The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a historic milestone, generating a record-breaking revenue of N18.9 billion in a single day on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Announcing the achievement in a statement on Monday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Tunde Ayagbalo, described the feat as the highest daily revenue collection in the history of the command, surpassing the previous record of N18.2 billion, which was set in October 2024.
Commitment to Excellence and Revenue Growth
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Babatunde Olomu, hailed the milestone as the beginning of even greater accomplishments in the year ahead.
“Our record-breaking achievement of N18.9 billion daily collection on Friday, March 14, 2025, is just the start of greater exploits to be achieved this year,” he stated.
Olomu reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining high revenue generation standards, enhancing trade facilitation, and strengthening anti-smuggling efforts. He emphasized that officers under his leadership remain vigilant in detecting concealment, under-declaration, false declaration, and other attempts to evade duty payments.
He attributed the remarkable success to several key factors, including the dedication and professionalism of Customs officers, strict compliance with trade regulations, and the promotion of industrial harmony within the command.
Strategic Role of Apapa Port in National Economy
Olomu also underscored the critical importance of Apapa Port in Nigeria’s economic framework, noting that it handles the highest volume of cargo entering the country.
“Ports are critical national assets with a direct impact on the economy, influencing both local and global trade. It is, therefore, imperative to ensure the efficiency of port operations, especially at Apapa Port, which remains a key revenue hub for Nigeria,” he stated.
He further highlighted the command’s proactive approach in addressing operational challenges at the port, particularly through its engagement with government agencies, terminal operators, and port stakeholders.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Trade Facilitation
In line with the directives of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the command has prioritized stakeholder engagement and inter-agency collaboration to enhance seamless port operations.
According to Olomu, the command has successfully intervened in disputes among sister government agencies, terminal operators, and port users, fostering an environment that strengthens confidence in the trade ecosystem and promotes uninterrupted business operations.
“Our intervention in port-related disputes has played a crucial role in ensuring unhindered trade activities, thereby reinforcing stakeholders’ confidence in the efficiency of Apapa Port,” he noted.
Vision for the Future
As the Apapa Customs Command continues to set new records, Olomu assured that the command would sustain its momentum in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement of customs regulations.
“Our commitment remains unwavering as we aim for higher revenue targets while ensuring compliance with all trade laws. We will not relent in our efforts to curb smuggling, detect fraudulent practices, and strengthen border security,” he added.
The latest revenue milestone is a testament to the efficiency of the Nigeria Customs Service and its role in advancing the nation’s economic prosperity.
