Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has set a new record in revenue collection, generating an all-time high of N18.9 billion in a single day on Friday, March 14, 2025. This achievement surpasses the previous record of N18.2 billion set in October 2024.
The milestone was announced by the Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, PhD, who described it as a testament to the dedication of customs officers, improved compliance among port users, and enhanced industrial harmony within Apapa Port.
Comptroller Olomu credited the success to the unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, whose emphasis on robust stakeholder engagement has fostered a smoother operational environment.
Under the CGC’s directives, Olomu led high-level discussions with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to resolve ongoing challenges with port users and truckers regarding the Eto’o call-up system, which had contributed to persistent traffic congestion around the port corridor.
Additionally, the Customs Command played a crucial role in preventing a planned withdrawal of service by maritime workers and freight forwarders, who had threatened to down tools over unresolved disputes with APM Terminals. The swift intervention helped to sustain operations and maintain seamless import and export activities.
Speaking on the record-breaking collection, Olomu emphasized the economic significance of Apapa Port, which handles the highest volume of cargo entering Nigeria.
“Ports are critical national assets with direct impacts on the economy, influencing both local and global trade. It is, therefore, imperative to keep them functioning optimally,” he said.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to enforcing compliance and combating smuggling. “Our officers remain vigilant against concealments, under-declarations, false declarations, and all tactics aimed at duty evasion,” Olomu added.
The Apapa Port Command’s latest feat signals a promising start to 2025, with expectations of even greater revenue performance in the months ahead.
The announcement was made public via a press statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs, Tunde Ayagbalo.