ZAINAB JUNAID
The expression “Wolves don’t lose sleep over the opinions of sheep” conveys the idea that strong, confident individuals (the “wolves”) do not concern themselves with the judgments or criticisms of those who may be less ambitious or shiftless (the “sheep”).
People who are self-assured and assertive do not let others’ negative opinions affect them, especially when those opinions come from people who are not in their level in terms of capability, intelligence or strength.
This is a mechanism needed to be deployed at Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, as the ground-breaking revenue of N1.02 trillion generated between January and June 2024, a 143% increase compared to the N421 billion collected in the same period in 2023, was welcomed with mixed feelings, sparking debate.
The giant strides recorded by the Command in the first half of the year 2024, especially that of N201 billion for July 2024 was greeted with faint murmurings of mischief, discontent from within and outside the Organization; and the shiftless people behind this act are hell bent on truncating the significant success story recorded so far.
Unconcerned that Customs Area Controller, Babatunde Olomu, has been vocal about the measures taken to prevent revenue leakages and combat smuggling, as the Command intercepted 11 containers of Prohibited consignments, including expired pharmaceuticals and unfit poultry products; an efforts that highlighted the ongoing battle against corruption and unprofessional conduct within the ports, the unscrupulous people resolved to a Fixed mindset and not Growth Mindset.
The Apapa Customs Command’s success is not just in the numbers but in the strategies deployed, thus the Area Controller Olomu should continue to sustain the quantum leap, awaken the Giant within, and maintain the giant strides amid the shiftless people.
In a related development, investigations have also revealed that the successes so far was aided by a capable, honest, and dedicated officer like Deputy comptroller of customs DC Frank Onyenka, who has been scrupulous and meticulous in handling the Apapa Exit gate.
Prior to his deployment to Apapa port, DC Onyenka had served as O/C Gate at Onne port in Port Harcourt, where he won the “Best Revenue officer” of the Command in 2022.
It was his display of high level of integrity, honesty, dexterity, dedication to duty and reliability that made the Customs high Command to consider him worthy to take charge as O/C Gate, Apapa port.
Since his assumption of duty as O/C, DC Onyenka has changed the narratives of the premiere Port and also contribute positively to the present high revenue figures of the command.
An instance of the narratives changed is Personal Unaccompanied Baggage declaration(PUBD) which was zero naira at Apapa Port and there was no general performing examination carried out as but with his presence, this turn around positively.
It’s not surprising that DC Onyenka’s revolution at Apapa Exit would meet with stern resistance, as some unscrupulous elements within the system are conniving to thwart and pervert revenue generation, and sustain the bleeding of the system of accruable revenue, by browbeating the general public with a campaign of calumny against the DC Onyenka, in order for him to be removed.
However, it was gathered that despite the acrimonious campaign against DC Onyenka, he is in line to be rewarded by the command for his intervention at the Apapa Command which replicates his record at Onne Area 11 Command.
The Apapa Customs Command’s success is not just in the numbers but in the strategies employed. The implementation of the Time Release Study (TRS) initiative and the establishment of a revenue recovery committee by the Area Controller of the Command have played crucial roles in the revenue success. Likewise, the command’s dedication to thorough inspections and use of scanners to prevent illicit trade has also been pivotal.
While the revenue figures are impressive, the increase in revenue collection, despite a reduction in trade volume, suggests a more efficient and vigilant customs operation. However, it also underscores the need for continuous vigilance and integrity in the face of potential corruption.
