………Comptroller Olomu Champions Stakeholder Collaboration for Seamless Trade
On Friday, March 14, 2025, the Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) made history by recording an unprecedented daily revenue collection of ₦18.9 billion—the highest ever in the command’s history. This milestone shattered the previous record of ₦18.2 billion, set in October 2024, further solidifying Apapa Port’s status as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s international trade.
For Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi, Ph.D, the Area Controller of Apapa Customs, this achievement is not just about figures; it is a testament to dedicated service, compliance culture, and strategic interventions that have enhanced operational efficiency at the port. He credited the record-breaking feat to the unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, whose leadership has prioritized stakeholder engagement, trade facilitation, and revenue optimization.
A Reflection on the Journey to Success
The road to this milestone was not without challenges. In recent months, port congestion, disputes between terminal operators and freight forwarders, and conflicts over the Eto’o call-up system had threatened to disrupt activities at Nigeria’s busiest seaport. However, under CGC Adeniyi’s directives, Comptroller Olomu spearheaded high-level discussions with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), maritime workers, and freight forwarders to resolve these bottlenecks.
One of the defining moments came when maritime workers and freight forwarders planned to withdraw their services due to lingering disputes with APM Terminals. Recognizing the potential economic fallout of a port shutdown, Comptroller Olomu swiftly intervened, facilitating negotiations that prevented service disruptions and ensured the smooth flow of trade.
According to SC Tunde Ayagbalo, Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Command, the CAC’s proactive leadership averted what could have been a severe setback to port operations, thereby maintaining industrial harmony and boosting productivity.
The Economic Significance of Apapa Port’s Performance
Reflecting on the achievement, Comptroller Olomu emphasized the strategic importance of ports as critical national assets that drive local and global trade.
“Apapa Port handles the highest volume of cargo coming into Nigeria, and its efficiency directly impacts the national economy. Under the guidance of CGC Adeniyi, we have engaged stakeholders to resolve disputes and ensure that trade remains uninterrupted,” Olomu stated.
Beyond revenue collection, Apapa Customs has remained vigilant in combating smuggling, concealment, false declarations, and other revenue evasion tactics. Comptroller Olomu reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to robust enforcement while sustaining efforts to enhance trade facilitation.
“This record-breaking revenue collection is just the beginning of greater exploits in 2025. Our officers remain resolute in ensuring compliance with trade regulations, detecting infractions, and maintaining the integrity of Customs operations at Apapa Port,” he added.
Looking Ahead
The achievement of ₦18.9 billion in daily revenue collection not only underscores Apapa Customs’ efficiency but also highlights the importance of collaboration, policy direction, and proactive leadership in achieving national economic goals. With Customs’ renewed focus on stakeholder engagement, trade harmonization, and anti-smuggling measures, the year 2025 promises even greater milestones.
As Apapa Customs continues to break new ground, one thing is clear—the strategic synergy between government agencies, port users, and Customs leadership is driving a new era of economic transformation, positioning Nigeria as a trade powerhouse on the African continent.
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