The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has posted record-breaking revenue and major anti-smuggling successes in the first half of 2025, reinforcing its role as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic and trade landscape.
Addressing journalists at the mid-year press conference held at the command’s headquarters in Lagos, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babajide Olomu, fsi, Ph.D, described the first six months of the year as “eventful and impactful,” marked by strong revenue collection, technology-driven trade facilitation, and decisive anti-smuggling operations.
Revenue Hits Historic High
Between January and June 2025, the Apapa Command generated a total revenue of ₦1.378 trillion, a 35% increase over the ₦1.024 trillion collected during the same period last year. This represents a revenue growth of ₦354 billion in six months.
Olomu attributed the performance to the commitment of his officers and the growing compliance of port users, guided by the leadership vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, psc(+).
“Our focus has been on maximum revenue collection, plugging leakages, and ensuring the issuance of demand notices where necessary,” Olomu said, expressing confidence in surpassing the command’s annual target by year-end.
Trade Facilitation Gets Digital Boost
In a significant move toward modernizing customs operations, Apapa Command fully deployed the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, achieving key milestones in cargo clearance.
On May 9, 2025, the first-ever Single Goods Declaration (SGD) was processed through the B’Odogwu platform, while the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) is now being issued using the same homegrown technology.
“These developments have created a more efficient system, reducing delays and easing cargo processing,” Olomu said.
The command is also collaborating with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and key industry stakeholders to revive the use of rail for cargo evacuation from the port. Talks to establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for rail freight movement are already underway, aimed at decongesting Apapa roads and improving cargo logistics nationwide.
₦9.2 Billion Contraband Seized
The fight against smuggling remained a top priority during the period under review. Olomu announced the interception of 27 containers laden with contraband, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦9.27 billion.
Items seized include unregistered pharmaceuticals, expired margarine, used clothing, wild animal skins, codeine syrup, and stolen vehicles. Nine containers seized in the last few days alone were displayed during the briefing.
“Protecting Nigerians from unwholesome goods and illicit trade is non-negotiable. Every consignment is subjected to thorough checks through scanning and physical examination,” Olomu said. 
He warned that the illegal trade in wildlife products violates the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Additionally, the command sealed three bonded terminals over various infractions, with one of them already facing prosecution.
Collaboration Driving Security Success
The Customs Area Controller praised other government agencies for their support in intelligence sharing and joint operations, describing their collaboration as crucial in disrupting criminal networks operating in and around the port.
“Our synergy continues to deliver strong results against smugglers and economic saboteurs. We will sustain this momentum in the months ahead,” Olomu assured.
Clear Warning to Smugglers
Issuing a stern warning to smugglers, Olomu emphasized that the Apapa Command remains vigilant, with officers ready to detect and intercept illegal shipments.
“We have shown our capacity and we will do even more to protect Nigeria’s economy and safeguard public health,” he said.
As the second half of the year unfolds, the Apapa Area Command is poised to consolidate its gains and deepen reforms in line with the national economic growth agenda.
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