ZAINAB JUNAID
The Apapa Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seen significant revenue growth in the first half of 2025, as it announced a thirty five percent increase.
It collected a total revenue of One trillion, three hundred and Seventy- eight billion, fifty nine million, nineteen thousand, two hundred and forty -five naira, twenty Kobo (N1,378,059,019,245.20) which represents 35% increase above one trillion, twenty three billion, six hundred and sixty three million, eight hundred and forty two thousand, two hundred and fifty five naira, sixty three Kobo (N1,023,663,842,255.63) generated the same period in 2024. This shows N354 billion increase from the collection within the period under review.
Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu made this known at a briefing held at the Command’s Headquarters, Apapa, Lagos, on Thursday, 3rd July 2025, attributing the success to the Command’s diligent Officers and Compliant traders.
He stressed that under his leadership, the Command ensured maximum collection of revenue into government Coffer by preventing leakages and applying Demand Notices (DN) where necessary. “I have urged my Officers and Men to brace up and redouble their efforts to make surpassing target a reality,” he said.
On trade facilitation, the fiscal wizard told journalists that the Command achieved Single Goods Declaration (SGDs) under the B’Odogwu platform on the 9th of May 2025.
“This marks a significant shift towards faster and more reliable cargo handling. We have deployed a robust platform that facilitates trade and ensures timely clearance of cargo, addressing challenges such as poor network connectivity, delays, and congestion associated with the former system.
“Very recently, under the guidance of the CGC, we opened discussions with officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other stakeholders from various associations on developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the movement of goods by rail from Apapa Port to other states.
“These talks have shown great prospects for success, with pledges of support and anticipation for robust participation by all concerned.
“This effort to revive cargo movement by rail aims to decongest the port, reduce pressure on Apapa roads, and provide a viable and cost-effective cargo movement option for importers, exporters, freight forwarding practitioners, haulage operators, and licensed customs agents,” He said.
Comptroller Olomu also informed pressmen that twenty-seven (27) containers were seized between January and June 2025, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N9,267,443,966.00.
He highlighted the seizures to include:10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals; 2 containers of codeine syrup; 2 containers of stolen vehicles; 4 containers of second-hand clothing; and other sundry items.
In his words, “These seizures are part of our efforts to prevent Nigerians from consuming unwholesome foods and drugs, stop illicit trade, and protect our local industries. As a standard, we will not compromise the safety of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation.
“Prominent on the list of the twenty-eight (28) seizures made by the command during the period under review are unregistered pharmaceuticals, controlled drugs, used clothing, codeine syrup, wild animals’ skin, and other sundry items.
“It is pertinent to note that trafficking of wild animals contravene the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which Nigeria is a signatory to. Additionally, on the detention list is a container of matches imported without the required End User Certificate (EUC) as provided for in our extant laws,” the Area Controller said.
He informed further that the Command has sealed three bonded terminals for various infractions.
“One of the terminals has been charged to curt for prosecution while investigation is still ongoing on the remaining two terminals,” he said.
