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CUSTOMS STRENGTHENS REVENUE COLLECTION AND SECURITY OPERATIONS AT MURTALA MUHAMMED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
By prince Benson Davies
The Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to balancing efficient trade facilitation with robust national security under the leadership of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla.
In a recent chat with the New Experience, Comptroller Otunla disclosed that the Command recorded a strong revenue performance in late 2025, collecting N202.9 billion. The figure represents a significant increase from the N181.01 billion collected in 2024 and surpasses the Command’s annual revenue target by 13 percent. The achievement underscores the Command’s sustained efforts to optimize revenue collection while maintaining compliance and transparency in cargo and passenger processing at Nigeria’s primary aviation gateway.
Describing the Command as “custodians of Nigeria’s economic gateway,” Comptroller Otunla stated that the MMIA Command remains focused on blocking revenue leakages while ensuring seamless cargo clearance and passenger processing at the country’s busiest airport. He noted that the Command’s mandate is to protect Nigeria’s economic interests at the point of entry without creating unnecessary bottlenecks for legitimate trade and travel.
“Our responsibility extends beyond revenue generation. We are tasked with safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests at the point of entry, and we will not compromise on that duty,” he said. “At the same time, we understand the importance of facilitating trade and ensuring that lawful businesses experience minimal delays in their operations.”
Comptroller Otunla further pledged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in all operations at the airport. According to him, the Command is committed to maintaining a zero tolerance stance on corruption and unethical practices among officers and stakeholders. He emphasized that discipline and accountability remain central to the Command’s operational framework and that any officer found wanting would face appropriate disciplinary measures in line with NCS regulations.
He commended officers of the Command for their dedication and professionalism, attributing the improved performance to enhanced compliance by stakeholders, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and the adoption of modern customs procedures in line with the NCS modernization agenda. He also acknowledged the role of continuous capacity building and technology-driven processes in improving service delivery and reducing human interface in customs operations.
The Command also continues to strengthen engagement with port stakeholders, including airlines, freight forwarders, clearing agents, and other government agencies operating within the airport ecosystem. These engagements are aimed at sustaining transparency, fostering mutual trust, and improving the ease of doing business at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Regular stakeholder meetings and feedback sessions have been instituted to address operational challenges and align processes with international best practices.
Comptroller Otunla reiterated that security remains a top priority alongside revenue generation. He stressed that the Command is working closely with other security agencies to prevent smuggling, detect prohibited goods, and ensure that only goods that meet regulatory requirements are allowed into the country through the airport.
The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated that the MMIA Command will continue to play a strategic role in supporting national economic growth while ensuring that security remains a top priority at Nigeria’s primary aviation hub. The Command remains committed to contributing to the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda by promoting compliant trade and protecting the country’s borders.
