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apapa port

Apapa Port Customs rakes in ₦694.1bn into FG coffers in Q1

Samson Echenim April 15, 2025

Samson Echenim

The Apapa Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service said it collected a total ₦694.16 billion as 2025 first quarter revenue.

Area Controller of the Command, Babatunde Olomu, who disclosed this recently when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs, said the 2025 Q1 figure was ₦205 billion higher than the ₦489 billion collected from January to March 2024, representing 41.8% increase.

While briefing the Committee led by Hon. Leke Abejide, Comptroller Olomu attributed the Command’s successes to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and expressed optimism in the command’s ability to surpass the ₦2.357 trillion it collected for the whole of 2024 .

He said: “Under the guidance and effective supervision of the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we are optimistic about surpassing last year’s total collection as evident in our first quarter report.

“This Command achieved a daily record-breaking revenue collection of ₦18.9 billion on Friday, March 14, 2025, which stands out as the highest in the 135-year history of the service.

“This new record breaks the existing highest daily collection of ₦18.2 billion which was achieved in October 2024 by us.”

He noted that the Command domiciled at the premier port plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economy, facilitating trade and ensuring the enforcement of regulations related to imports and exports.

“This Command oversees customs activities with capacity to handle the highest volume of trade not only in Nigeria but also in the West and Central Africa sub region,” he said.

Comptroller Olomu emphasised that the Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has been instrumental in enhancing the ease of doing business in the country by improving Customs clearance processes, reducing delays in cargo clearance, and leveraging technology through the use of ICT and fast-tract.

Speaking further on technology, he said the B’Odogwu platform is improving and contributing immensely to trade as it is fast gaining more user acceptance and adaptability.

Comptroller Olomu expressed confidence in the Command’s ability to achieve greater revenue collection while describing the first quarter figures as a good start showing prospects for better days ahead.

The CAC also told the lawmakers that Apapa Port Command of NCS has achieved the processing of export under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Guided Trade Initiative (GTI)where some Nigerian companies are participating robustly as exporters and further encouraged by migrating them to the status of Authorised Economic Operators(AEO)

Two weeks ago, the service achieved a breakthrough by issuing the first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under the B’Odogwu regime. Comptroller Olomu described it as a significant milestone in the service journey towards an ICT backbone that is indigenously propelled and sustainable for modern Customs management in Nigeria.

Hon Abejide, speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, commended Comptroller Olomu for his ingenuity in making the Command very productive . He assured the CAC and stakeholders, including licensed Customs agents of utmost legislative support

The lawmakers also praised the Controller for leading the Command efficiently while throwing their weight behind the drive for effective trade facilitation backed by technology and promoting global best practices in Customs administration in Nigeria

April 15, 2025 0 comment

NEWS & PUBLIC ECONOMY

Customs records new daily all-time-high revenue collection of ₦18.9bn at Apapa port

Samson Echenim March 17, 2025

Samson Echenim

The Apapa Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service has achieved a daily revenue collection of ₦18.9 billion on Friday, March 14, 2025, which stands out as the highest in history of the command.

This new record breaks the existing highest daily collection of ₦18.2 billion which was achieved in October 2024.

Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, who described the feat as the beginning of greater exploits to be achieved in 2025, said officers dedication to duty, sustenance of compliance as a norm and promotion of industrial harmony in Apapa Port as well as the CGC’s unwavering support contributed to the achievement.

The Controller, acting under the directives of the CGC had spearheaded high level discussions to partner with the Nigerian Ports Authority in resolving all crises with port users and truckers over issues around the Eto’o call up system which had caused traffic gridlock along the Apapa Port corridor.

Further to the CGC’s directives, Comptroller Olomu also stepped in to prevent the planned withdrawal of service by maritime workers and freight forwarders due to unresolved issues between them on one hand and APM Terminals on the other hand.

The efforts of the CAC prevented a shutdown of port activities and promoted productivity with seamless import and export activities.

Speaking on the impressive revenue collection and harmonious working environment, Comptroller Olomu said, ” Ports are critical national assets with direct impacts on the economy touching on local and global trade. It is, therefore, imperative to keep the ports working, especially Apapa Port, which accounts for the highest volume of cargoes coming into Nigeria.”

