LFTZ Customs generates 459.8bn in 8 months

From L-R, The Deputy Comptroller, Head of Scanning Unit, LFTZ, Moderator, CEO Global Energy and Logistics, Ruth Chukwukezirim, Registrar Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarder (CRFN), Mr Kingsley Igwe, and the Convener Lagos International Maritime Week LIMWEEK , Mrs Tosan Edodo-Emore during the 10th edition of the two-day Lagos International Maritime Week (LIMWEEK) held in Lagos on Monday

Lagos, Sept. 29, 2025, The Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Customs Area Command says it has generated N459.8 billion between January and August.

The Customs Area Comptroller, Hauwa Abubakar, disclosed this on Monday at the 10th Lagos International Maritime Week (LIMWEEK) 2025 in Lagos.

Abubakar spoke in a presentation titled: Efficient Customs Service and the Development of Africa’s Ocean Economy; The Experience of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command.

Represented by the Deputy Comptroller, Ehiprem Haruna, Abubakar said that since inception, the LFTZ command had recorded remarkable achievements through both the free zone activities and port operations.

“As at the end of August, the command has generated the sum of N459.8 billion as revenue to the coffers of the government at Lekki port, which only commenced operations in 2023.

“Customs has already demonstrated how efficient clearance procedures and risk management systems can speed up cargo flow while still ensuring compliance and security.

“Customs Modernization Project have also brought about the indigenous Nigeria Customs Unified Management System “B’Odogwu”, which help to balance trade facilitation with revenue generation and enforcement,” he said.

According to her, Africa’s ocean economy holds immense potentials, adding that ports are not just the gateways for trade but engines for industrial growth, regional integration and global competitiveness.

She explained that beyond revenue, the command emphasised on partnership, adding that it worked closely with the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, with free zone administrators and the management of the Lekki port.

Abubakar further noted that the command also collaborated with sister agencies from the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Department of State Service (DSS) Port Health among others.

She mentioned that the synergy had created a robust environment where no agency worked in isolation and where efficiency is a shared goal.

“We engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, such as the renovation of a local primary school, to demonstrate custom’s role, not only as revenue collectors, but as partners in community development.

“The experience of Lagos free trade zone command teaches us some important lessons for Africa’s wider ocean economy.

”While digitisation and automation are critical, we must expand e-custom’s platforms, integrate data-driven clearance and explore technologies such as block chain.

“Regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, must be supported by customs, harmonisation of seamless cargo movement will only be possible when our procedures align.

“Public-Private Partnership is essential; the collaboration that built and sustains Lekki port is a model for other African countries.

“There is the need for sustained capacity building, invest in our officers in green port practices and in maintaining integrity in service delivery,” Abubakar said.

She said that presently, they operated on an efficient customs service that was not just about collecting revenue but created an environment where trade flowed freely, investors felt confident, communities benefitted and Africa’s ocean economy could thrive.

Abubakar testified that the Lagos free trade zone command stood as a living example that when customs worked efficiently, the entire maritime value chain benefited.

Also speaking, Mr Kingsley Igwe, Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding (CRFFN) stated that logistics inefficiencies, weak infrastructure and high trade costs, had continued to limit Africa competitiveness in global markets.

Igwe spoke on a presentation, “Innovation Cargo Logistics and Development of Africa’s Ocean Economy”, with the theme: “Our Ocean, Our Sea, Our Obligation”.

He noted that Africa’s coastline stretched over 30,000 km, with 38 coastal states and countless communities, whose livelihoods depended on the sea, adding that the African continent’s ocean economy remained underdeveloped.

“But there is good news. Across Africa, innovation is rewriting the cargo logistics story from digital transformation in ports, to integrated multimodal corridors and smart financing for green shipping.

“These advances are not just technical upgrades; they are a gateway to unlocking Africa’s blue economy.

“Africa need innovations driving change such as, the Digital Port System, which is the introduction of single window platform, that ensures tracking which reduces delays, enhance transparency and cut costs.

“Another innovation is Green Shipping and Sustainability. With climate change threatening coastal livelihoods, African ports are exploring renewable energy, cleaner fuels and carbon reduction programmes.

“The future of ocean logistics must be climate-smart,”Igwe said.

He called for the establishment of Integrated Corridors by investing on multimodal transport, road, rail and inland waterways, to improve cargo flows from landlocked nations to the seaports.

He noted that integration remained essential if Africa is to achieve the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He added that the Tanger Med Port in Morocco had illustrated the transformative power of innovation.

Igwe emphasised that Tanger Port was leveraging on automation, AI-driven traffic management and digital logistics chains, that had become one of the most efficient ports in the world.

He said that Tanger success was a proof that African ports could compete globally when innovation is embraced.

According to him, vessel dwell time can be reduced, if government invested in enabling infrastructure and supportive regulation, while port operators adopt technology and green practices that enhances competitiveness.

He noted that the academia and the civil society must step up efforts in building capacity, knowledge and innovation ecosystems that would sustain Africa’s maritime future.

“The ocean is not just a passageway for trade; it is Africa’s future,” he said.

Igwe said that cargo logistics offered a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build an ocean economy that was inclusive, sustainable and globally competitive.