From Lagos to Africa: How Apapa Port Shapes Regional Trade Futures

BY KESIENNA SHEPHERDS

Apapa Port remains Nigeria’s busiest and most strategic maritime gateway. It is the heartbeat of the nation’s import and export trade, and under Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded remarkable progress. Revenue collection has surged, with a revenue collection record of (₦2.2 trillion in 2024) and growing export volumes (up 30% in two years).

Compliance with trade protocols has improved, and the Command has positioned itself as a central player in Nigeria’s ambition to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

But there are challenges, some of which appears to have been intractable, but nonetheless, surmountable. These include congestion, data gaps, and uneven exporter readiness continue to test the resilience of reforms. This editorial celebrates Apapa’s progress while critically examining the road ahead.

The Promise of AfCFTA

AfCFTA is the largest free trade agreement in the world, connecting 1.3 billion people across 55 countries and creating a $3.4 trillion market. For Nigeria, the agreement offers opportunities to expand exports, diversify the economy, and strengthen regional influence. Apapa Port, as the country’s primary trade hub, is central to this ambition.

While the Customs leadership has emphasized the importance of aligning operations with AfCFTA protocols, Comptroller Oshoba has overseen reforms that streamline clearance processes, reduce cargo dwell time, and enhance compliance with rules of origin. These measures are vital for ensuring that Nigerian goods legitimately benefit from AfCFTA preferences.

Revenue and Economic Stability

Apapa Customs has consistently delivered record-breaking revenue. In 2024, the Command collected ₦2.2 trillion, accounting for a significant share of national Customs revenue. This performance has helped Nigeria meet fiscal targets and reduce reliance on borrowing.

While Stakeholders have praised this achievement, Comptroller Oshoba once noted: “Our revenue collection is not just about figures; it is about stabilizing the economy and ensuring Nigeria can meet its obligations without excessive debt.”

Yet, critics argue that a revenue-first mentality risks overshadowing trade facilitation. Exporters often complain that compliance requirements remain cumbersome, and the balance between revenue generation and trade competitiveness must be carefully managed.

National Security and Anti-Smuggling

Apapa Customs has also strengthened its role in national security. Interceptions of contraband, narcotics, and arms highlight the Command’s vigilance. There is no gainsaying that under Oshoba’s watch, intelligence-led enforcement and surveillance technology have been deployed to curb smuggling.

CGC Adewale Adeniyi emphasized: “For AfCFTA to succeed, Customs must enforce rules of origin, manage preferences, and ensure goods legitimately benefit from the agreement. Security is inseparable from trade facilitation.”

It is instructive that this dual role, facilitating trade while protecting the nation underscores the complexity of Customs operations at Apapa.

Congestion and Logistics Bottlenecks

Despite the aforementioned progress, congestion remains a persistent challenge. Truck gridlock around Apapa undermines efficiency, raising costs for exporters and importers alike. While it is acknowledged that multi-agency interventions have improved traffic flow, compliance issues persist.

This is even as exporters argue that logistics bottlenecks erode competitiveness. A Lagos-based freight forwarder who did want to be identified observed: “We lose valuable time and money in traffic. If Nigeria wants to lead in AfCFTA, Apapa must be decongested.”

Policy reforms must therefore prioritize infrastructure modernization, including expanded port access roads, inland dry ports, and digitized truck scheduling.

Data Deficiencies and Exporter Preparedness

While pundits say trade data gaps across Africa hinder effective policy planning, Customs chiefs admit that harmonizing data is essential for AfCFTA’s success, further noting that without accurate information, it is difficult to measure progress or identify bottlenecks.

Exporter preparedness is another concern. Many Nigerian SMEs lack awareness of AfCFTA’s simplified trade regime. Consequently, training and capacity-building programs are urgently needed to ensure businesses can compete regionally. A representative of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce stated: “AfCFTA is a game-changer, but Nigerian exporters must be ready. Customs can lead by educating and incentivizing compliance.”

Community Engagement and CSR

The Oshoba led Apapa Customs has invested in education, healthcare, and youth empowerment within host communities. These initiatives build goodwill and demonstrate that Customs is not just a regulator but also a socio-economic partner. Comptroller Oshoba recently remarked: “Our responsibility extends beyond revenue. We must support the communities that host us.”

The sustainability of these projects, however, must be ensured. Informed sources agree that CSR initiatives greatly aligns with community needs and that they deliver lasting impact.

Policy Recommendations

To remain on the positive trajectory, stakeholders have recommended infrastructure modernization, expansion of port access roads and improved digitalization of truck scheduling; in addition to investing more purposefully in inland dry ports to decongest Apapa and spread trade benefits.

Data & Transparency

Above overall processes strengthens data collection and administration across Africa, while also deploying blockchain-based systems for cargo tracking to reduce fraud.

Exporter Capacity Building

This no doubt speak about the scale up of training for SMEs on AfCFTA rules of origin, provide incentives for compliance, including reduced tariffs for certified exporters.

Multi-Agency Coordination

This framework must be structured to efficiently align Customs, Nigerian Ports Authority, Standard Organization of Nigeria, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency operations to eliminate duplication.

The framework must also establish a single-window trade platform for faster clearance, which is already in progress.

Community Engagement

This is to ensure that corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects are sustainable and aligned with local needs; and to strengthen partnerships with civil society to enhance impact.

Conclusion

Apapa Customs under Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba has made significant progress in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security. The Command’s alignment with AfCFTA protocols positions Nigeria to benefit from continental prosperity. If Oshoba’s appeals to curtail congestion, close data gaps, with exporters improved readiness to optimize the continental trade benefits, the Apapa port cannot but be fully ready to serve as Africa’s gateway.

Apapa Customs has shown that progress is possible, but the journey toward continental prosperity demands bold reforms, sustained commitment, and critical oversight.