Apapa Customs Command Records Over ₦1.3 Trillion Revenue, Seizes Contraband Worth ₦9.2 Billion
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has reported a remarkable revenue collection of ₦1.378 trillion in the first half of 2025, representing a 35% increase over the ₦1.023 trillion collected during the same period in 2024.
This was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, during a mid-year press conference held at the Command on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Addressing journalists, Comptroller Olomu began by acknowledging the media’s support over the past year.
“Let me start this speech by first acknowledging your invaluable contributions to our success since I assumed office about a year ago as Customs Area Controller of the nation's premier port command. Your support is not unnoticed. We appreciate it,” he said.
Highlighting the command’s performance, Comptroller Olomu stated that the revenue collection for the first half of 2025 amounted to ₦1,378,059,019,245.20 – a ₦354 billion increase over the previous year.
“It is important we attribute this collection to our diligent officers and compliant traders. On my watch and under the direction of the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, psc (+), we have always insisted on maximum collection of government revenue by preventing leakages and applying demand notices (DN) where and when necessary,” he explained.
He added that with the current trajectory, the command is on course to meet or even surpass its annual revenue target.
“I have urged my officers and men to brace up and redouble their efforts to make surpassing target a reality,” he said.
On trade facilitation, Olomu reported the successful deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, at the Apapa Command.
“In addition to the issuance of the Pre Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) being issued using the homegrown technology, we have achieved issuance of the first Single Goods Declaration on the 9th of May 2025 using the B’Odogwu platform. For us, this marks a significant shift towards faster, more reliable cargo handling,” he noted.
He said the new system is addressing legacy issues such as poor network connectivity, delays, and congestion. The command is also working with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other stakeholders to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for cargo evacuation by rail from Apapa Port.
“This effort to revive cargo movement by rail aims to decongest the port, reduce pressure on the Apapa roads and provide a viable and cost-effective option of cargo movement to our importers, exporters, freight forwarding practitioners, haulage operators and licensed customs agents,” he stated.
According to the CAC, the command also intensified its anti-smuggling operations, leading to the seizure of 27 containers between January and June 2025 with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦9,267,443,966.00. The seized items included unregistered pharmaceuticals, codeine syrup, used clothing, expired margarine, wild animal skins, and stolen vehicles.
“Today, we are showcasing nine (9) containers comprising of unregistered pharmaceuticals, used clothing, expired margarine, wild animals’ skin, and codeine syrup seized by the command just a couple of days ago,” he announced.
He noted that unregistered pharmaceuticals dominated the seizures, which also included a container of matches imported without an End User Certificate and contraband that violates international agreements such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
“As a standard, we will never compromise the health, well-being, and safety of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation. Every consignment passing through our port undergoes diligent check through scanning and physical examination when required,” he said.
Comptroller Olomu also revealed that three bonded terminals under the command have been sealed for various infractions. One of them has already been charged to court while investigations are ongoing in the other two cases.
“Let me use this medium to once again warn perpetrators of illegal acts that Apapa Port Command is manned by eagle-eyed officers, who are activated to detect and seize uncustomed goods with a clear mandate to arrest perpetrators. We have demonstrated our capacity in this regard and we shall continue to do more,” he warned.
Olomu commended sister security and regulatory agencies for their continuous support and intelligence sharing, which he said has been crucial to the success of operations at the port.
“We have always enjoyed their robust intelligence sharing and joint consultations towards national security. Our togetherness has always stood as great blows to criminals and their activities. We shall continue strengthening the bond,” he concluded.
The Comptroller reiterated the command’s commitment to effective revenue collection, seamless trade facilitation, and zero tolerance for smuggling as core pillars in line with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs.0p
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