collections of about ₦1.576 trillion—roughly ₦51.8 billion above its assigned target—pointing to key import categories as revenue drivers.

    Officials say fewer multiple alerts helped speed up turnaround time without weakening controls, while enforcement activities continued alongside revenue collection.

    The Guardian backed the same development, quoting the controller: “Let me state unequivocally that the attainment of our annual revenue target does not in any way signify a relaxation of operational standards.” DMarketForces also reported the milestone and quoted him saying: “The command was given a revenue target of N1.524 trillion for 2025 and exceeded it…”

    Echotitbits take: Customs revenue growth is positive, but Nigeria also needs predictable, transparent port processes. Watch for whether clearance time improves and whether other commands replicate the efficiency gains without raising trade costs.

    Source: The Nation — December 23, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/tin-can-island-port-customs-surpasses-2025-revenue-target-by-n51-8bn/)
    The Nation 2025-12-23

  • NDLEA uncovers Abia codeine operation as agencies intercept major opioid consignments

    NDLEA uncovers Abia codeine operation as agencies intercept major opioid consignments

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, NDLEA operatives uncovered a clandestine codeine syrup manufacturing operation in Abia State and reported large seizures linked to wider nationwide interdictions.

    Punch says the crackdown forms part of broader pre‑holiday operations targeting illicit opioid supply chains, including containers and large consignments intercepted at ports and along transit routes.

    The report highlights continued pressure on drug networks feeding domestic abuse and cross-border trafficking.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Beyond seizures, disruption depends on prosecutions, asset forfeiture, and sustained port/land-border controls. Watch for follow-up arrests, forensic tracing of supply chains, and joint actions with Customs and international counterparts.

    Source: Blueprint — December 15, 2025

    Blueprint https://blueprint.ng/ndlea-seizes-1187kg-skunk-uncovers-codeine-factory/ December 15, 2025

  • Customs Extends Fast-Track Scheme Deadline for Importers

    Customs Extends Fast-Track Scheme Deadline for Importers

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    The Nigeria Customs Service has extended the deadline for importers participating in its fast‑track cargo clearance scheme to January, offering more time to regularise documentation and obligations. The initiative, which grants compliant traders accelerated clearance, is part of reforms to decongest ports and improve the ease of doing business.

    Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada said the extension followed appeals from operators and aims to prevent disruptions to supply chains during the festive season. He added that only importers with strong compliance records will continue to benefit, reinforcing the link between regulatory discipline and trade facilitation.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025 2025-12-12