The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded an impressive revenue collection of N1,610,906,781,421.82 at the end of the third quarter of 2024. This figure surpasses the total revenue of N1.17 trillion collected throughout 2023, marking a significant achievement for the command under the leadership of Comptroller Babatunde Olomu.
Comptroller Olomu attributed this milestone to the command’s commitment to diligence, integrity, and stakeholder engagement. He highlighted the exceptional monthly revenue collections of N201.8 billion in July 2024 and N193.9 billion in September 2024, expressing optimism that these figures could be replicated in the final quarter of the year.
The Comptroller praised the various trade facilitation initiatives implemented by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, such as the advance ruling system, time release studies, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, which have contributed significantly to the nation’s economic growth.
He also commended the officers of the Apapa Command for their dedication to thorough cargo examinations and their timely issuance of demand notices, which have played a crucial role in the command’s revenue success and its ability to reduce smuggling activities.
“Our success in revenue collection is supported by strict cargo monitoring, continuous profiling of port users, and regular in-house training for our officers,” said Comptroller Olomu. “This vigilance has led to an almost zero level of smuggling in the area.”
Comptroller Olomu urged port users to take advantage of the command’s dispute resolution team to address any uncertainties, reaffirming the command’s readiness to assist licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers, and other stakeholders. He expressed gratitude to sister government agencies for their cooperation, which has facilitated intelligence sharing and joint examinations, further enhancing compliance and curbing smuggling activities.
“Our trade facilitation and anti-smuggling operations are conducted side by side, leveraging non-intrusive technology for cargo scanning and, when necessary, physical examination,” Olomu added. “We are confident that with continued collaboration from our stakeholders, we can surpass our revenue targets in the last quarter of 2024.”
The Apapa Command remains committed to sustaining the current level of compliance, ensuring that trade facilitation and anti-smuggling measures continue to drive the nation’s economic growth.