In a groundbreaking development for Nigeria’s maritime trade sector, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a historic revenue collection of N2.357 trillion for the year 2024, the highest ever in its 135-year history. This feat has positioned the command as the top-performing unit nationwide, earning it three national awards for excellence in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and overall performance.

Speaking during an official visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs, Customs Area Controller Dr. Olomu Babatunde Olukayode revealed that the command has already surpassed its first-quarter revenue target in 2025, generating N753.8 billion, a significant increase from the N489 billion recorded in the same period last year.

“This command remains the heartbeat of Nigeria’s trade operations, contributing approximately 50 percent of the nation’s customs revenue and handling the highest volume of trade in West and Central Africa,” Dr. Olukayode stated.

Highlighting the command’s recent achievements, Olukayode announced a record-breaking daily revenue collection of N18.9 billion on March 14, 2025, exceeding the previous record of N18.2 billion set in October 2024. He credited the command’s success to improved technology adoption, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic enforcement initiatives under the guidance of the Comptroller-General of Customs.

The Apapa Command has intensified efforts to improve the ease of doing business, especially through the implementation of ICT solutions such as fast-track cargo clearance and the newly launched Unified Customs Management System (B’Odogwu). It recently issued the first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under the B’Odogwu platform, marking a significant step towards paperless customs operations.

Olukayode emphasized the importance of multi-agency collaboration with stakeholders such as the NPA, DSS, NDLEA, and Port Health. “Our structured interface with private and public sector actors ensures smooth operations and quick problem resolution,” he said.

In addition to revenue generation, the command has stepped up its anti-smuggling operations. In 2024, it recorded 36 major seizures of contraband including codeine-based cough syrups, Tramadol, and unregistered pharmaceuticals. So far in 2025, the command has made nine significant seizures, including over 100,000 bottles of expired codeine syrup and illegal frozen poultry products from Turkiye.

“These substances could have endangered countless lives if not intercepted. Some suspects are currently facing prosecution,” Olukayode disclosed.

Despite its achievements, the Apapa Command is grappling with several challenges, notably inadequate scanning equipment, poor road infrastructure, and outdated terminal machinery. Olukayode urged the committee to push for legislation supporting the procurement of modern scanners and to engage port terminal operators on upgrading their equipment in line with their concession agreements.

The electronic truck call-up system (ETO’O) also came under scrutiny for inefficiencies that nearly sparked industrial action, only avoided through intervention by the Comptroller-General and negotiations with the Maritime Workers Union.

Key Recommendations

The Customs chief called for:

1. Legislative support for additional scanning machines.
2. Improved road networks to reduce port congestion.
3. Higher budget allocations for surveillance tech such as drones and cargo tracking systems.
4. Engagement with port terminal operators to enforce investment in modern handling equipment.

Dr. Olukayode expressed optimism that the command will surpass its 2024 revenue benchmark, driven by reforms and robust leadership at the NCS. “We are not resting on our laurels. Our focus is on sustaining productivity, enhancing trade facilitation, and protecting national security,” he concluded.

The visit by the lawmakers underscores growing national attention to customs operations, particularly those tied to strategic revenue and trade gateways such as the Apapa port.

By Queen Phillips