In a significant move to strengthen collaboration and boost trade facilitation, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement by visiting the leadership of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).
The visits, which took place on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the NAGAFF Headquarters and ANLCA National Secretariat, align with the transformation agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, aimed at reforming and modernising customs operations through robust partnerships.
Speaking during the engagement, Comptroller Olomu highlighted the commendable revenue achievements made possible through collaborative efforts with key trade stakeholders.
“As a result of collaboration with partners like NAGAFF, we have attained a total collection of ₦1.378 trillion for the first half of 2025,” he announced.
He commended NAGAFF’s efforts in industry training and development, describing the NAGAFF Academy as a forward-thinking initiative that contributes significantly to human capital development within the sector. Olomu also encouraged freight agents to maintain their wellbeing, pointing out the availability of the command’s health clinic to officers and partners.
Responding, NAGAFF Founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, applauded the Apapa Customs Command for entrenching professionalism, noting that current leadership has fostered a more peaceful and efficient port environment.
“We no longer engage in conflicts during cargo inspections. It’s a new dawn for freight forwarding at Apapa Port,” he said, while calling on members to ensure transparency in cargo declarations.
NAGAFF President, Tochukwu Ezisi, expressed gratitude for the CAC’s outreach, noting that it reaffirms commitment to reforming port operations and strengthening regulatory structures.
During a similar engagement at the ANLCA Secretariat, Comptroller Olomu was received by ANLCA President, Emenike Nwajuba, who pledged the association’s unwavering support for the Customs Command’s initiatives. He praised the open-door policy and responsiveness of the command under Olomu’s leadership.
The high point of the visit was the symbolic decoration of Comptroller Olomu by both NAGAFF and ANLCA leaders, signifying a renewed spirit of unity, trust, and mutual respect between the Nigeria Customs Service and its strategic partners.
