Apapa Area Command Achieves 143% Revenue Increase in First Half of 2024

Apapa Area Command Achieves 143% Revenue Increase in First Half of 2024

Apapa, Nigeria – July 8, 2024

At a mid-year press briefing held on Monday, July 8, 2024, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Dr. Babatunde Olomu, Ph.D., announced significant achievements in revenue collection and anti-smuggling efforts for the first half of the year.

**Revenue Collection**

Dr. Olomu reported a remarkable 143% increase in revenue collection, with the Command generating N1,023,663,842,255.63 from January to June 2024. This figure marks a significant rise compared to the N421,382,166,378.46 collected in the corresponding period of 2023.

**Trade Facilitation**

Under Dr. Olomu’s leadership, which began on May 6, 2024, the Command has prioritized intelligence gathering and improved customs-community relations to enhance trade facilitation. This approach has led to smoother business operations, prevention of revenue losses, and strengthened interactions with other government agencies and private sector stakeholders.

The Command has also employed a non-intrusive inspection regime, using scanners for cargo examination and supplementing with physical inspections when necessary. This method has proven effective in curbing economic sabotage and facilitating legitimate trade.

**Anti-Smuggling Efforts**

In the first half of 2024, the Command seized 11 containers containing prohibited items such as expired pharmaceuticals, footwear, used clothing, armored cables, and frozen poultry products. These seizures, valued at N424,105,975.00, reflect the Command’s commitment to combating smuggling and protecting public health.

Recently, the Command uncovered six 40-foot containers loaded with expired and unregistered pharmaceuticals and 7,580 cartons of frozen poultry products unfit for human consumption. These discoveries highlight the ongoing efforts to prevent harmful products from entering the Nigerian market.

**Collaboration with Sister Agencies**

Dr. Olomu commended the collaboration with sister government agencies, including the Nigeria Police, DSS, NDLEA, NAFDAC, SON, NIS, NAQS, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Navy. This teamwork has been crucial in achieving the Command’s objectives and will continue to be a cornerstone of their operations.

**Appreciation and Future Outlook**

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Olomu acknowledged the support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire management team. He also praised the officers and stakeholders for their resilience and contributions, urging continued collaboration for an even more successful second half of 2024.

The Apapa Area Command’s achievements in the first half of 2024 underscore its commitment to enhancing revenue collection, facilitating trade, and combating smuggling, setting a positive tone for the rest of the year.

*For further information, please contact:*

Dr. Babatunde Olomu, Ph.D.

Customs Area Controller

Apapa Comman