Apapa Customs Hits N1.38 Trillion in Six Months, Seizes 27 Containers in Crackdown on Smuggling
…as Comptroller Olomu showcases major seizures, boosts trade facilitation, and vows clampdown on illegal cargoes
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has announced a record-breaking revenue collection of N1.378 trillion in the first half of 2025, marking a remarkable 35 per cent increase over the same period in 2024.
This feat was revealed on Thursday, 3rd July 2025, by Comptroller Babajide Olomu, fsi, Ph.D., during a mid-year press conference held at the Command’s headquarters in Lagos.
Comptroller Olomu, while addressing members of the press, praised the collaborative efforts of journalists, stakeholders, and his officers, attributing the Command’s successes to a synergy of stakeholder engagement, technological upgrades, officer dedication, and enhanced port user compliance.
“Our total collection for the period under review stands at N1,378,059,019,245.20, a significant leap from the N1,023,663,842,255.63 we collected in the first half of 2024.
This increase of over N354 billion is a testament to our strict adherence to the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and our resolve to block revenue leakages,” Olomu said.
He affirmed that with the current revenue trajectory, the Apapa Command is well on course to surpass its annual revenue target by year-end.
On trade facilitation, Comptroller Olomu celebrated the full deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), otherwise known as B’Odogwu, which has revolutionised cargo processing at the nation’s premier port.
He revealed that Apapa Command had successfully issued its first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) through the B’Odogwu platform on 9th May 2025 — a milestone in customs automation and faster cargo clearance.
“We are determined to reduce delays, congestion, and technical hitches that plagued the former system. B’Odogwu is homegrown and efficient, and it already powers the issuance of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR),” he noted.
Olomu further disclosed that the Command has commenced high-level engagements with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other stakeholders to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for rail cargo movement from Apapa Port.
He noted that this initiative aims to decongest the port, ease pressure on Apapa roads, and promote a more cost-effective cargo evacuation system.
Highlighting the Command’s anti-smuggling efforts, Comptroller Olomu showcased nine newly intercepted containers seized just days prior. These included consignments of unregistered pharmaceuticals, expired margarine, used clothing, codeine syrup, and the skin of wild animals.
These seizures, valued at N9,267,443,966.00 in duty-paid terms, formed part of 27 containers intercepted between January and June 2025.
He noted that the haul included: 10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, 2 containers of codeine syrup, 2 containers of stolen vehicles, 4 containers of used clothing, container of wild animal skins, and a container of matches imported without the required End-User Certificate (EUC).
“The prevalence of unregistered pharmaceuticals is particularly disturbing. Let it be known that we will never compromise the health and safety of Nigerians under the guise of trade facilitation. Every container is subject to scanning and, where necessary, physical examination,” Olomu stated firmly.
He added that the importation of wild animal parts violated the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
In response to various infractions, the Command has sealed three bonded terminals — with one already charged to court and investigations ongoing on the other two.
Comptroller Olomu issued a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators, stressing that the Apapa Command remains under the watch of “eagle-eyed officers” who are primed to detect, detain, and prosecute offenders.
“Our officers are not only vigilant but equipped with the tools and mandate to clamp down on uncustomed goods. We’ve demonstrated our resolve, and we will not relent,” he declared.
He also used the opportunity to appreciate sister agencies for their unflinching support in intelligence sharing and collaborative operations that have strengthened national security efforts at the port.
“Our unity continues to be a nightmare for criminal elements. We shall keep consolidating on our synergy,” he added.
Comptroller Olomu concluded by urging continued stakeholder cooperation and called on all port users to embrace compliance for a seamless trade ecosystem.
