Story by Dili Utomi.
In a bid to fulfill one of their oversight functions, the House Of Representative committee members on Customs and Excise havw been visiting various Customs Commands in the South West zone of the country. The committee is led by Honourable Leke Abejide and it was the turn of the Lekki Free Trade Zone Command to play host to the committee on its statutory functions.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command is the amiable Comptroller Olanrewaju Abdulwahab Olumoh who used the opportunity presented by the visit to display the Command’s great scorecard.
Comptroller Olumoh in his speech detailed that “the Free Zones also referred to as Special Economic Zones are designed to facilitate the landing of goods, raw materials, semi-finished and even finished products without the immediate payment of duties. This policy framework is strategically designed to stimulate economic growth, promote industrialisation and attract foreign direct investment”
The CAC added that “Our Command, established in February 2022, has recorded remarkable progress within a short period. The command began operations with eight (8) Free Zones. We currently oversee fifteen (15) free zones housing a growing number of enterprises. In addition, the Lekki Deep Seaport, under our jurisdiction, continues to experience substantial growth, fast becoming a major maritime hub within Nigeria and across the West African sub-region. We look forward to showcasing some of these enterprises and port operations during your visit. The Free Zones under the command are:
a. Lagos Free Trade Zone
b. Lekki Free Trade Zone
c. Dangote Free Trade Zone
d. Alaro Free Trade Zone
e. Eko Atlantic Free Trade Zone
f. Ladol Free Trade Zone
g. Snake Island Free Trade Zone
h. Eko Support Free Zone
i. Bestaf Free Trade Zone
j. Nasco Free Trade Zone
k. Muritala Muhammed International Airport Free Trade Zone
l. Flour Mill Apapa Free Trade Zone
m. Flour Mill Iganmu Free Trade Zone
n. Flour Mill Tincan Free Trade Zone
o. Koko Beach And Wellness Value Chain Resort FTZ and Lekki Deep Sea Port”.
The Lekki Free Trade Zone Command has progressively grown in terms of volume and value as these qualities have been reflected in its annual revenues. Despite being one of the youngest commands, the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command has emerged as a front-runner in revenue performance. Starting with a modest ₦25.05 billion in its first year, the Command has recorded consistent year-on-year growth. In 2023, it generated ₦74.05 billion. By 2024, revenue soared to an impressive ₦358 billion, surpassing the target of ₦133 billion. As of Q1, 2025, the Command has already recorded ₦113 billion, indicating another potentially record-breaking fiscal year.
The CAC’s words “While revenue generation remains key, we also maintain strong inter-agency collaboration to combat smuggling and illicit trade. Last year, through credible intelligence and synergy with relevant agencies, we intercepted two containers of Tramadol and one container of unregistered pharmaceuticals. These were promptly handed over to NDLEA and NAFDAC in accordance with established protocols”
Comptroller Olumoh aslo highlights part of the challenges facing the Command, “One of the most pressing challenges currently facing the Command is the urgent need for a permanent Command Headquarters and staff accommodation. At present, the Command is operating from facilities graciously provided by our host Free Zones. While we remain grateful for this support, it is imperative that this matter receives immediate attention and prioritisation to ensure operational independence, security, and long-term sustainability”.
Comptroller Olumoh while thanking the House Committee for the visit, harped on the innovative policies of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and the need for the Service to get the full support of all Nigerians so that they will continue to play the vital security and economic roles that their mandates are hinged on.
The committee members asked probing questions about the operations, tariffs, stakeholders engagement and the general administrative functions of the Command and the CAC properly responded to them all.
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