By Stella Okocha
Harboursandport.com: Lagos - July 3, 2025: The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has recorded a landmark revenue haul of N1.378 trillion in the first half of 2025—representing a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, attributed the achievement to the dedication of officers, improved trader compliance, and the strategic leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“We insisted on maximum revenue collection and plugged leakages through effective demand notices,” Olomu stated.
Digital Milestones and Infrastructure Reforms
The Command also celebrated the successful deployment of the Single Goods Declaration (SGD) via the new B’Odogwu digital platform, which has significantly streamlined cargo clearance and reduced port congestion.
In a further push toward modernization, Apapa Customs is collaborating with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC and industry stakeholders to revive rail cargo movement from Apapa Port—an initiative aimed at easing road traffic and lowering logistics costs.
Anti-Smuggling Successes
Between January and June 2025, the Command intercepted 27 containers of contraband with a duty-paid value of N9.27 billion. Seized items included:
Unregistered pharmaceuticals
Expired food products
Codeine syrup
Used clothing
Stolen vehicles
Wildlife parts, in violation of the CITES treaty
Additionally, three bonded terminals were sealed for various infractions, with one already undergoing prosecution.
“We have demonstrated our capacity, and we shall continue to do more,” Olomu affirmed.
Inter-Agency Collaboration
The Area Controller praised the role of inter-agency cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing, describing it as “a critical force in defeating criminal networks.”
Let me know if you'd like this adapted into a press release, newsletter, or social media post. I can also help design a headline graphic or infographic to go with it!
No comments:
Post a Comment