Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, has assured port users that operations at Apapa Port will continue uninterrupted despite concerns about an impending nationwide protest.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Apapa on Tuesday, Comptroller Olomu emphasized the need to reassure importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators, and other port users about the continuous presence and availability of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officers at Apapa Port on all working days.
“Customs officers attached to the command at the port and all terminals under my watch will be available to perform their usual functions and facilitate all legitimate trade,” Olomu stated. He also mentioned that the offices of the Customs Public Relations Officer and other help desks would be operational to address any inquiries and provide further details.
Comptroller Olomu reminded the Apapa Port Community, including sister government agencies, that customs officers would commence work at 8 am on all weekdays and could work during weekends if necessary. He expressed gratitude to compliant port users, whom he described as partners in progress, and reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the maximum collection of government revenue without compromising due diligence in cargo examination.
At the same meeting, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Western Ports, CP Lanre Ishola, thanked Comptroller Olomu for organizing the meeting and affirmed the police’s commitment to respecting citizens’ rights during the protest period.
Port Manager for Apapa Port, Mr. Charles Okaga, reminded attendees that Apapa Port operates 24 hours a day. He stated that other stakeholders in the cargo clearing process, such as shipping companies and terminal operators, would be sensitized by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to maintain normal service operations. Okaga added that the NPA would urge shipping companies and terminal operators not to impose demurrage on cargoes for days when services could not be effected.