The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a substantial increase in revenue collection for the first half of 2024, amassing a total of ₦1.024 trillion. This figure represents a remarkable 143% surge compared to the ₦421.38 billion collected during the same period in 2023.
During a mid-year press briefing, Customs Area Controller Comptroller Babatunde Olomu attributed this achievement to effective intelligence gathering and improved relations between customs and the community.
“Since taking office on May 6, 2024, my priorities have included enhancing trade facilitation, curbing revenue losses, and fostering better interactions with both government agencies and private sector stakeholders,” Olomu stated.
Despite a noted decline in trade volume, strategic measures implemented by the command have significantly boosted revenue collection. Olomu highlighted the formation of a dedicated revenue recovery committee focused on identifying and closing revenue leakages, particularly within bonded terminals under the Apapa Command.
“Our efforts are paying off, as evidenced by the substantial revenue increase despite the challenges,” he remarked.
In addition to revenue generation, Olomu reported intensified anti-smuggling operations by the Apapa Command. The command seized 11 containers of prohibited items, including expired pharmaceuticals, footwear, used clothing, armored cables, and frozen poultry products, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦424.1 million. This contrasts with 42 seizures valued at ₦1.4 billion during the same period in 2023.
Olomu emphasized the need to protect the public from harmful and unregistered pharmaceuticals, which pose significant health risks.
He reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling and other illegal activities, promising continued vigilance and strict enforcement of customs regulations.
Olomu also credited the Apapa Command’s success to its close collaboration with other government agencies such as the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
Comptroller Olomu concluded by expressing gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire Customs management team for their support. He also commended the officers and stakeholders for their resilience and contributions, urging continued cooperation to achieve even greater success in the second half of 2024.