“In line with the directives of the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR who has promotion of robust stakeholders engagement as one of his cardinal thrust, we intervened in the disputes involving sister government agencies, terminal operators and stakeholders in the port”.

“It is heartwarming to note that our intervention succeeded in promoting uninterrupted trade and strengthening port users’ confidence”

” Our record-breaking achievement of ₦18.9b daily collection on Friday, March 14 , 2025 is the beginning of greater exploits to be attained this year. We are also not lowering our guard in the fight against smuggling as our officers are ever ready to detect concealments, under declaration, false declaration, and other antics geard towards duty evasion, ” he said.

March 17, 2025 0 comment

SHIPPING & TRADE

Customs targets 80% operation with B’Odogwu through inclusion of PAAR, Form ‘M’

Samson Echenim March 5, 2025

Samson Echenim

As the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) begins national rollout of its indigenous trade platform, B’Odogwu, the Service says it targets to cover 80% of its operations using the platform by further integrating Form ‘M’ and the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).

The B’ Odogwu trade platform of the NCS was developed in Nigeria and first adopted at the Port Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Port in Apapa, Lagos, as a pilot implementation. Two major trade documentations, the Form ‘M’ and the PAAR were not included in the pilot phase at PTML, yet the B’Odogwu trade tool helped the port to achieve a historic revenue of over N120 billion in three months.

On Monday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said it was time to begin to use the B’Odogwu platform at all Customs formations having shown to be a veritable trade well cultured for international trade in Nigeria. The Customs boss said the NCS was set to expand its modernisation initiative with the nationwide rollout of the B’Odogwu platform following its pilot implementation at the PTML Area Command.

Adeniyi, during the pre-launch high-level stakeholders’ engagement at Apapa Area Command on Monday, reaffirmed the service’s commitment to a seamless transition despite initial challenges.

“We are working in collaboration with the banks towards integrating PAAR and Form ‘M’, which were not included in the PTML pilot. Once we capture that, we can conveniently say that we have captured almost 70-80% of our operations,” Adeniyi said.

He noted that the launch at PTML command experienced a number of hitches, but the implementation team was on hand to address some of them.

The Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, taking the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi through the B’Odogwu trade platform at Apapa Port, on Monday.

He said: “With your cooperation, support, and understanding, we will address all those challenges together. Our leadership team have established implementation benchmarks with clearly defined success criteria and contingency plan.

“There is no looking backwards. We are focused on rolling out this platform. We have learned valuable lessons from PTML, and now, we are in the main place, and we want to ensure that the implementation will be seamless moving forward.”

The CGC expressed optimism, citing the success recorded in PTML, where over 16,000 declarations were processed, generating revenue in excess of N120 billion within three months. He assured stakeholders that the system is robust and designed to improve efficiency and revenue generation.

The Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, highlighted the platform’s stability, stating, “Since its introduction, B’Odogwu has recorded zero downtime.”

She also stressed the importance of training to prevent system abuse, affirming that continuous training sessions are planned for stakeholders.

The Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, emphasised collective responsibility in making the platform successful. He stated that the initiative’s success depends on how well it is embraced.

Similarly, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, and Comptroller Babatunde Olomu assured that officers and stakeholders are well prepared.

“As the premier port, we are ready for the next phase of customs modernisation. Extensive training has been conducted, and the testimonials from participants are positive”, he noted.

Stakeholders at the pre-launch acknowledged the benefits of the new system.

Chairman of the National Council for Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Oladimeji Lawal, commended the service for developing an indigenous platform.

“B’Odogwu is faster when you want to take delivery; faster and different from NICIS; it’s our Indigenous platform, which is going to be favourable for us if customs can work as they started,” he remarked.

March 5, 2025 0 comment

TRANSPORT

New NRC MD hits the ground running, secures cargo movement from Apapa port to Ibadan through rail

Samson Echenim February 7, 2025

Samson Echenim

Barely one week after he assumed office as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa has perfected plans for movement of cargo from the APM Terminal, Apapa Port to the NRC freight yard in Moniya, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The agreement was reached following a high-level meeting led by the new NRC boss and the Director of Operations, Mr. Akin Osinowo, with the APM Terminals Apapa team, led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Frederik Klinke and Chief Commercial Officer Mrs. Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi.

