By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted contraband items worth N9.26 billion and shut down three bonded terminals due to infractions such as Customs duty evasion, smuggling, and other illegal activities.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller for the Apapa Command, on Thursday revealed these developments during a press conference held to discuss the Command’s activities at Nigeria’s busiest seaport for the first half of 2025.
He emphasized that the decision to close the bonded terminals is part of an ongoing effort to uphold compliance and tighten enforcement within the port corridor.
“Three bonded terminals have been sealed as a result of our robust anti-smuggling efforts. One is currently undergoing prosecution in court, while investigations continue regarding the remaining terminals,” Olomu stated, warning that the Apapa Port Command remains vigilant with well-trained Officers equipped to detect uncustomed goods and apprehend violators.
From January to June 2025, the Command successfully intercepted 27 containers loaded with contraband. These seizures included unregistered pharmaceuticals, codeine syrup, expired margarine, used clothing, stolen vehicles, and wildlife skins, among other items.
Olomu highlighted the public health risks posed by unregistered pharmaceuticals, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians from harmful imports.
He also pointed out that the seizure of wild animal skins is in alignment with global environmental standards, particularly the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
In addition to enforcement actions, the Apapa Command generated N1.3 trillion in revenue within the first half of 2025, significantly contributing to the Federation Account.
Olomu presented this performance as evidence of the Command’s capability to facilitate trade effectively while enforcing compliance.
The Comptroller praised the collaboration and intelligence sharing among various government agencies at the port, which have significantly disrupted criminal networks and strengthened national security.
Alhaji Babatunde Mukaila, a licensed clearing agent and former Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), commended the Command’s leadership for fostering improved relationships with stakeholders. He described the engagement under Comptroller Olomu as “unprecedented” and noted his transparent and approachable leadership style.
“Apapa Port is now the most transparent and efficient port in the country. Honest freight forwarders can conduct business with confidence, knowing they will be treated fairly,” Mukaila stated.
He also highlighted recent digital advancements within the Command, such as a platform enabling importers to track transactions in real-time.
However, he urged for greater inclusion of licensed customs agents in the notification process, as current updates often exclude them, potentially leading to communication lapses.
The Apapa Command’s ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to balancing trade facilitation with strict enforcement of national laws, enhancing the operational environment for legitimate trade while protecting the health and safety of the Nigerian public.
