Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a significant revenue collection of N1,610,906,781,421.82 as of the end of the third quarter of 2024. This figure surpasses the N1,172,414,793,960.32 collected as total revenue in 2023, marking a notable 37% increase in revenue within nine months.
Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, attributed this achievement to the diligence and integrity of the officers under his command.
Speaking on the performance, Comptroller Olomu emphasized that the command is committed to engaging stakeholders to further boost revenue collection and curb smuggling activities.
Olomu highlighted the N201.8 billion collected in July and the N193.9 billion in September as remarkable achievements that could be replicated in the fourth quarter of the year.
He acknowledged the ongoing support from the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the implementation of key trade facilitation programs, such as the advance ruling, time release study, and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme.
“The implementation of these programs has significantly contributed to the increased revenue and has strengthened the overall performance of the port, benefiting the nation’s economy,” Olomu noted.
The Apapa Port Command has also reported a substantial reduction in smuggling activities. Comptroller Olomu attributed this success to strict monitoring, continuous profiling of port users, stakeholder sensitization, and the in-house training of customs officers.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for smuggling, as directed by the Comptroller General.
“Our vigilance is airtight, and we are determined to detect and prevent any smuggling activities. The use of non-intrusive technology for cargo scanning and strict adherence to examination procedures has enabled us to maintain almost zero-level smuggling in recent times,” Olomu said.
He further urged port users, including customs agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters, and haulage operators, to utilize the services of the dispute resolution team to resolve any uncertainties. Olomu reassured stakeholders of the command’s readiness to assist them and enhance trade facilitation while maintaining a strong stance against smuggling.
The Comptroller also expressed gratitude to sister government agencies for their collaboration in intelligence sharing and joint examinations, which have been instrumental in achieving these results.