Tunde Bakare
The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a total collection of One trillion, three hundred and seventy-eight billion, fifty-nine million, nineteen thousand, two hundred and forty-five naira, twenty kobo (#1,378,059,019,245.20).
The amount represents 35 per cent 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) collected the same period of 2024, marking #354 billion increase in collection within the period under review.
Comptroller B O Olomu, who revealed this while reviewing activities of the Command for the period, noted that the first half of 2025 has been very eventful and engaging,featuring the Command’s drive for revenue collection,trade facilitation,and anti-smuggling.
Olomu, recognized that its enhanced stakeholder’s engagement, deployment of ICT, port user compliance and uncompromising disposition of officers and men culminated into better achievements and in line with the CGC’s policy thrust.
The Comptroller attributed the collection to its diligent officers and compliant traders, adding “We have always insisted on maximum collection of government revenue by preventing leakages and applying demand notices (DN) where and when necessary.”
He said the Command’s revenue collection trajectory points to the possibility of achieving or surpassing its annual target by the end of 2025.
With the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) also known as B’Odogwu that has gone live in the Apapa Command and the issuance of the Pre Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR)being issued using the homegrown technology, the Command achieved issuance of the first Single Goods Declaration On the 9th of May 2025 using the B’Odogwu platform.
This marks a significant shift towards faster, more reliable cargo handling.
“We 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 express 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 added.
He used the occasion to showcase nine (9) containers 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 twenty-seven (27)containers seized between January-June 2025 with a duty paid value of (DPV) of Nine billion, two sixty-seven million,four hundred and forty-three thousand, nine hundred and sixty-six naira (#9,267,443,966.00)
The seizures are inclusive of 10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, 2 containers of codeine syrup,2 containers of stolen vehicles, 4 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.
“Unregistered pharmaceuticals is most prominent on the list of twenty-eight (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 explained.
He also noted that trafficking of wild animals contravenes the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which Nigeria is a signatory. Equally, on the detention list is a container of matches imported without the required End User Certificate (EUC) as provided for in our extant laws.
As a fallout from our uncompromising anti-smuggling operations,we have sealed 3 bonded terminals under the command for various infractions. One of the terminals has been charged to court for prosecution while investigation is still ongoing on the remaining two terminals.