The Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Customs Area Command says it generated N459.8 billion between January and August.
The Customs Area Comptroller, Hauwa Abubakar, disclosed this yesterday at the 10th Lagos International Maritime Week (LIMWEEK) 2025 in Lagos.
Abubakar spoke in a presentation titled: Efficient Customs Service and the Development of Africa’s Ocean Economy; The Experience of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command.
Represented by the Deputy Comptroller, Ehiprem Haruna, Abubakar said that since inception, the LFTZ command had recorded remarkable achievements through both the free zone activities and port operations.
“As at the end of August, the command has generated the sum of N459.8 billion as revenue to the coffers of the government at Lekki port, which only commenced operations in 2023.
“Customs has already demonstrated how efficient clearance procedures and risk management systems can speed up cargo flow while still ensuring compliance and security.
“Customs Modernization Project have also brought about the indigenous Nigeria Customs Unified Management System “B’Odogwu”, which help to balance trade facilitation with revenue generation and enforcement,” he said.
According to her, Africa’s ocean economy holds immense potentials, adding that ports are not just the gateways for trade but engines for industrial growth, regional integration and global competitiveness.
She explained that beyond revenue, the command emphasised on partnership, adding that it worked closely with the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, with free zone administrators and the management of the Lekki port.
Abubakar further noted that the command also collaborated with sister agencies from the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Department of State Service (DSS) Port Health among others.
She mentioned that the synergy had created a robust environment where no agency worked in isolation and where efficiency is a shared goal.
“We engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, such as the renovation of a local primary school, to demonstrate custom’s role, not only as revenue collectors, but as partners in community development.
“The experience of Lagos free trade zone command teaches us some important lessons for Africa’s wider ocean economy.
”While digitisation and automation are critical, we must expand e-custom’s platforms, integrate data-driven clearance and explore technologies such as block chain.
“Regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, must be supported by customs, harmonisation of seamless cargo movement will only be possible when our procedures align.
“Public-Private Partnership is essential; the collaboration that built and sustains Lekki port is a model for other African countries.
“There is the need for sustained capacity building, invest in our officers in green port practices and in maintaining integrity in service delivery,” Abubakar said.
She said that presently, they operated on an efficient customs service that was not just about collecting revenue but created an environment where trade flowed freely, investors felt confident, communities benefitted and Africa’s ocean economy could thrive.
Abubakar testified that the Lagos free trade zone command stood as a living example that when customs worked efficiently, the entire maritime value chain benefited. (Source: NAN)
