ZAINAB JUNAID
The Premiere Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has announced a new quantum leap in daily revenue collection, reaching an unprecedented N18.9 billion on Friday, 14 March 2025, the highest in the Command’s history.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller B O Olomu, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Command’s Spokesman, Superintendent of Customs Tunde Ayagbalo on Monday, revealing that the command broke its existing highest daily record of N18.2bn set in October 2024.
According to the Area Controller, this achievement can be attributed to the officers’ dedication to duty, sustained compliance, and promotion of industrial harmony in Apapa Port, as well as the Comptroller-General of Customs’ unwavering support.
He described this feat as the beginning of greater accomplishments to be achieved in 2025.
The Command’s efforts to resolve crises with port users and truckers over issues around the Eto’o call up system which had caused traffic gridlock along the Apapa Port corridor, as well as preventing the planned withdrawal of service by maritime workers and freight forwarders, contributed significantly to this achievement.
Comptroller Olomu emphasized the importance of keeping ports working, especially Apapa Port, which accounts for the highest volume of cargoes coming into Nigeria.
“Ports are critical national assets with direct impacts on the economy touching on local and global trade. It is, therefore, imperative to keep the ports working, especially Apapa Port, which accounts for the highest volume of cargoes coming into Nigeria.
“In line with the directives of the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR who has promotion of robust stakeholders engagement as one of his cardinal thrust, we intervened in the disputes involving sister government agencies, terminal operators and stakeholders in the port.
“It is heartwarming to note that our intervention succeeded in promoting uninterrupted trade and strengthening port users’ confidence.
“Our record-breaking achievement of ₦18.9b daily collection on Friday, March 14 , 2025 is the beginning of greater exploits to be attained this year. We are also not lowering our guard in the fight against smuggling as our officers are ever ready to detect concealment, under declaration, false declaration, and other antics geared towards duty evasion,” Comptroller Olomu said.
This quantum leap achieved, is a testament to the Command’s commitment to excellence and its unwavering drive to surpass previous records. With this achievement, the Premiere Port Command is poised for even greater exploits in 2025.