According to a statement on the NRC ooficial X handle, this initiative aims to improve cargo logistics, ease port congestion, and boost trade efficiency by leveraging the rail network for seamless freight movement between Lagos and Ibadan.

During the meeting, Klinke assured NRC of greater efficiency in turnaround of cargo at the port and expansion of the use of rail for cargo evacuation and export through APM Terminals.

The NRC Managing Director expressed appreciation for APM Terminal’s close partnership with the Corporation, which goes back decades.

L-R: Director of Operations, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Akin Osinowo; APMT CEO, Mr Frederik Klinke; MD, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa; and the CCO, APMT Nigeria, Mrs Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, during the meeting at the NRC headquarters, Ebute Meta, Lagos.

He stated that the collaboration is going to be of tremendous benefit for both parties, as “we are going to work for the satisfaction of not only the APMT but all customers who intend to do business with Railways.”

Opeifa reiterated his determination to change the corporation for good as he said in his maiden speech at the assumption of office.

“Prioritising customers’ satisfaction by improving customer experience and ensuring that our services are reliable, efficient, safe and sustainable remains cardinal to me,” he said.

He added that all key stakeholders, including the media, will be deployed extensively to encourage people towards greater use of the rail system.

Earlier, Klinke reiterated APMT’s position as the foremost transporter of container freight in the country and a major partner to the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

He highlighted the strategic advantage Nigeria held, being surrounded by a number of landlocked neighbouring countries, creating an opportunity to serve as a hub for the importation of containerised goods.

Opeifa, an astute transport administrator, was the backbone of a presidential task force set up by the Muhammadu Buhari administration in May 2019, headed by ex-VP Yemi Osibanjo, to clear the perennial Apapa Port road gridlock. The workaholic was seen working on the road, day and night, Monday to Sunday, in rain and sunshine, to ensure a free flow of traffic, until Dangote completed the reconstruction of the port access roads.

Nigerians on X have hailed his early result for taking advantage of the low-haniging fruits in the railway subsector and for his competence to effect the desired change in the railway corporation.

February 7, 2025 0 comment

MANAGEMENT

45 varsity students get APM Terminals scholarship in Lagos

The Economy January 30, 2025

The Economy

West Africa’s largest container port operator, APM Terminals Apapa, has announced an award of university undergraduate scholarship to 45 students in its host community, the seaport city, Apapa, Lagos State, Nigeria.

The company on Wednesday, said the scholarship award was part of its corporate social responsibility projects and unwavering commitment to education and youth development.

According to the port operator, the beneficiaries, who are undergraduates of public universities across the country, were honoured at a ceremony held in Lagos on Tuesday. Additionally, scholarships were awarded to the children of five front-line employees of the company.

Speaking at the event, Terminal Manager Steen Knudsen highlighted APM Terminals Apapa’s dedication to making a lasting impact in the community.

He emphasised the company’s belief in education as a key driver of progress, noting that the initiative aligns with its mission of improving lives and fostering development in the societies it operates.

“Today, we are supporting 45 students, but our vision is to grow this number to over 250 students within the next four to five years. Education is the foundation of the future, and we are proud to contribute to shaping the next generation of leaders,” he said.

Chairman, Apapa Local Government, Hon. Idowu Senbanjo and Terminal Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen with the beneficiaries of the APM Terminals scholarship award at the presentation ceremony in Apapa, Lagos, on Tuesday.

APM Terminals Apapa is the largest container terminal in Nigeria and West Africa, serving as a critical gateway for imports and exports in the region.

The company’s contributions extend beyond scholarships. APM Terminals Apapa has a rich history of supporting education in its host community, including the renovation and upgrading of Randle Secondary School, Apapa. This investment provided the school with modern facilities, ensuring an improved learning environment for students.

