Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has crossed the ₦1 trillion revenue threshold, achieving the milestone more than 45 days before the end of the first half of the year.
According to the Command’s official revenue report, the Apapa Command recorded a total collection of ₦1,002,968,178,694.07 as of early May. This landmark feat sets the stage for the Command to exceed its 2024 full-year revenue of ₦2.3 trillion, marking a significant stride in customs revenue performance.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi, credited the early achievement to the leadership vision of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the strategic efforts to block revenue leakages and enhance operational diligence.
“This milestone is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our officers and men, as well as our collective determination to support national economic growth through efficient revenue collection,” said Comptroller Olomu.
Since assuming office in May 2024, Olomu has led reforms aimed at improving revenue collection, suppressing smuggling, and facilitating lawful trade. He urged officers to continue strengthening inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, and stakeholder engagement.
Highlighting the role of technology, Olomu said the ongoing deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (B’Odogwu) has significantly boosted the Command’s productivity.
He also noted that the ongoing training of licensed customs agents and freight forwarders would further enhance efficiency as the system becomes fully operational.
“Our award-winning reputation remains unshaken as we intensify efforts to maintain our excellent record as the leading customs command at the nation’s premier port,” Olomu stated. “We are determined not to rest on our oars and will ensure full enforcement of the law against any unlawful activity.”
In 2024, the Apapa Command won multiple accolades, including the CGC Award of Excellence, while Comptroller Olomu was recognized as “Best Controller of the Year” for his exceptional leadership.