Customs Area Controller in charge of the Apapa Port Command; Comptroller Babatunde Olomu breaks records by achieving over ₦1 trillion in revenue in six months. While briefing journalists on the command’s mid-year accomplishments recently, he discussed the strategies and measures that led to this remarkable feat. Our correspondent; Oluyinka Onigbinde was there. Excerpts:
Can you summarise the key achievements of the Apapa Area Command for the first half of 2024?
It’s my pleasure to provide an update on our activities for the first half of 2024. Since assuming office on May 6, 2024, my leadership has focused on robust intelligence gathering to enhance revenue collection, improve customs-community relations, and facilitate trade. As a result, we have generated a total of ₦1.024 trillion between January and June, which is a 143% increase from the ₦421.38 billion collected in the same period in 2023.
That’s a significant increase. What specific strategies contributed to this remarkable revenue growth?
Several factors contributed to this success. Firstly, we implemented a robust intelligence gathering system to enhance revenue collection. This involved deploying advanced technology to track and analyze import and export activities, ensuring that all dues were accurately assessed and collected. Secondly, we focused on improving our relations with the community, sister government agencies, and private sector stakeholders. These interactions facilitated smoother operations and trade processes by fostering a cooperative environment and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks. Additionally, we set up a revenue recovery committee to identify and address leakages, especially in bonded terminals. This committee’s diligent work ensured that despite a reduction in trade volume, we prevented revenue losses and maximized our collections.
Can you elaborate on the role of the revenue recovery committee and its impact?
The revenue recovery committee comprises seasoned and dedicated officers who meticulously review areas of potential revenue leakages. Their mandate is to ensure that all revenue due to the government is accurately collected. They scrutinize documentation, verify compliance with regulations, and conduct physical inspections where necessary. Since their inception, they have identified several discrepancies and implemented corrective actions, significantly boosting our revenue figures. For instance, they discovered under-declarations and false classifications in several cases, resulting in the recovery of substantial amounts of revenue that would have otherwise been lost. The committee’s effectiveness stems from its proactive approach in scrutinizing every detail of our operations, leaving no stone unturned.
Trade facilitation is a key aspect of your operations. How has the Apapa Command improved in this area?
Trade facilitation has been greatly enhanced through a blend of intelligence and community relations. We have a dedicated team that addresses complaints and disputes promptly, preventing escalation. My office operates an open-door policy, encouraging stakeholders to discuss any issues that might hinder legitimate trade. This proactive approach has improved the ease of doing business and fostered a cooperative environment among all parties involved. We also leverage technology to streamline processes, reducing delays and enhancing transparency in our operations. For example, we have introduced an online platform where traders can submit their documentation electronically, speeding up the clearance process and reducing human errors.
Your anti-smuggling efforts have also been notable. What specific actions have you taken in this regard?
Anti-smuggling is a critical component of our operations. Between January and June, we made seizures of 11 containers containing prohibited items, such as expired pharmaceuticals, used clothing, and frozen poultry products, with a Duty Paid Value of ₦424.1 million. This is a marked decrease from the 42 seizures valued at ₦1.4 billion in the corresponding period in 2023. However, the reduced number of seizures indicates our increased effectiveness in preventing smuggling attempts before they escalate. Our strategy involves extensive surveillance, intelligence sharing, and cooperation with other security agencies. We have also increased our patrols and inspections, both at the port and along known smuggling routes, to intercept contraband before they can enter the market.
You mentioned specific cases involving expired pharmaceuticals and frozen poultry products. Can you provide more details on these seizures?
Last week, we uncovered a large quantity of expired and unregistered pharmaceuticals in three 40-foot containers and another three 40-foot containers loaded with 7,580 cartons of frozen poultry products unfit for human consumption. These products violate the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Common External Tariff (CET). Preventing such harmful imports protects Nigerian citizens from potential health hazards, and we are committed to maintaining this vigilance. The pharmaceuticals, for instance, were found to be mislabeled and had by-passed standard safety checks, posing a severe risk to public health. Similarly, the frozen poultry products were discovered to be improperly stored and transported, rendering them unsafe for consumption. These seizures reflect our dedication to safeguarding public health and upholding regulatory standards.
What measures are in place to sustain the momentum in combating smuggling and revenue leakages?
We have reformed our approach to managing cargo movements from the mother port to bonded terminals, ensuring thorough inspections using scanners. No cargo exits our control without a detailed examination. We will continue to make seizures, detain, and arrest where necessary to safeguard the national economy and protect Nigerians from dangerous products. Our continuous training programs for officers also ensure that they are well-equipped to handle emerging smuggling techniques and revenue leakage issues. Additionally, we are enhancing our intelligence network to receive real-time information on smuggling activities, enabling us to act swiftly and effectively.
Collaboration with other government agencies is crucial. How has this cooperation impacted your operations?
Our close relationship with sister government agencies has been instrumental in our success. We work closely with the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and others. This teamwork has facilitated our operations, enhanced security, and ensured that we meet our objectives efficiently. The synergy between these agencies has also helped in intelligence sharing and joint operations, which are critical in tackling complex smuggling networks. For example, our collaboration with NDLEA has been pivotal in intercepting drug shipments, while our partnership with SON has ensured that substandard and counterfeit goods do not enter the Nigerian market.
As we move into the second half of 2024, what are your plans to build on the successes achieved so far?
We aim to maintain and exceed our current performance levels. This involves continuous improvement in intelligence gathering, enhancing customs-community relations, and strengthening our anti-smuggling measures. We will also focus on more innovative approaches to revenue collection and trade facilitation. Our goal is to ensure a seamless, secure, and efficient customs operation that benefits the economy and the citizens of Nigeria. This includes investing in advanced technologies, such as automated systems and artificial intelligence, to further streamline our processes and improve accuracy. Additionally, we plan to launch awareness campaigns to educate traders and the public on the importance of compliance with customs regulations, which will further reduce instances of smuggling and revenue leakages.
Lastly, do you have any message for your officers and stakeholders?
I extend my utmost appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire management team for their unwavering support. I also commend the resilience and dedication of our officers and the cooperation of our stakeholders. Together, we have achieved remarkable success, and I urge everyone to continue working collaboratively to achieve even greater heights. It is through our collective efforts and commitment to excellence, that we will continue to set new benchmarks in customs operations, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy. I encourage our officers to remain vigilant and proactive, always striving for excellence in their duties. To our stakeholders, I assure you that our doors remain open for dialogue and collaboration as we work together to create a conducive environment for trade and commerce
