Apapa Customs Records N1.87Tr Revenue in 10 Months
The Apapa Area Command of
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a record-breaking achievement in revenue generation totalling N1.875 trillion between January and October, 2024.
This achievement marks a 101% increase compared to the N931 billion collected during the same period in 2023.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu revealed that the command has set a new benchmark in monthly revenue collection and made significant strides in intercepting illicit goods at Apapa Port, reinforcing the commitment to make the port a “no passage area for unlawful trade.”
The controller announced that the command collected N264.5 billion in October last month. This collection was the highest monthly revenue ever collected in the history of the command.
The steady rise in the command's revenue has positioned it to meet and possibly exceed its N2.2 trillion target for the year.
He noted that despite a notable decline in trade volume, the command has maximized revenue collection by blocking leakages and ensuring efficient processes.
Olomu maintained that the command is committed to easing trade processes and outlined ongoing modernization efforts which includes a shift to a paperless system under the Nigeria Customs Service’s broader agenda.
According to the controller, the
command is also embracing trade facilitation tools like the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and Advanced Ruling to ensure smooth import and export operations.
He emphasized that the command operates seven days a week to ensure timely cargo release and collaborates closely with other government agencies to maintain efficiency and compliance.
The controller disclosed that the command recently facilitated its first cargo shipment to Kenya under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) regime.
Olomu also celebrated the command’s anti-smuggling success as he handed over six containers of falsely declared and unwholesome pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
These seizures include expired or unregistered products that, if circulated, could pose serious health risks.
He described the role of Customs in preventing harmful goods from entering the market as critical to national security and public health.
“We are working closely with agencies like NAFDAC and NDLEA to ensure that controlled and dangerous substances do not reach Nigerian consumers,” Olomu stated.
He averred that since January till date, the Apapa Command has made over 36 seizures, including used clothing, frozen poultry, unregistered pharmaceuticals and other controlled substances valued at over N1.5 billion.
Expressing his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of sister government agencies and private sector partners, Olomu attributed the command’s achievements to their support.
He reiterated the Apapa Command’s commitment to thorough inspections, emphasizing zero tolerance for concealments, undervaluation, and other practices aimed at evading duties or compromising public safety.
While appreciating all compliant port users and strategic partners for their cooperation, which has been invaluable in achieving these results, he noted that the seizures being handed over should serve as a deterrent to those engaged in illegal activities and a reminder that Apapa Port remains vigilant against all forms of malpractice.
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