The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a remarkable revenue collection of ₦1.378 trillion in the first half of 2025, marking a significant 35 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
According to the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the impressive revenue generation can be attributed to the diligence of officers, improved compliance from traders, and the strategic leadership of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi.
In a bid to further enhance revenue collection, the Command has implemented effective measures, including the issuance of demand notices to plug leakages. “We insisted on maximum revenue collection and plugged leakages through effective demand notices”, the Controller said.
The Command has also made significant strides in modernising operations, including the introduction of the Single Goods Declaration (SGD) via the new B’Odogwu digital platform. digital platform and collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to revive rail cargo movement. These initiatives aim to streamline cargo clearance, reduce congestion, and cut logistics costs.
In addition to revenue collection, the Command has made significant seizures of contraband goods. Between January and June 2025, officers intercepted 27 containers of contraband worth ₦9.27 billion, including:
- Unregistered pharmaceuticals
- Expired food products
- Codeine syrup
- Used clothing
- Stolen vehicles
- Wildlife parts, in violation of the CITES treaty
The Command has also taken decisive action against non-compliant bonded terminals, sealing three facilities for various infractions. One of the terminals is currently facing prosecution.
The Customs Area Controller commended inter-agency collaboration, describing it as “a critical force in defeating criminal networks.” This collaboration has been instrumental in the Command’s efforts to combat smuggling and other forms of revenue leakage.
With its impressive revenue collection and enforcement actions, the Apapa Customs Command has demonstrated its capacity to drive economic growth and protect the nation’s borders.
The Command’s commitment to excellence and its strategic initiatives are expected to continue yielding positive results in the future.