In addition to its focus on education, the company is driving other impactful initiatives. Knudsen revealed plans to launch a technical training program for female mechanics in collaboration with the Lady Mechanic Initiative, a non-governmental organisation established in 2004 to empower vulnerable girls/women, equipping them with skills to become certified professionals.

Also speaking at the scholarship award ceremony, the Head of People Function, APM Terminals Nigeria, Uzoma Ben-Ude, encouraged the beneficiaries to strive for excellence and make the most of the opportunities provided. She emphasised the importance of boldness and hard work in achieving success.

Senior People Business Partner and Scholarship Program Lead, APM Terminals Apapa, Omolara Olatunbosun described the scholarship as not just a recognition of the awardees’ academic achievements, but also a testament to their character and drive to achieve more.

“It was clear that each of them was deeply committed to securing this scholarship, and their determination was inspiring. Out of over 150 applicants, they stood out for their resilience and perseverance,” she said.

The Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Hon. Idowu Senbanjo, commended APM Terminals Apapa for its contributions and urged other companies in the area to emulate the initiative. She advised the students to take their studies seriously and use the scholarship as a springboard for success.

The Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex Apapa, represented by the Port Legal Adviser, Maxwell Maduakolam, praised APM Terminals’ commitment to education and urged the students to remain diligent.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude to APM Terminals Apapa for the support. Ebuwa Ekin-noma Blessing described the scholarship as a life-changing opportunity, while Lagos State University student Ige Akindenuola said the initiative would yield great results for the recipients and their communities.

National Open University of Nigeria student Nansoh Melody echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the scholarship’s positive impact on her education.

Thumbnail photo:
L-R: Chairman, Apapa Local Government, Hon. Idowu Senbanjo; a beneficiary of the APM Terminals Apapa scholarship award, Onalaja Olayinka; Terminal Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen and the Head of People Function, APM Terminals Nigeria, Uzoma Ben-Ude, at the APM Terminals scholarship award ceremony in Apapa, Lagos, on Tuesday.

January 30, 2025 0 comment

CUSTOMS

Customs CG commends Apapa port controller over N2.2trn 2024 revenue collections

Samson Echenim December 16, 2024

Samson Echenim

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has commended the Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, for the command’s outstanding revenue collection of over N2.2 trillion and urged him to sustain the tempo.

The CGC, who said this in Apapa on Friday at the command’s end of the year party and award ceremony, also harped on the need for compliance and synergies as necessary strategies to achieve greater productivity at the port. According to him, compliance is a competitive advantage.

Represented by Deputy Comptroller General Caroline Niagwan, DCG Tariff and Trade, Adeniyi congratulated the Customs Area Controller and all the officers and men of Apapa Area Command for the milestone achieved in revenue collection to the tune of N2.2 trillion and still counting which has earned the command multiple accolades

Adeniyi said: “It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today to celebrate a shared commitment to compliance and excellence in trade. This award ceremony is a testament to your dedication to ethical business practices, adherence to regulations, and unwavering support for the principles that drive Nigeria’s economic growth.

“Compliance is not merely a requirement; it is a competitive advantage. It fosters transparency, reduces operational risks, and strengthens the trust between businesses and regulatory authorities. It also positions compliant stakeholders to enjoy streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and access to the numerous benefits that come with being recognized as trusted trade partners.

“As a Service, we understand that sustaining compliance can sometimes require capacity building, especially as global trade evolves. To this end, the Service is committed to providing the necessary training, technical assistance, and partnerships that will empower you with the knowledge and tools to maintain this high standard.

“Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder remains competitive,vinnovative, and aligned with global best practices.
By working together, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth. Compliant stakeholders not only contribute to national revenue but also drive economic development, attract foreign investments, and enhance Nigeria’s position in international trade.”

In his welcome speech, Comptroller Olomu expressed appreciation to the CGC and the customs management team for always providing the direction and inspiration to the command in it’s drive to meet government’s expectations .

He described the end of year party as many things rolled up in one as it strengthens the stakeholders bond as a community of government and private sector collaborators working together for the betterment of Nigeria; it’s also to celebrate together as the year 2024 ends and honour those whose outstanding performances contributed in shaping the command’s achievements in 2024.

