Apapa Customs Command Shines at CGC Awards, Wins Three Prestigious Honors
The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and its Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, achieved a remarkable feat by clinching three major awards at the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Award Night held on Friday, November 29, 2024, in Abuja.
The awards, presented by the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, recognized the Command for its excellence in revenue collection, anti-smuggling efforts, and trade facilitation. Comptroller Olomu, celebrated as the "Best Controller of the Year," was lauded for his outstanding leadership and strategic reforms that elevated the Command’s operational efficiency at Nigeria’s premier port, Apapa.
Record-Breaking Revenue Collection
Under Olomu’s leadership, the Apapa Command made history by generating a record-breaking N2 trillion in revenue as of November 20, 2024. This achievement marked a new milestone in the Command’s contribution to the nation’s economy. Despite challenges such as reduced trade volumes, the Command excelled in preventing revenue leakages and optimizing collections.
Through daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly performance evaluations, the Command has cultivated a culture of diligence, punctuality, and uncompromising adherence to duty among its officers.
A Night of Triumph
At the award ceremony, the Command received accolades as the "Best Command of the Year," "Best Command in Revenue Collection," and "Best Customs Area Controller." These awards reflected the Command’s groundbreaking achievements and its commitment to excellence.
Comptroller Olomu dedicated the honors to the officers and men of the Command, emphasizing that teamwork, dedication, and focus were key to their success.
“This achievement is not mine alone but a reflection of the collective efforts of every officer in this Command. It is a call to redouble our commitment to our responsibilities,” Olomu said.
Inspiring Leadership and Future Goals
Olomu expressed gratitude to CGC Adeniyi, whom he described as a source of inspiration for Customs officers nationwide. He pledged to sustain and improve the Command’s performance, urging officers to view the awards as motivation to work harder.
He also encouraged port users to comply with trade guidelines, report unlawful activities, and leverage initiatives like the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Call to Action
The Area Controller praised compliant importers and exporters, particularly those pioneering export activities under the GTI, and urged more Nigerian entrepreneurs to utilize Apapa Port. He highlighted the ease of doing business and modernization reforms introduced under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership as opportunities for seamless trade.
In his closing remarks, Olomu reminded officers and stakeholders that compliance fosters trust, saves time and money, and builds credibility, positioning businesses for recognition under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) framework.
The Apapa Command’s achievements underscore its pivotal role in national economic growth and security, setting a benchmark for excellence in Customs operations.
By CSC Abubakar Usman
Customs Public Relations Officer, Apapa Command
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