Apapa Customs: New CAC, Olomu Rolls out Plans for his Administration

... As Jaiyeoba Bows Out of Service

Kathy Kyari

The Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023, the Common External Tariff (CET), import and export prohibition guidelines, and other books of instruction will all be fully implemented, as promised by the new Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller BO Olomu.

Today in Lagos, Comptroller Olomu made the commitment and pledged to build on the accomplishments of his predecessor when assuming charge of the Command.

The new Controller insisted that his administration would not tolerate the smuggling of forbidden goods, concealment, or false declarations of duty avoidance.

Comptroller Olomu also stated that Nigeria is in a strategic position for commerce with West and Central Africa and guaranteed that Nigeria's involvement in the AfCFTA will be greatly aided by the Apapa Port.

His words “I see my task as CAC Apapa command as a serious assignment from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR dsm psc (+) of which our only option is to deliver diligently not only in revenue collection, fight against smuggling, but in trade facilitation and sustainable stakeholder engagement.

“My assumption of this office is with a mind of confidence that we won’t betray the trust reposed in us by the FGN, CGC and the entire management of the Nigeria Customs Service. This confidence is premised on the reality that I am taking over a very organized command, where I intend to build on the successes of my predecessor.

“Let me state unequivocally that we shall implement all the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the Common External Tariff, import and export prohibition guidelines, and other books of instruction as directed by the FGN.

“While promoting a robust customs community relation system where there will be regular interface with all government and private sector stakeholders, I shall upscale our enforcement with intelligence to ensure that only legitimate trade is allowed in Apapa Port and all the terminals within the command.

“Our tolerance level for smuggling of prohibited items, concealment, and declaration for duty evasion shall be zero and shall remain so.

“Our country holds a strategic position for trade in West and Central Africa and Apapa Port is critical in Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). We are rewing Nigeria’s readiness for improved trade with fellow African countries and the world at large.”

The immediate CAC, Babajide Jaiyeoba, expressed his gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, earlier in his farewell speech, for thinking him deserving of leading customs affairs at Nigeria's premier customs command, based at the busiest port in West and Central Africa.

According to Jaiyeoba, "My tour of duty as Area Controller of Apapa Command ends after 8 months, it gives me great joy to recall the very suspense filled and exciting moments of goals achieved day by day, week by week and month by month culminating into tangible results for the benefit of our great country and her economy.

“When I assumed office in September 2023, the assurances of support I received from officers and men on ground strengthened me and I can boldly say all we achieved during my period are products of teamwork.

“I won’t also take the cooperation of our sister agencies and stakeholders for granted. We jointly worked to achieve our individual organizational goals and collective interest of making Apapa port import and export friendly without undermining national security."

Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba was praised by stakeholders and officers of the Apapa Area Command, for his outstanding leadership and commitment while performing his duties.