KLT Customs Defies Odds, Generates ₦19.4bn, Seizes Expired Vapes Worth ₦809.7m

The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again demonstrated resilience and operational efficiency, generating over ₦19.4 billion in revenue in June 2026 despite the peculiar challenges associated with its cargo operations.

The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DCC) Bolaji Luqman Adigun, disclosed this during his second press briefing at the Command’s conference room, where he highlighted the Command’s achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling enforcement.

Unlike many Customs formations, the KLT Command relies predominantly on transire operations—the transfer of cargoes from mother ports to designated destinations without the immediate completion of import formalities—a system that limits its cargo generation base. Yet, according to Adigun, the Command has continued to deploy innovative strategies to effectively discharge its statutory mandate.

“The Command remains committed to its responsibilities of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities,” he said, noting that the briefing was aimed at presenting its performance and significant enforcement milestones.

Adigun announced that the Command generated a total of ₦19,404,925,103.53 in June 2026, compared to ₦14,363,621,664.35 recorded during the same period in 2025. The figure represents an increase of ₦5.04 billion, or 35 per cent.

He attributed the impressive performance to the dedication and professionalism of officers and men of the Command, enhanced stakeholder compliance, improved trade facilitation measures, and the deployment of intelligence-driven operational strategies.

In a major enforcement breakthrough, the Command intercepted a 40-foot container, No. TIIU4739360, laden with expired disposable vape products with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦809,698,761.

The Acting CAC revealed that a physical examination of the container uncovered 18 pallets of disposable vape products. Each pallet contained 60 cartons, while the cartons held varying quantities of packs, amounting to a total of 484 cartons or 182,340 individual vape units.

According to him, the products bore expiry dates ranging from 2022 to 2026, making them unsafe for consumption and posing significant risks to public health.

“In line with established procedures and our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized products will be handed over to the appropriate regulatory authority for further action and proper disposal,” he stated.

Adigun further highlighted the benefits of the Nigeria Customs Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme and the Advance Ruling System, describing them as critical initiatives aimed at enhancing compliance, improving predictability in customs processes, facilitating trade, and promoting ease of doing business.

The seized products were subsequently handed over to the Port Head of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Anzaku Peter Joseph.

Speaking during the interactive session, Adigun disclosed that the expired vapes were imported from Hong Kong and confirmed that a suspect linked to the consignment is currently in custody. He added that the consignee is being profiled to determine whether additional illicit shipments may have entered the country through similar channels.

He also emphasized the Command’s cordial working relationship with the mother ports from which it receives cargoes, reiterating its uncompromising stance against illegal trade.

“The Command is hostile to illegitimate trade but remains a reliable partner to all legitimate businesses operating within the ambit of the law,” he warned.

Receiving the seized items, Dr. Anzaku commended the Customs Service for its vigilance and commitment to protecting public health.

“We are all partners in this assignment. Our responsibility is to ensure that only wholesome and safe products are allowed into the country. These products clearly fall short of NAFDAC’s standards and have no place in the Nigerian market,” he said.

The latest feat underscores the KLT Command’s growing reputation as one of the Nigeria Customs Service’s most efficient formations, proving that even within operational constraints, innovation, collaboration, and diligence can deliver outstanding results