Author: Lucy Nyambi.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command has set a new revenue collection record, generating an unprecedented N18.9 billion in a single day on Friday, 14 March 2025.
According to a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Tunde Ayagbalo, this new record surpasses the previous highest daily collection of N18.2 billion, recorded in October 2024.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, described the achievement in the statement as the beginning of even greater successes in 2025. He attributed the milestone to the dedication of officers, an improved compliance culture, and industrial harmony within Apapa Port. He also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, for his unwavering support, which contributed to this accomplishment.
“Ports are critical national assets directly impacting the economy, influencing local and global trade. It is, therefore, imperative to ensure the ports remain operational, especially Apapa Port, which handles the highest volume of cargo entering Nigeria,” Olomu stated.
The statement further stated that the Customs Area Controller acted under the directives of the CGC and led high-level discussions with the Nigerian Ports Authority to resolve conflicts with port users and truckers regarding the Eto call-up system, which had caused traffic congestion along the Apapa Port corridor.
He further highlighted the command’s proactive approach in addressing bottlenecks that could have disrupted port operations.
“In line with the CGC’s directive to promote robust stakeholder engagement, we resolved disputes among sister agencies, terminal operators, and port users. It is heartening to note that our efforts have successfully facilitated uninterrupted trade and strengthened the confidence of port users,” he explained.
Comptroller Olomu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling smuggling and duty evasion. “Our officers remain vigilant in detecting concealments, under-declarations, false declarations, and other tactics aimed at evading duties,” he assured.
