Edo, Delta Customs revenue rises 29% to N132.86bn

The Nigeria Customs Service, operating in the Edo/Delta Area Command, reported a significant 29% increase in revenue generation, reaching an estimated ₦132.86bn between January and October 2026. This represents a substantial rise of ₦29.52bn, or 28.57%, compared to the ₦103.34bn collected during the same period in 2025. Comptroller Dominic Ortsen, the Area Controller for the Command, spoke about the growth at a media briefing in Warri.

He attributed the increase to improved revenue administration, heightened commercial activities, stakeholder compliance, and the dedication of the Command's officers and men. The command recorded notable growth in March, May, and October 2026, with growth rates of approximately 188%, 109%, and 97%, respectively. October 2026 saw the highest monthly collection, with ₦22.78bn generated against ₦11.54bn in October 2025.

Major contributors to October's revenue were companies from various sectors, including oil and gas, steel, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. Ortsen highlighted VAT, Import Duty, FCS, and Excise Duty as the main revenue sources, alongside Wheat Grain Levy, Electronic Levy, Transfer System (ELTS), seven percent Port Levy, and other statutory fees and levies.

The command's revenue-generating activities include cargo clearance, importation of industrial inputs, machinery, and general merchandise, as well as industrial and logistics operations in Edo and Delta states. Ortsen emphasized the command's commitment to ensuring that legitimate revenue due to the Federal Government is properly assessed and collected while strengthening intelligence-led enforcement and cargo accountability.

The command also introduced a Coordinated Cargo Examination and Trade Facilitation Standard Operating Procedure to enhance cargo examination, compliance monitoring, and operational efficiency. Ortsen further stated that the command was aligning its processes with the Comptroller-General of Customs' One-Stop-Shop initiative to promote coordinated engagement and address smuggling and illicit trade.