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Apapa Customs Command Generates Over N1 Trillion Despite Reduced Import Volumes

Written by Jerry Alomatu on July 10, 2024

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The Apapa Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a remarkable revenue collection of over N1 trillion in the first half of 2024, despite a notable decline in importation volumes.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Area Controller of the Command, disclosed this to journalists in Lagos, highlighting that the command also seized eleven containers containing prohibited items. These included expired and unregistered pharmaceuticals, footwear, used clothing, armored cables, and frozen poultry products, valued at N424.1 million. This marked a decrease from the previous year’s seizures, which totaled N1.4 billion.

Olomu attributed the successful revenue collection to the command’s commitment to trade facilitation, which has improved the ease of doing business while preventing revenue losses. He emphasized ongoing collaboration with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and host communities to enhance operational efficiency.

“We are also not leaving anything to chance for economic saboteurs as our non- intrusive inspection (NII) regime is fully in place where scanners are deployed for cargo examination with support of physical examination where and when necessary,” Olomu stated. He underscored that the significant revenue achievement was attained despite a notable reduction in trade volume.

The Apapa Area 1 Command’s performance underscores its pivotal role in revenue generation and trade regulation within Nigeria’s busiest port complex, reflecting strategic measures to uphold customs integrity amidst evolving economic conditions.