Unprecedented Milestone:Apapa Customs Generates Over N1 Trillion Revenue in Six Months
Unprecedented Milestone:Apapa Customs Generates Over N1 Trillion Revenue in Six Months
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu CAC, Apapa customs Command
By Frank Odinukaeze
The Apapa command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved an unprecedented milestone by collecting a staggering One trillion, twenty-three billion, six hundred and sixty-three million, eight hundred and forty-two thousand, two hundred and fifty-five naira and sixty-three kobo in revenue during the first half of 2024. This remarkable figure represents a remarkable 143% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2023,
where Four hundred and twenty-one billion, three hundred and eighty-two million, one hundred and sixty-six thousand, three hundred and seventy-eight naira and forty-six kobo was collected.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Area Controller of the Apapa Command, attributed this success to diligent efforts and extra measures put in place to prevent revenue losses. Despite the reduction in trade volume, the revenue recovery committee, led by seasoned and dedicated officers, investigated areas of leakages, particularly in bonded terminals under the Apapa Command. Their vigilance paid off, resulting in this impressive revenue collection.
Additionally, the command intensified anti-smuggling efforts, seizing eleven containers containing prohibited items such as expired and unregistered pharmaceuticals, footwear, used clothing, armored cables, and frozen poultry products. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures amounted to Four hundred and twenty-four million, one hundred and five thousand, nine hundred and seventy-five naira (N424,105,975.00), surpassing the previous year’s figures. Notably, the interception of expired and unregistered pharmaceuticals underscores the commitment to protecting citizens from dangerous imports
Comptroller Olomu emphasized the importance of compliance with customs regulations, highlighting the benefits that come with adhering to rules. Honest declarations lead to a credible reputation, faster cargo clearance, and the possibility of becoming an authorized economic operator (AEO). The Apapa Command’s first-quarter collection is a significant step toward achieving the NCS’s annual target, and stakeholders are urged to continue supporting an efficient system where everyone plays by the rules1.
“have a team of dedicated officers charged with the responsibility of addressing all complaints or disputes within record time before escalation to my office for prompt action”
He expressed appreciation to sister agencies whose collaborative efforts contributed to these milestone seizures ,and equally thanked the Comptroller General of Customs ,Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR,for creating the enabling environment for optimal service delivery,and pledged to continually uphold the ideals and philosophy of the Which is hinged on zero tolerance for revenue leakages and smuggling.
