Apapa Customs Command Records N2.2 Trillion Revenue, CGC Urges Sustained Compliance
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has commended the Apapa Area Command for its exceptional revenue collection of over N2.2 trillion and called on the leadership to sustain the momentum.
Speaking at the command's end-of-year party and award ceremony held on Friday, December 13, 2024, the CGC, represented by Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) of Customs, Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, emphasized the importance of compliance as a critical driver of trade facilitation and economic growth.
Adeniyi highlighted compliance as a "competitive advantage" that fosters transparency, reduces operational risks, and strengthens trust between businesses and regulatory authorities. He noted that compliant stakeholders benefit from streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and other incentives that position them as trusted trade partners.
“Compliance is not merely a requirement; it is a competitive advantage. It enhances efficiency, attracts investments, and contributes to Nigeria’s economic development. By working together, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth,” the CGC stated.
Adeniyi reiterated the Customs Service’s commitment to capacity building through training, technical assistance, and partnerships to ensure stakeholders remain aligned with global best practices.
In his address, the Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, praised the dedication of his officers and stakeholders, attributing the command's success to a strong culture of collaboration and compliance. He noted that despite challenges such as low trade volumes, the command met its revenue targets through commitment, diligence, and enhanced stakeholder engagement.
Comptroller Olomu described the end-of-year celebration as an opportunity to strengthen ties between government and private sector collaborators, celebrate achievements, and honor exceptional performances that contributed to the command's success in 2024.
“Compliance remains the bedrock of our achievements in revenue collection, anti-smuggling operations, and trade facilitation. Our strategic engagement with stakeholders, sister agencies, and port users has been instrumental in achieving this milestone,” Olomu said.
He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of key agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Port Health, Police, and Immigration, for their support throughout the year.
Highlighting enforcement measures, Olomu noted that the command had ensured due diligence through meticulous cargo examination, which enhanced anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation processes.
The event also featured awards for outstanding contributions by stakeholders and officers. Companies recognized included APM Terminals, Sifax Group, ENL Consortium, Dangote, Talod Ocean Airfreight, and Princess Chi Ezeh, CEO of Munah Sylva Nigeria Limited. Serving and retired officers were also honored for their roles in driving the command's successes in 2024.
Olomu encouraged the awardees to see the recognition as a call for greater commitment while urging others to strive for excellence in the coming year.
“We are fostering inclusivity, and this will continue in 2025. For those not recognized today, your efforts are not unnoticed, and I urge you to keep improving. There is always room for growth,” he concluded.
The event underscored the Apapa Command’s commitment to compliance, trade facilitation, and its contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth through consistent revenue generation and enforcement excellence.
CSC Abubakar Usman
Customs PRO, Apapa Port Command
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