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| Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu |
The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has set a new benchmark in revenue collection, achieving an unprecedented daily revenue of ₦18.9 billion on Friday, March 14, 2025.
This remarkable feat surpasses the previous record of ₦18.2 billion set in October 2024, marking a significant milestone in the command’s history.
In a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Tunde Ayagbalo, the achievement was attributed to the unwavering dedication of officers, sustained compliance, and the promotion of industrial harmony at Apapa Port. The release also highlighted the critical role played by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose support and strategic directives have been instrumental in driving this success.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Area Controller of the Command, described the record-breaking revenue collection as the beginning of greater achievements in 2025.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration and conflict resolution in maintaining a productive port environment. Under the directives of the CGC, Comptroller Olomu spearheaded high-level discussions with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to address issues surrounding the Eto’o call-up system, which had previously caused traffic gridlock along the Apapa Port corridor.
Additionally, Comptroller Olomu intervened to prevent a planned withdrawal of services by maritime workers and freight forwarders due to unresolved disputes with APM Terminals. His proactive efforts averted a potential shutdown of port activities, ensuring seamless import and export operations.
Speaking on the significance of the achievement, Comptroller Olomu underscored the critical role of ports in the national economy. “Ports are vital national assets with direct impacts on local and global trade. It is imperative to keep them operational, especially Apapa Port, which handles the highest volume of cargoes entering Nigeria,” he stated.
He further highlighted the CGC’s commitment to robust stakeholder engagement as a key driver of success. “In line with the CGC’s directives, we intervened in disputes involving sister government agencies, terminal operators, and other stakeholders. Our efforts have not only promoted uninterrupted trade but also strengthened the confidence of port users,” he added.
Comptroller Olomu expressed optimism about the future, stating that the ₦18.9 billion daily collection is just the beginning of greater accomplishments in 2025. He also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating smuggling, stating, “Our officers remain vigilant in detecting concealment, under-declaration, false declaration, and other tactics aimed at evading duties.”
This historic achievement by the Apapa Port Command reflects the Nigeria Customs Service’s dedication to efficiency, collaboration, and revenue optimization, setting a new standard for port operations in Nigeria.