Customs Shatters Record: Oshoba Rakes in ₦20.1bn on First Day at Apapa Amid FG Borrowing Woes

The newly appointed Comptroller of the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Babajide Oshoba, made history within just 24 hours of assuming office, overseeing a record-breaking revenue collection of ₦20.1 billion in a single day.

The feat, which has sent ripples across Nigeria’s financial and maritime sectors, is being hailed as both a remarkable demonstration of leadership and a wake-up call for the federal government, which continues to rely heavily on borrowing to finance budget deficits.

Record Collection Sparks National Conversation

Apapa Port is Nigeria’s busiest seaport and a key artery for trade. Under Oshoba’s watch, revenue collections surged almost instantly, pointing to tighter controls, compliance checks, and what insiders describe as “a more aggressive but efficient approach to plugging leakages.”

Analysts say the ₦20.1 billion haul in one day is a clear sign of what the NCS can achieve if systemic inefficiencies are curbed.

“This is more than a number; it is a message,” said Lagos-based economist. “If one port command can deliver this kind of result in a day, then Nigeria has no reason to be drowning in debt. The problem has never been lack of revenue, it has always been mismanagement and lack of political will.”

Debt vs. Domestic Revenue Debate

Nigeria’s public debt stock continues to climb, with trillions borrowed both domestically and externally. Debt servicing already consumes a large chunk of the federal budget, limiting the government’s ability to invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

For many Nigerians, Oshoba’s milestone raises questions about why such aggressive revenue strategies were not implemented earlier, and whether this momentum can be sustained.

Importers and clearing agents at Apapa also expressed cautious optimism. “If Customs can generate this much, it shows the port can deliver, but government should also ensure that trade facilitation improves,” said Yusuf Bala, a freight forwarder. “We don’t want revenue drive to translate into excessive costs for businesses.”

What Next for Customs and FG?

Observers argue that Oshoba’s record should push the federal government to double down on institutional reforms, ensuring that revenue from Customs and other non-oil sources is maximized.

“The ₦20.1 billion single-day collection should not be an isolated headline. It must become a culture,” remarked policy analyst Amaka Ugochukwu. “Sustained results like this can reduce our dependence on borrowing and stabilize the economy.”

Whether the federal government seizes this momentum or slips back into old habits will determine if Oshoba’s record-breaking debut remains a flash in the pan or the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s revenue strategy.