The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area customs Command, has announced a record-breaking revenue collection of N1.378 trillion in the first half of 2025, marking a remarkable 35 per cent increase over the same period in 2024.
Addressing newsmen today at the command, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Compt Babatunde Olomu attributed the huge revenue to the diligently officers and compliant traders.
‘On my watch and under the direction of the Comptroller General, we have always insisted on maximum collection of government revenue by preventing leakages and applying Demand notices (DN) where and when necessary’
He stated that their revenue collection trajectory points to the possibility of achieving or surpassing the annual target by the end of this year, noting that he has urged his officers and men to brace up and redouble their efforts to make surpassing target a reality.
In the area of revenue generation, the CAC said that “the command achieved a total collection of One trillion, three hundred and seventy-eight billion, fifty-nine million, nineteen thousand, two hundred and forty-five naira, twenty kobo (#1,378,059,019,245.20k) only which represents 35% increase above One trillion, twenty-three billion, six hundred and sixty-three million, eight hundred and forty-two thousand, two hundred and fifty-five naira,sixty-three kobo (N1,023,663,842,255.63) that we collected the same period of 2024, marking #354 billion increase in collection within the period under review”.
‘Our enhanced stakeholders’ engagement, deployment of ICT, port user compliance and uncompromising disposition of our officers and men culminated into better achievements for us, in line with the CG’s policy thrust.
He lauded the new software application system for their operations saying “you may be aware, that the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) also known as B’Odogwu has gone live in the Apapa Command with laudable milestones”. He added that the Command has achieved issuance of the first Single Goods Declaration On the 9th of May 2025 using the B’Odogwu platform.
“We are addressing challenges such as poor network connectivity, delays, and congestion associated with the former system”.
On anti-smuggling activities, Comptroller Olomu indicated that nine (9) containers comprising of unregistered pharmaceuticals, used clothing, expired margarine, wild animals’ skin and codeine syrup were seized by the command just a couple of days ago and that these form part of the twenty-seven (27)containers seized between January-June 2025 with a duty paid value of (DPV) of Nine billion, two sixty-seven million,four hundred and forty-three thousand, nine hundred and sixty-six naira (#9,267,443,966.00).
The seizures are inclusive of 10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, 2 containers of codeine syrup, 2 containers of stolen vehicles, 4 containers of second-hand clothing, amongst others.
These seizures are a fallout of their efforts at preventing Nigerians from unwholesome foods and drugs, stopping illicit trade and protecting our local industries. As a standard, they will never compromise the health, well-being, safety of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation.
Every consignment passing through our port undergo diligent check through scanning and physical examination when required.
According to Compt. Olomu, trafficking of wild animals contravene the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and Nigeria is a signatory to it. Equally, on the detention list is a container of matches imported without the required End User Certificate (EUC) as provided for in our extant laws.
He issued a stern warning to perpetrators of illegal acts that Apapa Port Command is manned by eagle-eyed officers, who are activated to detect and seize on custom goods with a clear mandate to arrest perpetrators. They have demonstrated their capacity in this regard and shall continue to do more.
The command boss also used the opportunity to appreciate sister agencies for their unflinching support in intelligence sharing and collaborative operations that have strengthened national security efforts at the port.
“Our unity continues to be a nightmare for criminal elements. We shall keep consolidating on our synergy,” he added.
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