The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Command joined the global customs community on January 27, 2025, to celebrate International Customs Day (ICD). The event, held at the Apapa Customs Command, spotlighted the Service’s strides in enhancing trade facilitation, efficiency, and national economic growth under the theme “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.”
In his address, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Command emphasized the alignment of the Command’s operations with the World Customs Organization (WCO) objectives for the year. These objectives focus on streamlining processes through technology, leveraging trade data to identify bottlenecks, and ensuring seamless clearance processes to minimize delays.
“The Apapa Command has maintained the momentum of trade facilitation and has not been found wanting in delivering on these key areas, with room for continuous improvement,” the CAC stated.
The Command highlighted several initiatives to streamline its operations, including the adoption of non-intrusive inspection methods, advanced cargo scanners, and risk management strategies to enhance efficiency and prevent infractions. The CAC noted that deliberate programs introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, such as the Time Release Study, Fast Track, and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) schemes, have significantly reduced cargo clearance times.
“These programs have yielded remarkable results, including increased revenue, time savings for businesses, reduction in infractions, and enhanced compliance,” the CAC said.
The Command reported a revenue collection of ₦2.3 trillion in 2024, a significant leap from the ₦1.1 trillion collected in 2023. Despite a reduction in trade volume, the Command’s effective use of technology and data-driven strategies ensured sustained growth.
“We believe that delays in the cargo clearance process have a negative chain effect on the economy, impacting government revenue, private sector income, and overall trade confidence. Our focus remains on minimizing these delays to foster economic prosperity,” the CAC added.
The CAC lauded the efforts of compliant stakeholders, emphasizing that compliance results in a win-win outcome for all parties. Compliance, he noted, reduces clearance times, prevents revenue loss, boosts private sector growth, and enhances the integrity ratings of traders.
“I urge stakeholders to maintain their commitment to compliance as we work together towards building a more prosperous Nigeria,” the CAC stated, reiterating the Command’s open-door policy to address trade concerns promptly.
The Apapa Command reaffirmed its dedication to leveraging technology, data analytics, and collaborative programs to enhance its operational efficiency and contribute to national development.
The event, which brought together Customs officers, stakeholders, and members of the trading community, concluded with a renewed commitment to sustaining progress in trade facilitation, security, and economic growth.