Comptroller Olomu said despite the challenges of low trade volume, the command is able to achieve it’s target which is a reflection of officers commitment and dedication to duty

He added that in line with the policy thrust of the CGC, the command utilised it’s relationship with stakeholders to achieve it’s goal this year.

According to him improving on stakeholder engagement has become an operational template the Comptroller General of Customs has impressed on the officers and expressed joy to announce that it has proven to be a masterstroke towards enhanced compliance.

Comptroller Olomu said “Compliance is no doubt the bedrock of all customs achievements in areas of revenue collection, anti smuggling and legitimate trade facilitation. Our approach to regurlarly engage our sister government agencies has raised our degree of intelligence sharing towards a common national interest.

“Let me use this period to thank the NPA, DSS, NDLEA, NAQS,Port Health, Police, Immigration and other sister government agencies for their consistent collaboration in 2024. They are indeed an integral part of the command’s success story in 2024. I urge them to stay on board let’s do it again in 2025,” Olomu said.

He lauded the port users for regularly attending the command’s enlightenment meetings and for embracing faster trade dispute resolution mechanism and consistent appraisal of feedbacks to keep improving on Customs responsibilities in Apapa Port.

“There have been positive fallouts of our regular interface with our stakeholders. This is evident in our collection of N2..2tr revenue and still counting, zeroing in on the minority that attempt smuggling by curbing their activities with seizures. We are fostering inclusivity and this will continue in 2025

“We have ensured no container , import or export consignment goes through our control without due diligence of proper examination. This has been the foundation of our impeccable enforcement drive.

“We are honouring some of our officers and stakeholders for their outstanding performances in the year 2024 . I want to urge the awardees to see this as a call for more commitment to surpass their best outputs. There is no end to improvement

“This should also be a challenge to those who didn’t make the award list this time, I urge them to keep improving with a promise that their inputs shall not go unnoticed for due recognition” he concluded

Among those recognised with various awards are APM Terminals, Sifax Group, ENL Consortium, Dangote, Talod Ocean Airfreight and Princess Chi Ezeh the CEO of Munah Sylva Nigeria Limited

The command also recognised serving and retired officers for their contributions to it’s overall successes in 2024

December 16, 2024 0 comment

CUSTOMS

Apapa Customs hits N2trn, aims 2024 revenue target before Dec

Samson Echenim November 20, 2024

Samson Echenim

The Apapa Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service has achieved a revenue collection of N2.01tr as at November 19, 2024

Customs Area Controller(CAC) of the command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi who disclosed this while addressing officers and men on a parade on Wednesday November 20, 2024 said the command aims at achieving its N2.2tr target for this year by the end of this month ahead of December.

Comptroller Olomu said the command is drawing inspiration from the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,MFR who announced the total collection of N5.07tr by the service on Tuesday at the just concluded CGC Conference in Abuja.

According to him, Apapa Port Command plays a critical role in the overall performance of the service nationwide .He said the command contributed 40% (forty percent)of the N5.07tr total target of the service that has been met so far, which underscores the high expectations and responsibility on the command.

The Controller urged officers to align with the outstanding examples set by CGC Adeniyi in revenue collection, trade facilitation, uncompromising enforcement and sustained stakeholder engagement in the service and national interest.

He charged the officers to keep the trajectory of good revenue and enforcement records sustained and ensure that seizures made from smugglers should be backed with suspects for prosecution. He added that arresting smugglers with their wares would cause greater impact in the fight against smuggling.

Comptroller Olomu used the opportunity of the parade to update the officers on important highlights from the CGC Conference. He urged them to imbibe the spirit and letter of the theme, which was “Engaging Traditional and New Partners With Purpose”.

He said the NCS 2024 CGC Conference theme aligns with that of the World Customs Organisation which seeks to leverage on achievable gains from cordial relationships across organisations and individuals to achieve customs goals

He listed some outcomes from the conference which include sustenance of diligent import and export cargo examination with the deployment of hundred percent physical examination where necessary; granting of access to enforcement unit officers to view the Nigetia Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) platform; and avoidance of Indiscriminate intervention alerts which makes service personnel appear to be working at cross purposes. According to CAC Olomu,NCS is one and should operate and be seen as one.

