By Oluyinka Onigbinde
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the newly- appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command, has pledged his unyielding commitment to revenue collection and trade facilitation.
In a momentous ceremony at the Apapa Customs Command on Monday, the new Customs Area Controller, Babatunde Olomu, outlined his vision for the command with unwavering determination. Emphasizing a steadfast commitment to the directives of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Olomu articulated a comprehensive approach focused on revenue collection, combatting smuggling, and enhancing trade facilitation while also emphasizing his dedication to building on the successes of his predecessor, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba.
He highlighted his vision for a robust customs community relations system, which prioritizes regular interface with government and private sector stakeholders to promote trade facilitation and sustainable development.
He stressed the need for zero tolerance for smuggling, concealment, and duty evasion, and pledged to upscale enforcement with intelligence to ensure only legitimate trade is allowed in Apapa Port and its terminals.
Addressing the critical role of Apapa Port in Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Olomu affirmed the command’s role in facilitating improved trade relations both regionally and globally. He emphasized the imperative of embracing modernization initiatives, including e-customs and advanced ruling policies, to align with international best practices and optimize revenue inflow.
“I see my task as CAC Apapa command as a serious assignment from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi of which our only option is to deliver diligently not only in revenue collection, fight against smuggling, but In trade facilitation and sustainable stakeholder engagement.
“My assumption of this office is with a mind of confidence that we won’t betray the trust reposed in us by the FGN, CGC and the entire management of the Nigeria Customs Service. This confidence is premised on the reality that I am taking over a very organized command, where I intend to build on the successes of my predecessor.
“Let me state unequivocally that we shall implement all the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the Common External Tariff, import and export prohibition guidelines, and other books of instruction as directed by the FGN.
“While promoting a robust customs community relation system where there will be regular interface with all government and private sector stakeholders, I shall upscale our enforcement with intelligence to ensure that only legitimate trade is allowed in Apapa Port and all the terminals within the command” he said.
Speaking earlier, outgoing CAC, Babajide Jaiyeoba,in his farewell speech, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve as Area Controller of Apapa Command.
He highlighted the command’s achievements during his eight-month tenure, including record-breaking revenue collections. Between January and April 2024, the Apapa Command collected a total of N672,172,624,033.03 in revenue for the federal government, with a remarkable N182 billion generated in April alone, the highest monthly collection in the history of the service.
Jaiyeoba commended the collective dedication that culminated in significant revenue milestones during his eight-month tenure.
Stakeholders, including officers, freight forwarding associations, private sector representatives, commended the out-going CAC, while also pledging to work and support the new CAC.
They also expressed confidence in his ability to build on the successes of his predecessor and take the command to new heights.
