Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced a record-breaking revenue collection of ₦1.378 trillion in the first half of 2025 marking a remarkable 35% increase compared to the same period last year.
Addressing journalists at a media briefing , the Area Controller attributed the feat to diligent officers, improved compliance from traders, and the strategic leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“We insisted on maximum revenue collection and plugged leakages through effective demand notices,” the Controller said.
The Command also celebrated several milestones, including the first-ever use of the Single Goods Declaration (SGD) via the new B’Odogwu digital platform an upgrade that streamlines cargo clearance and reduces congestion.
In a bid to further modernize operations, the Command is collaborating with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and industry stakeholders to revive rail cargo movement from Apapa Port, aiming to decongest roads and cut logistics costs.
On the enforcement front, officers intercepted 27 containers of contraband between January and June 2025 with a duty-paid value of ₦9.27 billion. Items seized included:
– Unregistered pharmaceuticals
– Expired food products
– Codeine syrup
– Used clothing
– Stolen vehicles
– Wildlife parts, in violation of the CITES treaty
Three bonded terminals were sealed for various infractions, with one already facing prosecution.
“We have demonstrated our capacity, and we shall continue to do more,” the Olomu warned.
The Area Controller commended inter-agency collaboration, especially in intelligence sharing, describing it as “a critical force in defeating criminal networks,” he said