By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded over N1.3 trillion in revenue collection at the Apapa Port in the first half of 2025.
This was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, during his courtesy visit to the headquarters of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) on Tuesday.
Olomu said:
“I am pleased to announce that, through strategic collaboration with partners like NAGAFF, we have successfully collected a total of N1.378 trillion between January and June 2025. I also want to sincerely appreciate your continuous support for the Comptroller-General’s transformation agenda.”
The Customs boss highlighted the importance of stakeholder partnerships in driving the Customs modernization process, citing platforms such as B’Odogwu and other new initiatives where NAGAFF members have actively participated in training sessions aimed at developing home-grown solutions for the service.
Commending the NAGAFF Academy, Olomu described it as a forward-thinking initiative that prioritizes capacity building within the freight forwarding profession.
“NAGAFF Academy is a testament to the value you place on training and professional development. It is clear that you are a strategic organization that is preparing for the future, and we respect you for that,” he stated.
The Customs chief also used the occasion to advise NAGAFF members to pay close attention to their health and well-being. He encouraged them to adopt regular exercise routines and healthy living practices, noting that the Apapa Customs Command operates an on-site clinic that is accessible not only to officers but to all stakeholders at the port.
On his part, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the Founder of NAGAFF, praised Comptroller Olomu’s leadership, noting that the high level of unprofessional conduct previously experienced at the Apapa Command has drastically reduced since his assumption of office.
“In the past, I would often stay up until 2 a.m. responding to aggrieved members complaining about harassment and cargo inspection disputes. But today, that narrative has changed under Comptroller Olomu’s leadership. We are seeing improved professionalism, smoother operations, and an astronomical growth in revenue. This is a new and promising era for freight forwarding at Apapa Port,” Aniebonam remarked.
He further urged freight forwarders to embrace transparency and honesty in their cargo declarations, emphasizing that the success of the destination inspection system relies heavily on accurate documentation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, lauded Comptroller Olomu for his proactive engagement with the association.
“This visit is a clear demonstration of renewed commitment to trust, collaboration, and progress. We are confident that this will strengthen the synergy between Customs and freight forwarders at Apapa Port,” Ezisi said.
