By Cosmas Okereafor and Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed Area Command, has announced a significant leap in revenue generation and enforcement achievements for the first half of 2025, under the leadership of Customs Area Comptroller, Michael Toyin Awe. Speaking to journalists at a media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday 9th July 2025, Comptroller Awe revealed that the Command generated a whooping ₦97.16 billion in revenue between the month of January and June 2025 — a 20.92% increase compared to the ₦80.35 billion collected same period in the previous year, 2024. The Comptroller who was beaming with smiles during the press briefing alluded the success of the command during the period under review to commitments and dedications of officers and men in the command.
“This remarkable growth is the result of enhanced compliance, strict transaction monitoring, prompt action on irregularities, and our determination to plug revenue leakages,” Awe stated. Awe, while highlighting achievements of the command also pointed out that, the command intercepted and recorded major seizures during the period as the total Duty Paid Value (DPV), amounting to ₦792.79 million arising from; 75 bags of pangolin scales weighing 3,765kg (DPV: ₦772.4 million),18 Tippmann semi-automatic paintball markers and 32 empty gas cylinders (DPV: ₦18.3 million), 20 ballistic helmets (DPV: ₦2.07 million). In his words; ”These items pose serious threats to both national security and our endangered wildlife. Our success is attributed to robust intelligence, increased surveillance, and the dedication of our officers.” He stressed.
The Comptroller also reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining a strong partnership with stakeholders across the aviation and logistics value chain remains unwavering adding that frequent engagement and open communication have accelerated decisions and improved operational outcomes.To promote camaraderie and wellness, the Customs boss announced that, the command organized an inter-agency sporting competition in Q2, featuring football, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, and traditional games like draft.This initiative he said has fostered mental and physical fitness, reduced stress, and created a friendly platform for strategic engagements. Comptroller Awe reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to strengthen revenue performance, crack down on smuggling, and deepen stakeholder collaboration. “We will continue to discharge our duties with integrity, discipline, and professionalism. Our goal remains to protect national interests while upholding the highest ethical standards of service.He however expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his visionary leadership while also commending the Men and officers of the Command and also other stakeholders operating in the area for their cooperation, resilience and commitment.
