MMA CUSTOMS COMMAND SURPASSES N68BN IN Q1 REVENUE AS OTUNLA PUSHES EFFICIENCY REFORMS

MMA CUSTOMS COMMAND SURPASSES N68BN IN Q1 REVENUE AS OTUNLA PUSHES EFFICIENCY REFORMS

By Prince Benson Davies

Despite turbulence in the global economy, the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has posted over N68 billion in revenue from January to April 2026. The performance has been credited to the reform-driven approach of Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla.

Figures disclosed by the Command Public Relations Officer, Affiong U. Momodu, show the extent of operational changes under the current leadership. The N68 billion earned in the first four months of 2026 represents a clear improvement on the N64 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, pointing to tighter controls and better compliance at the nation’s busiest airport.

Monthly collections reveal steady gains across the quarter. The Command pulled in over N24 billion in January 2026, well above the N16.6 billion achieved in January 2025. February 2026 delivered over N17 billion, compared with N12.8 billion in the same month last year.

March 2026 maintained the momentum with revenue of over N15.2 billion. Even with global trade under pressure, April 2026 closed at over N12 billion. That figure notably topped the N11.3 billion collected in April 2024, when international market conditions were significantly calmer.

According to the Command, the results stem from stronger risk profiling, closer coordination with sister agencies, and expanded use of digital tools under the NCS modernisation programme. Under Comptroller Otunla, the Command has prioritised sealing revenue gaps, enforcing compliance, and speeding up cargo and passenger clearance.

Improved engagement with industry players has also made a difference. Frequent consultations with airlines, freight forwarders, clearing agents, and regulatory partners have driven voluntary compliance and cut down clearance time. These steps have brought the Command’s processes closer to global standards.

Comptroller Otunla insists the Command’s role is not limited to revenue collection. Protecting Nigeria’s economic interests at the airport remains a top priority. He has reinforced a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, noting that discipline and accountability are non-negotiable across all units.

The N68 billion generated in four months strengthens the Command’s position as a key revenue driver for the Federal Government. It also demonstrates that targeted reforms and strict enforcement can deliver strong results, even when the global economy faces uncertainty.