The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a total revenue collection of ₦1.378 trillion for the first half of 2025, reflecting a 35% increase over the ₦1.023 trillion collected in the same period of 2024.
Customs Area Controller of the Command, Dr. Babatunde Olomu fsi, Ph.D., made this known during a mid-year press conference held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Command headquarters in Lagos. The increase, he said, represents a ₦354 billion boost in revenue, which he attributed to the dedication of officers and the growing compliance level among port users.
“We have consistently insisted on maximum collection of government revenue by preventing leakages and issuing demand notices where necessary,” Olomu stated, emphasizing that the Command is on track to surpass its annual revenue target for 2025.
Dr Olomu highlighted that the Command’s performance is aligned with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and credited improvements to enhanced stakeholder engagement, deployment of ICT tools, and uncompromising professionalism by officers and men of the Command.
On trade facilitation, the Controller revealed that the Apapa Command had successfully adopted the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu. The platform, which went live earlier this year, has enabled the issuance of Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAAR) and marked a major milestone on May 9, 2025, when the Command generated its first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) using the new system.
He stated that the Command is now addressing issues previously associated with the older system, such as network failures and delays in cargo clearance. Discussions are also ongoing with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and relevant stakeholders to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for cargo evacuation by rail from Apapa to hinterland destinations.
“This move is aimed at decongesting the port, reducing the pressure on Apapa roads, and providing a cost-effective cargo movement option for our stakeholders,” he said.
In the area of anti-smuggling, Comptroller Olomu announced the seizure of 27 containers between January and June 2025, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦9.267 billion. The seizures include unregistered pharmaceuticals, expired food items, used clothing, stolen vehicles, codeine syrup, and wild animal skins.
He said nine of those containers, including unregistered drugs and expired margarine, were seized in recent days and put on display. One container of imported matches lacking the required End-User Certificate (EUC) was also detained.
“These seizures are part of our commitment to protecting Nigerians from harmful goods and safeguarding our local industries. Apapa Port Command will never compromise on the health and safety of Nigerians,” he declared.
As part of enforcement actions, the Command also sealed three bonded terminals for infractions. One of the cases is already in court, while investigations are ongoing on the remaining two.
Comptroller Olomu issued a stern warning to smugglers and non-compliant traders, saying, “Apapa Port is manned by eagle-eyed officers with clear mandates to detect, seize, and arrest perpetrators of illegal trade activities.”
He also acknowledged the vital role of other government agencies in intelligence sharing and joint operations, noting that their collaboration continues to contribute to national security and the success of the Command’s anti-smuggling drive.
“Our synergy with sister agencies has dealt a serious blow to criminal networks. We will continue to strengthen this bond,” he concluded.