Apapa Customs Surges to N1.61 Trillion in Q3

The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a significant milestone, reporting a revenue collection of N1.61 trillion in the third quarter of 2024. This impressive figure surpasses the total revenue collected in 2023, demonstrating the command’s remarkable performance.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, attributed this achievement to the diligence and integrity of the command’s personnel. He emphasized the ongoing commitment to working with stakeholders to enhance revenue collection and curb smuggling activities.

Olomu highlighted the notable results achieved in July and September, with collections reaching N201.8 billion and N193.9 billion, respectively. This positive trend has instilled optimism for the final quarter of 2024.

“Our revenue collection is good, and I know that we can do better with more impressive results in the last quarter of 2024,” Olomu stated. He expressed gratitude to compliant stakeholders for their cooperation in supporting the command’s efforts.

The Apapa Customs Command has been successful in reducing smuggling activities through diligent enforcement and effective monitoring. Olomu emphasized the command’s commitment to maintaining a high level of vigilance and detecting smuggling attempts.

The implementation of various trade facilitation programs introduced by the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, has also played a crucial role in the command’s success. Initiatives like the advance ruling, time release study, and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program have streamlined processes and improved efficiency.

Olomu praised the command’s efforts in increasing revenue through thorough inspections and proactive interventions, such as issuing demand notices when necessary. He reiterated the Comptroller-General’s stance of zero tolerance for smuggling, urging those engaged in illegal activities to cease immediately.

The Apapa Customs Command has maintained effective engagement with stakeholders to reduce smuggling and ensure high levels of compliance. Through effective monitoring, cargo profiling, stakeholder sensitization, and training, the command has achieved a zero level of smuggling.

Olomu encouraged port users in Apapa to utilize the dispute resolution team to address any uncertainties and assured them of the command’s readiness to provide assistance. He also expressed gratitude to partner government agencies for their collaboration and stated that the command would continue leveraging these relationships to gather intelligence against criminal activities.