The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has emerged as a key revenue driver for the Service, having generated over ₦1.017 billion within the past 15 months, despite not being in charge of any major entry ports.
Records show that in 2024 alone, the zone exceeded its assigned revenue target by an impressive 57.6%, collecting ₦896 million against an approved benchmark of ₦569 million.
This performance, achieved under the leadership of former Comptroller Kola Oladeji, played a vital role in helping the NCS hit a record ₦6.1 trillion revenue for the year.
The strong start continued into the first quarter of 2025, with the zone contributing ₦121 million to the Federation Account, reinforcing its strategic importance in driving internally generated revenue (IGR) for Nigeria.
Records further reveal that in July 2024, FOU Zone A generated over ₦133 million through documentary checks and the issuance of Demand Notices for underpaid consignments.
This marked a 245% increase compared to July 2023, reflecting a ₦96 million year-on-year revenue growth.
Beyond revenue, the zone intensified its anti-smuggling efforts, intercepting contraband valued at over ₦18 billion. These included more than 50,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg), 191,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), over 7,800 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 37,630 sachets of Tramadol, and 317 cartons of illicit medicaments.
Other significant seizures included 207 vehicles, 6,755 cartons of frozen poultry products, over 1,400 bales of used clothing, and 1,700 used refrigerator compressors.
One of the most notable interceptions was the seizure of over 10,000 donkey skins valued at approximately ₦8 billion, along with 11,870 cutlasses allegedly destined for criminal use in the southwest.
The achievements were disclosed during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, led by Chairman Hon. Leke Abejide.
The committee praised the zone’s operational strategy, particularly the implementation of “Operation Swift Sting,” which emphasises intelligence-led enforcement over confrontation.
Under Oladeji’s command, the FOU Zone A secured the conviction of three individuals for various customs offences, with investigations ongoing in cases involving 12 more suspects expected to be arraigned this year.
Oladeji attributed the success to strategic stakeholder engagement, improved intelligence gathering, and community cooperation. “We are determined to protect the economy and national security from the dangers of cross-border illicit trade. Our strategy prioritises intelligence, compliance, and non-violent enforcement,” he said.
Hon. Abejide lauded the team’s professionalism and restraint in dealing with smugglers. “We have seen the remarkable strides made by the unit under Comptroller Oladeji. Their enforcement approach has saved lives while securing the nation’s economy from saboteurs. We are committed to supporting the unit through legislation to strengthen its capacity,” he added.
The FOU Zone A’s performance continues to position it as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s revenue generation and anti-smuggling campaign for 2025.
