ZAINAB JUNAID
The Senate Committee on Customs has recognized the remarkable achievements and resilience of Officers and Men at the Apapa Premier Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.
During an oversight visit on Friday, 25 October 2024 to the Command, the committee commended the Area Controller,. Comptroller Babatunde Olomu for the impressive revenue generation of over N1.82 trillion and proactive engagement with stakeholders this year.
The visit was to assess operational progress, address challenges, and explore potential legislative support to boost Customs’ efficiency.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Jubril Echocho, commended the Command’s achievements and praised its revenue generation drive.
He said, “This commitment demonstrates the impact of effective revenue collection on our national economy. Revenue generation remains a priority in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as it helps reduce national debt and strengthens Nigeria’s global standard.”
While briefing the committee on the command’s activities, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Babatunde Olomu informed that the revenue generated was over N1.82 trillion, which surpassed N1.17 trillion collected in 2023.
He attributed the success to streamlined clearance procedures and a focused approach to lawful revenue collection.
‘’We have already beaten the 2023 total collection even when we have three months ahead to go.
“While we focus on lawful areas for revenue collection and national economic development, we never slept on our responsibility in checking possibilities of smuggling of prohibited items using unorthodox means like concealment, under declaration, under valuation or outright false declaration,’’ Olomu stated.
The CAC highlighted recent seizures of over 36 illegal items, including codeine-based cough syrups, tramadol, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and other controlled substances, as part of the Command’s anti-smuggling efforts.
He noted that the Command’s trade facilitation mechanisms and regular stakeholder interactions have significantly improved compliance with customs regulations.
However, the Area Controller noted challenges, including outdated technology and limited scanning equipment, hindering efficient cargo inspections.
He requested legislative support for advanced scanners and technological expansions adding, “Insufficient modern scanning machines delay shipment processing and affect data accuracy, impacting our ability to monitor compliance effectively”.
In response, the committee assured it would advocate for technological support and improved welfare provisions in the 2025 budget, recognising the officers’ impressive performance.
