The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the leadership of Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, has reiterated its commitment to staying ahead of smugglers through intelligence deployment and uncompromising enforcement.
This stance was reaffirmed during a meeting with Dr. Martin Iluyomade, Director of Inspection and Enforcement Directorate of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Olomu emphasised that the Command’s efforts have thwarted renewed attempts by smugglers to use fake registration numbers and false declarations. He highlighted the Command’s dedication to implementing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Comptroller General of Customs and the Director General of NAFDAC aimed at preventing smuggling of items under NAFDAC’s regulatory purview.
The Apapa Port Command CAC assured that efforts will be sustained to arrest suspects and hand them over with seizures, thereby demobilising the human element’s influence in the smuggling supply chain cycle. He also noted that officers under his leadership have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to smuggling, ensuring that laws are not circumvented, and the lives of Nigerians are protected from harm.
Iluyomade commended Olomu for his uncompromising stance, describing the seizures made under his leadership as “life-saving”. He praised the Command’s efforts, stating that awards given to Apapa Area under Olomu’s leadership were truly earned and deserving. The NAFDAC Director also sought support to secure handed-over containers from being pilfered ahead of NAFDAC evacuation.
This development highlights the ongoing collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and NAFDAC in preventing smuggling and protecting the nation’s health and economy.
The Apapa Port Command’s revenue generation and anti-smuggling efforts have been notable, with the Command collecting over ₦2.1 trillion in revenue in 2024 and making significant seizures, including 32 containers of pharmaceuticals and expired margarine products.