..As Premier Port Command Honours Outstanding Stakeholders
ZAINAB JUNAID
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR has urged the Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, to sustain the tempo of high revenue with compliance and synergies, as the Premier Command celebrated and honoured outstanding Stakeholders.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, CSC Usman Abubakar on Monday, 16 December 2024.
According to the statement, the CGC made the call at the command’s end of the year party and award ceremony on Friday, 13 December 2024, stressing the need for compliance and synergies as necessary strategies to greater productivity at the port. He said compliance is a competitive advantage.
Represented by Deputy Comptroller General Caroline Niagwan, DCG Tariff and Trade, Adeniyi congratulated the Customs Area Controller and all the officers and men of Apapa Area Command for the milestone achieved in revenue collection to the tune of N2.2tr and still counting which has earned the command multiple accolades.
“It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today to celebrate a shared commitment to compliance and excellence in trade. This award ceremony is a testament to your dedication to ethical business practices, adherence to regulations, and unwavering support for the principles that drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
“Compliance is not merely a requirement; it is a competitive advantage. It fosters transparency, reduces operational risks, and strengthens the trust between businesses and regulatory authorities. It also positions compliant stakeholders to enjoy streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and access to the numerous benefits that come with being recognized as trusted trade partners.
“As a Service, we understand that sustaining compliance can sometimes require capacity building, especially as global trade evolves. To this end, the Service is committed to providing the necessary training, technical assistance, and partnerships that will empower you with the knowledge and tools to maintain this high standard.
“Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder remains competitive, innovative, and aligned with global best practices.
“By working together, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth. Compliant stakeholders not only contribute to national revenue but also drive economic development, attract foreign investments, and enhance Nigeria’s position in international trade,” Adeniyi said.
In his address, Comptroller Olomu expressed appreciation to the CGC and the customs management team for providing the direction and inspiration to the command in it’s drive to meet government’s expectations.
He described the end of year party as ‘many things rolled up in one’ as it strengthens the stakeholders bond as a community of government and private sector collaborators working together for the betterment of Nigeria.
“Let me use this period to thank the NPA, DSS, NDLEA, NAQS, Port Health, Police, Immigration and other sister government agencies for their consistent collaboration in 2024. They are indeed an integral part of the command’s success story in 2024. I urge them to stay on board let’s do it again in 2025.
“There have been positive fallouts of our regular interface with our stakeholders. This is evident in our collection of N2.2tr revenue and still counting, zeroing in on the minority that attempt smuggling by curbing their activities with seizures. We are fostering inclusivity and this will continue in 2025,” he concluded.
The high point of the event was the recognition of deserving stakeholders and officers whose contributions shaped the Command’s 2024 achievement.
Among those recognised with various awards are APM Terminals, Sifax Group, ENL Consortium, Dangote, Talod Ocean Airfreight and Princess Chi Ezeh the CEO of Munah Sylva Nigeria Limited.
The command also recognised serving and retired officers for their contributions to it’s overall successes in 2024.
