Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded an unprecedented revenue collection of N17.9 billion in a single day at Apapa port.
This landmark achievement was announced by the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, during a press conference held in Apapa on Wednesday.
Despite a significant drop in cargo throughput, estimated to have decreased by more than 50 percent, the NCS managed to attain this record revenue on June 14, 2024. Comptroller Olomu attributed this success to the intensified efforts of Customs officers to curb revenue loopholes.
“This feat is the beginning of many revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling exploits to be achieved in the course of discharging our statutory responsibilities,” Olomu stated.
He highlighted the Command’s recent interception of two containers of used clothing and Crusader soap as part of their ongoing anti-smuggling operations.
Olomu assured port users and stakeholders that under his leadership, the officers and men of the Command will continue to prioritize trade facilitation and strive to surpass their targets.
He also credited the unprecedented revenue collection to the inspiring leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, whose one year in office has been marked by motivating and effective guidance.
The Apapa Customs boss called on port users to adhere to lawful operations, including obeying import and export guidelines, prompt and accurate payment of duties.
“Finally, I want to use this medium to urge port users to always abide by the tenets and etiquette of lawful operations such as obeying the extant import and export guidelines, prompt and accurate payment of duty and promotion of regular engagement in the national interest,” he remarked.