The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Command has reiterated its commitment to achieving and surpassing its 2025 revenue target, emphasizing the importance of compliance and collaboration in trade facilitation and national economic growth. This was highlighted during the International Customs Day celebration, themed ‘Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity’, held at the Apapa Command.
The Area Controller, Comptroller Babatude Olomu, reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to enhance operational efficiency and security while fostering collaboration with stakeholders. Speaking at the event, Olomu stressed the need for compliance as a key driver of trade efficiency and national prosperity. “Compliance yields a win-win result for all parties involved. It saves time, prevents revenue leakages, and builds a robust reputation for the nation’s trade practices. At the Apapa Command, we are committed to leveraging compliance to deliver on our mandate of efficiency, security, and prosperity,” he stated.
Olomu also expressed confidence in the Command’s ability to surpass its revenue target for 2025 and assured the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, of the Command’s dedication to achieving this goal. He further commended compliant stakeholders for their cooperation and contributions to national development.
Speaking also at the event, Mr. Bukar Kauai, Principal Staff Officer of the Apapa Port, who represented the Port Manager, Adebowale Lawal Ibrahim. In his address, Kauai congratulated the Apapa Command for its exceptional performance in revenue generation, describing it as the best command in this regard.
“Let me congratulate the Apapa Command for becoming the best command in revenue generation. If you look at the theme of the 2024 and 2025 International Customs Day, you will notice that collaboration is a top priority,” Kauai noted. He highlighted the synergy between the Office of the Port Manager and the Customs Comptroller, which has been instrumental in resolving key operational challenges.
Citing examples, Kauai recalled instances where collaboration between the two offices resolved traffic issues related to ICD and transire containers. “The Comptroller intervened immediately to address traffic challenges, and it brought swift resolution to the matter. Additionally, when agents threatened to go on strike over traffic issues, a meeting was held in this auditorium, and the matter was amicably resolved,” he said.
Kauai emphasized the importance of collaboration among agencies and stakeholders, stating that no agency can achieve its goals single-handedly. “Without collaboration and working together, no agency can fully achieve its objectives. Moving forward, we will enhance our collaboration and give full support to Customs and other agencies to ensure success,” he added.
Kauai also called for strategies to strengthen stakeholder engagement and collaboration. “There are critical stakeholders that need to be considered. I would like to seek the permission of the Customs Comptroller to explore ways to develop regular engagement strategies that bring stakeholders closer to the system,” he suggested.
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In response, Comptroller Olomu reassured stakeholders of the Command’s commitment to addressing their concerns and improving operational efficiency. “Our focus remains on achieving efficiency and transparency. We will continue to listen to our stakeholders, learn from their feedback, and work tirelessly to improve our processes. Together, we can build a customs system that meets and surpasses global standards,” Olomu concluded.
