The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded an impressive ₦694.1 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2025, marking a 41.8% increase compared to the ₦489 billion collected during the same period in 2024.
This was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, when he hosted members of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs at the Command headquarters. He noted that the Command’s performance reflects the effectiveness of ongoing reforms championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
“Under the guidance and effective supervision of the CGC, we are optimistic about surpassing last year’s total collection of ₦2.357 trillion,” Olomu stated. “This Command achieved a daily record-breaking revenue collection of ₦18.9 billion on March 14, 2025 — the highest in the 135-year history of the Service.”
He added that the Apapa Command, situated at Nigeria’s premier port, plays a pivotal role in national trade, handling the largest volume of imports and exports not only in Nigeria but across West and Central Africa.
Highlighting the Command’s strides in trade facilitation, Olomu said efforts have been made to streamline Customs clearance processes, reduce delays, and adopt advanced technology through platforms like B’Odogwu, which he described as increasingly effective and user-friendly.
He further noted the Command’s recent successes in exports, including participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), where Nigerian exporters are being upgraded to Authorised Economic Operators (AEO).
Additionally, the Command recently issued its first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under the B’Odogwu regime — a milestone the Controller described as a testament to NCS’s commitment to building a sustainable, homegrown ICT backbone.
Responding on behalf of the lawmakers, Hon. Leke Abejide praised Comptroller Olomu for his leadership and innovation, which he said have made the Command a model of productivity. He assured the Controller and other stakeholders of continuous legislative support to strengthen Customs operations and trade facilitation through technology.
The lawmakers also reaffirmed their commitment to backing initiatives that promote global best practices in Nigeria’s Customs administration.
