Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command announced record-breaking achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations. Customs Area Controller Babatunde Olomu revealed that the command has set a new benchmark in monthly revenue collection and made significant strides in intercepting illicit goods at Apapa Port, reinforcing the commitment to make the port a “no passage area for unlawful trade.”
Olomu said that from January to October 2024, the Apapa Command generated a total of N1.875 trillion in revenue, marking a 101% increase compared to the N931 billion collected during the same period in 2023. Olomu noted that the October 2024 collection of N264.5 billion was the highest monthly revenue in the command’s history. With this robust growth, the command is well-positioned to meet and possibly exceed its N2.2 trillion target for the year.
“Despite a notable decline in trade volume, we have maximized revenue collection by blocking leakages and ensuring efficient processes,” Olomu said.
Emphasizing the command’s commitment to easing trade processes, Olomu outlined ongoing modernization efforts, including a shift to a paperless system under the Nigeria Customs Service’s broader agenda.
The Apapa Command is also embracing trade facilitation tools like the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and Advanced Ruling to ensure smooth import and export operations. The command operates seven days a week to ensure timely cargo release and collaborates closely with other government agencies to maintain efficiency and compliance.
Olomu also mentioned that the command recently facilitated its first cargo shipment to Kenya under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) regime.
He also highlighted the Command’s anti-smuggling success, including today’s handover of six containers of falsely declared and unwholesome pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). These seizures include expired or unregistered products that, if circulated, could pose serious health risks.
“Our role in preventing harmful goods from entering the market is critical to national security and public health,” Olomu emphasized.
“We are working closely with agencies like NAFDAC and NDLEA to ensure that controlled and dangerous substances do not reach Nigerian consumers.”
Since January, the Apapa Command has made over 36 seizures, including used clothing, frozen poultry, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and other controlled substances valued at over N1.5 billion.
Olomu expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of sister government agencies and private sector partners, attributing the command’s achievements to their support.
He reiterated the Apapa Command’s commitment to thorough inspections, promising zero tolerance for concealments, undervaluation, and other practices aimed at evading duties or compromising public safety.
“We thank all compliant port users and strategic partners for their cooperation, which has been invaluable in achieving these results. The seizures being handed over today should serve as a deterrent to those engaged in illegal activities and a reminder that Apapa Port remains vigilant against all forms of malpractice,” Olomu concluded.