Other fallouts from the CGC Conference announced by the Area Controller are the banning of commercial activities within customs formations and premises. He listed such activities like the engagement of Point of Sales (PoS) operators around customs offices, and involvement of customs officers in clearing jobs, that is doubling as licensed agents, which conflict with their official mandates

Other messages cascaded from the 2024 CGC Conference announced by Comptroller Olomu are compulsory and routine medical checks for all officers; instituting rewards and honouring outstanding officers for their productivity; development of inter zonal games being put together by the service Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) ; fully automation of transire by first quarter of 2025 and the expansion of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and Advance Ruling(AR) scheme

Comptroller Olomu also announced that the command is planning an award night for deserving officers and stakeholders that have contributed to it’s success in 2024. He also gave plaques of award to some units and individuals for excellent discharge of their functions.

The Compliance Unit was honoured for the recovery of over N2b in the last three months. Efforts of the Revenue Recovery Unit that also prevented the loss of N3b within the last three months was also recognised

Assistant Comptroller M. Samad received an award from the CAC for due diligence and regular detection of under valuation

The Controller also honoured Inspector of Customs Adamu Bashir as best dressed and punctual officer.

November 20, 2024 0 comment

AGENCIES SHIPPING & TRADE

NPA, APM Terminals contain fire at Apapa port

Samson Echenim November 9, 2024

Samson Echenim

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and APM Terminals weekend contained a fire outbreak on a crane at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa.

The terminal operator said there were no injuries or fatalities as a result of the fire. It also said that the incident did not disrupt operations at the port.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the NPA Management and NPA Fire Service for their prompt assistance in managing the situation.

“We are pleased to confirm that all personnel are safe, with no injuries or fatalities reported. The safety of our employees, partners, and the surrounding community is our top priority, and we are proud that our stringent safety measures played a critical role in preventing any harm. Operations at the terminal have not been disrupted, and we continue to operate as usual,” APM Terminals said in a statement.

It said a thorough investigation is being conducted to determine the cause of the fire.

“We appreciate the support and understanding of our stakeholders during this time and remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence,” it added.

November 9, 2024 0 comment

CUSTOMS NEWS & PUBLIC ECONOMY SHIPPING & TRADE

Customs intercepts 4 containers of restricted drugs worth N1.18bn at Apapa port

Samson Echenim October 16, 2024

Samson Echenim

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Port Command has busted an attempt at smuggling four containers laden with illicit drugs worth N1.18 billion.

The containers were loaded with 236,783 bottles of a cough syrup containing codeine and barkadin cough syrup packed in a total of 2,174 cartons from two terminals under the command. Three of the seizures were made in APM Terminals and one was made at Kachicares Bonded Terminal.

Customs Area Controller, Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu

Giving further details on the seizures, Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, described the seizures as a fallout of the Customs zero tolerance for smuggling.

Olomu said, “On 11th of October 2024, our officers during a joint examination of one 40ft container number MRKU0377493 found prohibited CSP cough syrup in 34,800 bottles. The offensive importation was also found to have expired. The smugglers packed them in 174 cartons with 200 bottles per carton.

“On the same day, during another examination in the same terminal, another one 40ft container with number TGBU8886020 was found to be laden with 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup packed in 100 bottles per carton.

“Also, we intercepted one 40ft container NO TCKU6800526 dropped at APMT Container Terminal, said to contain Essential goods was examined on 15 October 2024, and after examination it was found to contain a concealment of 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup for throat and chesty with codeine 100ml packed in 200 bottles per carton.

Samples of the seized drugs

At Kachicares Resources Terminal, men of the commanf seized another 4ft container NO SUDU8579006 said to contain kitchen wares, but on examination, was found found to contain Barcadin cough syrup. They were packed in 1,584 cartons. Another set of 83 loose bottles was also found in the container.

“Like I have always said, Apapa Command is committed to seamless trade facilitation powered by robust stakeholders engagement but will not compromise on our revenue collection, anti smuggling mandates as we facilitate trade. For the umpteenth time, I want to warn perpetrators of unlawful trade to steer clear from Apapa Port as our eagle eye officers relying on intelligence, technology and on the job experience are out to uncover all their smuggling antics” the controller said.

