The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made headlines by boosting its daily revenue at Apapa Port to an impressive N18.9 billion, surpassing the previous record of N18.2 billion set in October. This remarkable achievement occurred on March 14, 2025, marking it as the highest daily revenue collection in the history of the command.
Dr. Babatunde Olomu, the Area Controller of the Apapa command, attributes this success to a strong commitment to duty, consistent compliance, and the promotion of industrial harmony at the port. He stated, “Our record-breaking achievement of N18.9 billion in daily collections is just the beginning of greater accomplishments to come this year. We remain vigilant in our fight against smuggling, with our officers prepared to detect concealments, under-declarations, false declarations, and other attempts to evade duties.”
Dr. Olomu emphasized the critical role of ports as national assets that significantly impact both the local economy and global trade. He underscored the importance of maintaining operational efficiency at Apapa Port, which handles the highest volume of cargo entering Nigeria.
Under the guidance of Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, Dr. Olomu has initiated high-level discussions with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to address challenges faced by port users and truckers related to the Eto’o call-up system, which has been a contributing factor to traffic congestion in the Apapa region.
Additionally, he took proactive steps to avert a planned service withdrawal by maritime workers and freight forwarders due to unresolved issues with APM Terminals. His efforts were crucial in preventing a shutdown of port operations while enhancing productivity and enabling smooth import and export activities.
“In alignment with the Controller General’s directives promoting robust stakeholder engagement, we intervened in disputes involving other government agencies, terminal operators, and port stakeholders. It’s rewarding to see our intervention foster uninterrupted trade and enhance the confidence of port users,” Dr. Olomu remarked.
This achievement not only highlights the NCS’s dedication to improving service delivery but also sets the stage for future successes in enhancing the efficiency of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
