The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it generated over ₦1.3 trillion in revenue within the first six months of 2025, crediting the achievement to increased stakeholder compliance and collaboration.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Area Controller of the Apapa Command, disclosed this during a familiarisation visit to the Lagos offices of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).
“The command generated ₦1.378 trillion in six months,” Olomu said. “This success is a result of the commitment and compliance from stakeholders like NAGAFF and ANLCA.”
He noted that in 2024 alone, the command recorded ₦2.357 trillion in revenue, a figure he said reflected their shared commitment to national economic growth.
The visit, Olomu explained, aligns with the directive of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi to strengthen ties with freight forwarders and enhance trade facilitation.
“This signifies our credibility as a Customs administration. However, we need the active support of credible freight forwarder associations like yours,” he told both groups.
Olomu urged stakeholders to uphold global best practices, stressing the importance of compliance, accurate declarations, and prompt duty payments in import and export processes.
He praised ANLCA as a pioneer in Nigeria’s maritime industry and described NAGAFF as a symbol of resilience and professionalism. He also commended NAGAFF founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, for sustaining the organisation’s vision for 25 years.
“Customs officers are vital to the logistics ecosystem,” Olomu added, while encouraging continued collaboration to drive economic growth through Nigeria’s ports, airports, and excise factories.
He also called on members of both associations to prioritise their health.
“Routine medical check-ups help prevent high blood pressure, hypertension, stroke, and other avoidable ailments. Also, engage in regular physical exercise,” he advised.
As part of the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility, Olomu said the Apapa Customs medical facility remains available to members at a subsidised cost.
Responding, NAGAFF President Chief Tochukwu Ezisi said the visit provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and promote reforms in cargo clearance.
“At NAGAFF, we support reforms that ease business, protect national interest, and align operations with global standards,” Ezisi said. “Let this visit renew our joint commitment to trust, practical action, and sustainable progress.”
On his part, ANLCA Apapa Chairman Chief Emeka Chukwumalu praised Olomu for his leadership and impact on customs operations, especially the introduction of the call-up entrance wallet which he said reduced transport costs from ₦1.2 billion to ₦350 million.
Chukwumalu also applauded the support for member training sessions and called for continued assistance to further ease trade facilitation.
In response, Olomu assured both associations of his continued support and promised to address issues raised during the visit.