Codeine abuse has been found to cause nausea or vomiting,making addicts feel sleepy, unable to concentrate or think clearly, and behave irrationally, including exhibition of criminal tendencies.

The federal government banned the importation of codeine cough syrup in 2018 following its abuse and the adverse effects it caused on many youth who got addicted to it.

These banned substances have been found to spur criminal activities and deviant behaviors capable of setting society backward.

The Area Controller has directed further investigation into the seizures to unravel further details that could lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) involved.

October 16, 2024 0 comment

CUSTOMS NEWS & PUBLIC ECONOMY SHIPPING & TRADE

Apapa Customs revenue collections hit N1.6trn

Samson Echenim October 7, 2024

Samson Echenim

Revenue collections by the Apapa Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service in the year 2024 hit N1.61 trillion at the end of September.

Customs Area Controller, Apapa Port, Babatunde Olomu, disclosed this in a statement conveying the command’s third quarter report on Monday.

The amount reached by the command at end of the third quarter of 2024 stood above N1.17 trillion collected as total revenue in the year 2023

Olomu described the feat as a fallout of diligence and integrity, assuring that the command would continually engage with stakeholders to improve on the revenue collections and reduce smuggling of goods.

He identified the N201.8 billion collected in July 2024 and N193.9 billion in September 2024 as spectacular figures capable of being replicated again in the last quarter of the year beginning from October.

Comptroller Olomu said the various trade facilitation programmes put in place by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, like advance ruling, time release study and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) are being dutifully implemented for the overall benefit of the nation’s economy.

While commending officers of the command for the achievement in revenue collection relying on diligent examination and uncompromising interventions through issuance of demand notices, where and when necessary, the Area Controller reiterated the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling.

Olomu said: “The command shall continually engage with all stakeholders to sustain the rising level of compliance, which has resulted in reduced smuggling in the area.

“The strict monitoring of cargoes, constant profiling of port users, sensitization of stakeholders and in-house training, and retraining of customs officers have jointly contributed to the almost zero level of smuggling in recent times.”

The CAC urged all port users in Apapa to avail themselves of the services of the dispute resolution team to resolve all areas of uncertainty while reassuring licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and haulage operators of the command’s readiness to assist at all times.

He thanked sister government agencies for their support and stated that the command will always leverage on its relationship with them to share intelligence against criminal elements, do joint examinations in line with extant standard operating procedures (SOPs) and promote compliance at all times.

He continued: “Our revenue collection is good, and I know we can do better with more impressive results in the last quarter of 2024. I want to thank our compliant stakeholders for their cooperation in supporting us to achieve this level of collection.

“Reduced smuggling activities is a testament to affirm the compliance we are celebrating, and I can say the best is yet to come. We are not losing guard. Our tempo of vigilance is airtight, which attests to our capacity to detect smuggling and make seizures.”

The Apapa Customs boss stressed the command’s uncompromising stance against smuggling and importation of illegal goods.

“As we do trade facilitation, our anti smuggling activities are done side by side leveraging on our non intrusive technology for cargo scanning and physical examination when necessary. Let me also state that these standards and procedures are strictly adhered to in all bonded terminals under our control, ” Olomu said

October 7, 2024 0 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts

apapa port

Apapa Port Customs rakes in ₦694.1bn into FG coffers in Q1

Customs records new daily all-time-high revenue collection of ₦18.9bn at Apapa port

Customs targets 80% operation with B’Odogwu through inclusion of PAAR, Form ‘M’

New NRC MD hits the ground running, secures cargo movement from Apapa port to Ibadan through rail

45 varsity students get APM Terminals scholarship in Lagos

Customs CG commends Apapa port controller over N2.2trn 2024 revenue collections

Apapa Customs hits N2trn, aims 2024 revenue target before Dec

NPA, APM Terminals contain fire at Apapa port

Customs intercepts 4 containers of restricted drugs worth N1.18bn at Apapa port

Apapa Customs revenue collections hit N1.6trn

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