By Oluyinka Onigbinde
In what has been described as a landmark achievement, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has hit the ₦1 trillion revenue mark ahead of the first half of 2025, reaffirming its position as the top revenue-generating command in the country.
According to official figures released by the Command Public Relations Officer, SC Tunde Ayagbalo
Customs Public Relations Officer, a total of ₦1,002,968,178,694.07 has been collected so far, with over 45 days remaining before the end of the first half of the year. The feat is regarded as a historic milestone, underscoring the Command’s growing capacity and efficiency in revenue mobilization.
Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, attributed the achievement to the strategic leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the proactive approach to blocking revenue leakages, and the consistent dedication of officers and men of the Command.
Olomu, who assumed office in May 2024, emphasized that hitting the ₦1 trillion mark before mid-May demonstrates the Command’s resolve to surpass its 2024 collection of ₦2.3 trillion and deliver even higher by year-end.
He urged officers to redouble their efforts in suppressing smuggling, ensuring diligent cargo examination, and facilitating legitimate trade.
“Our award-winning reputation remains unshaken as we intensify efforts to maintain our excellent record as the leading customs command domiciled in the nation’s premier port,” Comptroller Olomu stated.
“This recent revenue collection milestone only goes to show we are not resting on our oars. Going by the examples of our CGC, we have resolved not to be complacent.”
He also commended stakeholders and compliant traders for their support, while warning that any form of unlawful behavior aimed at undermining the nation’s economic interests or security would be met with strict legal sanctions.
Comptroller Olomu highlighted the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General, particularly the ongoing deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), popularly known as B’Odogwu, as a major contributor to improved productivity. He revealed that ongoing training for licensed Customs agents and freight forwarders on the use of the new digital platform would further enhance trade facilitation and compliance.
Furthermore, he called on officers to continue strengthening intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration, and stakeholder engagement in order to deepen operational efficiency and support the country’s economic development goals.
The Command’s impressive performance builds on its track record in 2024, where it received multiple recognitions, including the CGC Award of Excellence. Comptroller Olomu himself was honoured as the Best Controller of the Year at the Comptroller General of Customs Award Night in Abuja.
