The Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service reported a sharp rise in revenue generation while appealing for urgent infrastructure development during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise on Friday, April 11, 2025.
The Lagos NCS FTZ spotlighted its remarkable revenue performance and operational strides since its inception in February 2022.
Comptroller Olanrewaju A. Olumoh, in a welcome address to the delegation led by Committee Chairman Hon. Leke Abejide, disclosed that the Command has grown from a revenue of ₦25 billion in 2022 to ₦358 billion in 2024. He also noted that the Command had already recorded ₦113 billion in the first quarter of 2025.
“Despite being one of the youngest commands, the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command has emerged as a front-runner in revenue performance,” Olumoh said. “We surpassed our 2024 target of ₦133 billion, and Q1 2025 figures suggest another potentially record-breaking year.”
The Command, established in February 2022, oversees 15 free trade zones and the Lekki Deep Seaport. These zones include the Lagos, Lekki, Dangote, Alaro, and Eko Atlantic Free Trade Zones, among others. According to the Comptroller, these zones are designed to facilitate importation without the immediate payment of duties, aimed at attracting foreign investment and driving industrialization.
Speaking on operations, Olumoh explained that the Command works under Sections 134 to 141 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, with dedicated procedure codes and a Standard Operating Procedure in place to ensure transparent and efficient processing.
He said: “Our operational focus remains anchored on three strategic pillars—trade facilitation, revenue generation, and suppression of illicit activities.”
Highlighting the infrastructure deficit, Olumoh appealed to the House Committee for intervention, citing the lack of a permanent Command headquarters and staff accommodation.
“At present, the Command is operating from facilities graciously provided by our host Free Zones,” he said. “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.”
Olumoh also mentioned seizures made in 2024, including two containers of Tramadol and one container of unregistered pharmaceuticals, which were handed over to NDLEA and NAFDAC in collaboration with other agencies.
He added that advanced scanning technologies at the Lekki Port enable same-day cargo clearance and have positioned the Command as a key gateway in West Africa.
“Our officers are renowned for their professionalism, discipline, and motivation,” he said. “Regular stakeholder engagements allow us to promptly address challenges and encourage sustained investment and innovation.”
The House Committee’s oversight visit is part of its constitutional mandate to assess operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and the impact of customs activities on national development.
