Half Year Report: Apapa Customs rakes in ₦1.3trn revenue, intercepts ₦9.2bn contrabands
Maureen Aguta
The Apapa Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has disclosed that it achieved a total collection of ₦1,378,059,019,245.20 in the first six months of 2025, which represents 35 per cent increase above ₦1,023,663,842,255.63 it collected during the same period of 2024, marking ₦354 billion increase in collection within the period under review.
This was disclosed in a news conference on Thursday by Customs Area Controller of the command, Dr Babatunde Olomu.
He attribute this historic revenue collection figure to the diligent officers and compliant traders in the nation’s premier port.
His words: “On my watch and under the direction of the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, psc (+), we have always insisted on maximum collection of government revenue by preventing leakages and applying demand notices (DN) where and when necessary.
“Our revenue collection trajectory points to the possibility of achieving or surpassing our annual target by the end of 2025. I have urged my officers and men to brace up and redouble their efforts to make surpassing target a reality.”
Trade Facilitation
According to CAC Olomu, the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) also known as B’Odogwu has gone live in the Apapa Command with laudable milestones.
In addition to the issuance of the Pre Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) being issued using the homegrown technology, NCS have achieved issuance of the first Single Goods Declaration On the 9th of May 9, 2025 using the B’Odogwu platform. “For us, this marks a significant shift towards faster, more reliable cargo handling,” he said.
Dr Olomu stated that the Nigeria Customs Service have created a robust platform that facilitates trade and ensures the swift clearance of cargo. “We are 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 talks 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.
“I am pleased to state that the talks have shown 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 the Apapa roads and provide a viable and cost-effective option of cargo movement to our importers, exporters, freight forwarding practitioners, haulage operators and licensed customs agents,” he said.
Anti-smuggling
Advocacy Times reports that the also showcased nine containers of contrabands comprising of unregistered pharmaceuticals,used clothing,expired margarine,wild animals’ skin, and codeine syrup seized by the command just a couple of days ago, which form part of the 27 containers seized by the command between January-June 2025 with a duty paid value of (DPV) ₦9,267,443,966.00.
According to CAC Olomu, the seizures are inclusive of 10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, two containers of codeine syrup, two containers of stolen vehicles, four containers of second-hand clothing, amongst others.
“These seizures are a fallout of our efforts at preventing Nigerians from unwholesome foods and drugs, stopping illicit trade and protecting our local industries.
“As a standard, we will never compromise the health, well-being,safety of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation.
“Every consignment passing through our port undergo diligent check through scanning and physical examination when required,” he said
Dr Olomu further disclosed that the unregistered pharmaceuticals is most prominent on the list of 28 seizures made by the command during the period under review. The seizures comprise of controlled drugs, used clothes, codeine syrup, wild animals’ skin and other sundry items.
He Disclosed that as a fallout from the command’s uncompromising anti-smuggling operations, it has sealed three bonded terminals under the command for various infractions. “One of the terminals has been charged to court for prosecution while an investigation is still ongoing on the remaining two terminals.”
“Let me use this medium to once again warn perpetrators of illegal acts that Apapa Port Command is manned by eagle-eyed officers, who are activated to detect and seize uncustom goods with a clear mandate to arrest perpetrators.
“We have demonstrated our capacity in this regard and we shall continue to do more,” he stressed.
Inter-agency Collaboration
The Apapa Command Customs boss further acknowledged and commended their sister government agencies for giving support to the command.
“We have always enjoyed their robust intelligence sharing and joint consultations towards national security. Our togetherness has always stood as great blows to criminals and their activities. We shall continue strengthening the bond,” Dr Olomu assured.