The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command has recorded a landmark revenue collection of ₦1 trillion as of May 2025, putting it firmly on course to surpass its ₦2.7 trillion revenue target for the year. This impressive performance comes amid intensified anti-smuggling operations and strategic reforms aimed at strengthening trade facilitation and national security.
At the heart of this resurgence is Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, whose leadership at the Apapa Port—the country’s premier seaport—has drawn national acclaim. Under his watch, the Command has not only scaled up revenue generation but has also made high-profile seizures of prohibited imports worth over ₦921 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV) between January and April 2025.
Speaking during a recent visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs, Comptroller Olomu announced that the Command generated ₦753.8 billion in the first quarter alone—₦205 billion more than the ₦489 billion recorded during the same period in 2024. Notably, on March 14, the Command achieved its highest-ever daily collection of ₦18.9 billion, a feat Olomu described as historic in the 135-year existence of the Customs Service.
The visit, led by Hon. Leke Abejide, was part of the committee’s oversight functions, and the lawmakers expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Apapa Command.
*High-Impact Anti-Smuggling Operations*
The Customs Service has also stepped up its anti-smuggling campaign. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a press briefing in Lagos, commended the Apapa Command for its vigilance in intercepting dangerous imports. Among the items seized were 53 helicopter drones, 60 warrior drones, expired margarine, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and sexual enhancement drugs.
According to CG Adeniyi, the seizures were a direct result of calculated smuggling attempts that involved deliberate misdeclaration, concealment, and importation of restricted items. He cited examples of containers that falsely declared pharmaceutical products such as sildenafil (popularly used for sexual enhancement) as omeprazole and skin creams.
“These are not random smuggling attempts; we are facing a systematic operation involving organized networks with sophisticated logistics capabilities,” the Customs boss said.
He added that 113 drones intercepted in two separate seizures raise a new national security concern, particularly due to the lack of end-user certificates. “The inclusion of communication devices in the cargoes suggests possible misuse beyond recreational purposes,” he warned.
Adeniyi highlighted that the increasing sophistication in smuggling requires equally advanced enforcement. “We will deploy all available resources to ensure Nigeria’s borders remain secure against contraband threatening our economic and public health,” he stated.
*Commendations from Stakeholders*
In recognition of its performance, the Apapa Customs Command has received accolades from multiple quarters. CG Adeniyi lauded the Command’s officers for their professionalism and integrity. “Their actions reflect the core values of the Service—integrity, professionalism, and patriotism,” he said.
Similarly, the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), in a statement signed by its Secretary, Forwarder Eugene Nweke, commended the Customs leadership for the seizures and their impact on public health and national revenue. “The seizure of eleven containers with a DPV of ₦921,021,213 is a testament to the service’s commitment to national security and economic growth,” the statement read.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard, also praised the Apapa Command during a familiarisation visit. He described the Command’s collaboration on naval consignments as “fantastic” and called for deeper cooperation between both agencies.
*Strategies Behind the Success*
Comptroller Olomu attributed the Command’s achievements to enhanced stakeholder engagement, compliance enforcement, and digital modernization through the Unified Customs Management System (B’Odogwu). He said the Command discourages “cutting corners” and encourages timely processing of import documents to reduce bottlenecks.
According to him, the ongoing reforms are built on “collaborations where intelligence is gathered, processed, and deployed for national economic interest and security.” Olomu also reiterated that officers found complicit in fraudulent activities would face strict disciplinary measures.
With seven months remaining in the fiscal year, Olomu expressed optimism that the Command would meet—and possibly exceed—its ₦2.7 trillion revenue target, having collected ₦2.3 trillion in 2024.
The performance of the Apapa Customs Command under Comptroller Olomu underscores the Customs Service’s commitment to the federal government’s vision of economic diversification and enhanced trade facilitation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.