Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported an impressive ₦694.17 billion in revenue collection for the first quarter of 2025, marking a 41.8% increase over the ₦489 billion generated during the same period in 2024.
This was disclosed by the Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, during a visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs, led by Hon. Leke Abejide.
Highlighting the Command’s performance, Comptroller Olomu attributed the increase to the strategic direction of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and expressed confidence that the Command is on course to surpass the ₦2.357 trillion revenue collected for the entire year of 2024.
“Under the guidance and effective supervision of the CGC, we are optimistic about surpassing last year’s total collection as evident in our first quarter report,” Olomu said.
The Controller revealed that the Command recorded a historic daily revenue haul of ₦18.9 billion on March 14, 2025 — the highest single-day collection in the 135-year history of the Nigeria Customs Service. This broke the previous record of ₦18.2 billion set in October 2024, also by the Apapa Command.
Located at Nigeria’s premier port, the Apapa Command plays a pivotal role in national trade facilitation and customs regulation enforcement. Comptroller Olomu emphasized the Command’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business by streamlining clearance processes and integrating advanced technology.
He noted that the introduction of the B’Odogwu digital platform is gaining traction among users and significantly enhancing trade efficiency.
The Command also recorded a milestone achievement two weeks ago with the issuance of the first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under the B’Odogwu system, a move hailed as a critical step toward a fully indigenous and sustainable ICT-driven customs administration.
In addition, the Command has successfully implemented export processing under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), with several Nigerian firms now registered as Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs), further boosting Nigeria’s presence in regional trade.
Hon. Leke Abejide, on behalf of the visiting lawmakers, commended Comptroller Olomu for his leadership and innovation, pledging continued legislative support for initiatives aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and aligning customs practices with global standards.
The lawmakers also expressed confidence in the Command’s ability to sustain and surpass its current momentum in revenue generation and operational efficiency.