Apapa Customs In Revenue Haul: Generates #1.378trillion in Six Months *Seizes 27 Containers of Ilicite Trade*Seals 3 Bonded Terminal

In line with the CGC's policy thrust, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs within the first half of year 2025 has generated a whooping amount of One trillion, three hundred and seventy-eight billion, fifty-nine million, nineteen thousand, two hundred and forty-five naira, twenty kobo (#1,378,059,019,245.20). The command, within the same period also seized 27 Containers of and sealed up 3 bonded terminals

This revenue figure, according to the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu Phd represents a 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 was collected the same period of 2024, marking #354 billion increase in collection within the period under review.

Olomu who disclosed this during a press briefing held at the command headquarters yesterday had attributed this fate to the efforts of diligent officers and compliant traders operating at the command, stating,  "on my watch and under the direction of the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, psc (+), we have always insisted on maximum collection of government revenue by preventing leakages and applying demand notices (DN) where and when necessary; Our revenue collection trajectory points to the possibility of achieving or surpassing our annual target by the end of 2025.I have urged my officers and men to brace up and redouble their efforts to make surpassing target a reality".

In the area of trade facilitation, Comptroller Olomu stated 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, in addition to the issuance of the Pre Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) using the homegrown technology, the command had achieved issuance of the first Single Goods Declaration On the 9th of May 2025 using the B'Odogwu platform marking a significant shift towards faster, more reliable cargo handling.

He went further to inform that the command has created a robust platform that facilitates trade and ensures the swift clearance of cargo and addressing challenges such as poor network connectivity, delays, and congestion associated with the former system.

The command helmsman also stated that under the guidance of the CGC, the talks with officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other stakeholders from various associations on developing a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the movement of goods by rail from Apapa Port to other states is showing prospects "I am pleased to express that the talks have shown prospects for success with pledges of support and anticipation for robust participation by all concerned.

This effort to revive cargo movement by rail aims to decongest the port, reduce pressure on the Apapa roads and provide a viable and cost-effective option of cargo movement to our importers, exporters, 

freight forwarding practitioners, haulage operators and licensed customs agents". Olomu stated 

The command's Anti smuggling effort within the period under review led to the seizure of twenty-seven (27) containers out of which 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, 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)

Other seizures previously made by the command within the period includes 10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, 2 containers of codeine syrup, 2 containers of stolen vehicles, 4 containers of second-hand clothing, amongst others.

Theses seizures according to the CAC are fallouts of the command's efforts at preventing Nigerians from unwholesome foods and drugs, stopping illicit trade and protecting our local industries. 

"As a standard, we 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.

Continuing, the Controller said, "Unregistered pharmaceuticals is most prominent on the list of twenty-eight (28) seizures made by the command during the period under review. The seizures comprises of controlled drugs, used clothes, codeine syrup, wild animals' skin and other sundry items.

It is pertinent to note that trafficking of wild animals contravenes the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), of which Nigeria is a signatory. 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"the CAC stated.

Comptroller Olomu also informed as a fallout of the command's uncompromising anti-smuggling operations, 3 bonded terminals within command were sealed for various infractions, one of the terminals has been charged to court for prosecution while an investigation is still ongoing on the remaining two terminals.

While warning perpetrators of illegal acts, Olomu said,  "Apapa Port Command is manned by eagle-eyed officers, who are activated to detect and seize uncustom goods with a clear mandate to arrest perpetrators. We have demonstrated our capacity in this regard and we shall continue to do more".

The CAC used the opportunity of this briefing to acknowledge and commend other sister government agencies for their support and collaboration saying, "We have always enjoyed their robust intelligence sharing and joint consultations towards national security. Our togetherness has always stood as great blows to criminals and their activities. We shall continue strengthening the bond.