…Let’s not be too one-sided about life. Pursue good health alongside revenue targets. We even have an on-site clinic accessible to all stakeholders,” Olomu said.
The Comptroller of the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dr. Babatunde Olomu, has called for enhanced compliance and stakeholder collaboration in the nation’s maritime sector, as he paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in Apapa, Lagos.
During the visit on Tuesday, Comptroller Olomu emphasized the need for stronger synergy between Customs and freight forwarders to strengthen Nigeria’s economic performance and improve efficiency within the port system.
Olomu, who assumed duties at the Apapa Command in May 2024, commended the role of NAGAFF in professionalizing freight forwarding in the country. He described the association’s academy as a testament to its commitment to industry capacity building.
“This is a very positive and encouraging development for Nigeria and the global customs community. But we cannot clap with one hand,” Olomu stated while referencing the recent appointment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.
“Our success at the ports depends on you as credible freight forwarders. We must uphold compliance, due diligence, and global best practices,” he added.
Highlighting the command’s revenue strides, Olomu disclosed that the Apapa Command generated over ₦1.6 trillion in the first half of 2025, attributing the feat to collaboration with stakeholders like NAGAFF. He encouraged freight forwarders to prioritize honest declarations, avoid shortcuts, and maintain their health and well-being while pursuing commercial targets.
“Let’s not be too one-sided about life. Pursue good health alongside revenue targets. We even have an on-site clinic accessible to all stakeholders,” he said.
Founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, praised the Customs boss for restoring professionalism at the command and noted a significant reduction in post-clearance interceptions and conflicting examination procedures since Olomu took over.
“I can authoritatively tell you that the unprofessional conduct of re-checking cleared consignments has ceased reasonably. That is why revenue is improving,” Aniebonam stated.
He urged freight forwarders to refrain from engaging in false declarations and shared a cautionary incident involving an agent who unknowingly cleared a container carrying a firearm, warning that such oversights could have severe consequences.
“Don’t ever get involved in non-examination of containers. It is dangerous. If the container has arms, what do you do? You are not the importer, but you will be held accountable,” he cautioned.
Aniebonam further requested that the Comptroller assign a liaison officer to NAGAFF to ensure speedy resolution of member-related issues and minimize unnecessary disputes.
“Apapa is a friendly port. When there’s a problem, solve it quietly. Don’t go outside to make noise and wake a sleeping dog,” he advised.
Also speaking, President of NAGAFF, Tochukwu Ezisi, welcomed the Customs delegation, describing the visit as a strategic step toward deeper collaboration and system reform.
“This meeting is not merely ceremonial. It represents our mutual goal of transforming Nigeria’s cargo clearance system into a more transparent, efficient, and secure process,” Ezisi said.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to responsible advocacy and consultative dialogue that would enhance trade facilitation while safeguarding national interest.
“This visit signifies a new commitment of trust, action, and progress,” he concluded.
The engagement reflects a renewed effort to deepen stakeholder cooperation in the maritime industry, with both parties pledging to work together toward advancing port operations and fostering sustainable economic development.