Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) celebrated a milestone achievement at its end-of-year party and awards ceremony, held at the command headquarters in Apapa.
The event, presided over by Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) Caroline Niagwan, representing Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the command’s record-breaking revenue collection of over N2.2 trillion in 2024 and recognized outstanding contributions from stakeholders and officers.
In his remarks, the CGC lauded the Apapa Command, led by Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, for its remarkable performance despite global trade challenges. He emphasized the importance of compliance as a tool for fostering transparency, reducing operational risks, and improving trade facilitation.
“Compliance is not merely a requirement; it is a competitive advantage,” the CGC stated. “It positions stakeholders to enjoy streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and greater recognition as trusted trade partners. This, in turn, contributes to national revenue, attracts foreign investment, and enhances Nigeria’s standing in international trade.”
He reiterated the NCS’s commitment to supporting stakeholders through training, technical assistance, and partnerships to sustain compliance and align with global best practices.
Comptroller Olomu, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to the CGC and the customs management team for their leadership and guidance. He described the end-of-year gathering as an opportunity to strengthen bonds between the public and private sectors and celebrate the collective achievements of 2024.
Despite challenges such as reduced trade volume, the command surpassed its revenue target, which Olomu attributed to the dedication of officers and enhanced stakeholder collaboration. He highlighted the command’s proactive engagement with sister government agencies and port users as critical to its success.
“Our regular interface with stakeholders has yielded positive results, as seen in our N2.2 trillion revenue collection and our enforcement efforts to curb smuggling,”
“We have ensured that no container, import, or export consignment passes through without proper examination. This diligence has strengthened our enforcement drive and boosted compliance,” Olomu noted.
The event also recognized key stakeholders, including APM Terminals, Sifax Group, ENL Consortium, Dangote Group, Talod Ocean Airfreight, and Princess Chi Ezeh of Munah Sylva Nigeria Limited, for their contributions to the command’s achievements. Serving and retired officers were also honored for their roles in the command’s success.
Olomu urged the award recipients to see the recognition as a call for greater commitment and encouraged others to strive for excellence.
“This is a challenge to those who didn’t make the list this year. Your efforts are not unnoticed, and future recognition awaits your continued improvement,” he said.