OLOMU IS NOT LOOKING BACK; RAKES IN N1.378 TRILLION, INTERCEPTS N9.267 BILLION CONTRABAND IN 6 MONTHS
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Expectedly, the Area Controller of the Premier command, Apapa did not disappoint as usual as he raked in more than N1.378 trillion in the first half of this year, with the seizure of 27 containerised contraband worth N9.267 billion.
The revenue figure is against N1,023,663,842,255.63 generated last year.
Briefing newsmen today, Compt Babatunde Olomu attributed the huge revenue to the diligently officers and compliant traders.
‘On my watch and under the direction of the Comptroller General, we have always insisted on maximum collection of government revenue by preventing leakages and applying Demand notices (DN) where and when necessary’
He stated that their revenue collection trajectory points to the possibility of achieving or surpassing the annual target by the end of this year, noting that he has urged his officers and men to brace up and redouble their efforts to make surpassing target a reality.
‘Our enhanced stakeholders’ engagement, deployment of ICT, port user compliance and uncompromising disposition of our officers and men culminated into better achievements for us, in line with the CG’s policy thrust’
ANTI-SMUGGLING
Today, they are showcasing nine (9)containers comprising of unregistered pharmaceuticals, used clothing, expired margarine, wild animals’ skin, and codeine syrup seized by the command just a couple of days ago,which form part of the twenty-seven (27) containers seized between January -June 2025 with a duty paid value of(DPV)of Nine billion,two sixty-seven million,four hundred and forty-three thousand, nine hundred and sixty-six naira (#9,267,443,966.00)
The seizures are inclusive of 10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, 2 containers of codeine syrup, 2 containers of stolen vehicles, 4 containers of second-hand clothing, amongst others. These seizures are a fallout of their efforts at preventing Nigerians from unwholesome foods and drugs, stopping illicit trade and protecting our local industries. As a standard, they will never compromise the health, well-being, safety of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation. Every consignment
passing through our port undergo diligent check through scanning and physical examination when required.
According to him, Unregistered pharmaceuticals is most prominent on the list of twenty-eight (28) seizures made by the command during the period under review.The seizures comprise of controlled drugs, used clothes, codeine syrup, wild animals’skin and other sundry items.
He said, It is pertinent to note that trafficking of wild animals contravene the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which Nigeria is a signatory. Equally, on the detention list is a container of matches imported without the required End User Certificate (EUC)as provided for in our extant laws.
As a fallout from their uncompromising anti-smuggling operations, they have sealed 3 bonded terminals under the command for various infractions.One of the terminals has been charged to court for prosecution while investigation is still ongoing on the remaining two terminals.
Through this medium, he once again warned perpetrators of illegal acts that Apapa Port Command is manned by eagle eyed officers, who are activated to detect and seize uncustom goods with a clear mandate to arrest perpetrators. They have demonstrated their capacity in this regard and we shall continue to do more.
TRADE FACILITATION
According to him, the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) also known as B’Odogwu has gone live in the Apapa Command with laudable milestones. In addition to the issuance of the Pre Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) being issued using the homegrown technology, we have achieved issuance of the first Single Goods Declaration On the 9th of May 2025 using the B’Odogwu platform. For them, this marks a significant shift towards faster,more reliable cargo handling. They have created a robust platform that facilitates trade and ensures the swift clearance of cargo.
He said they are addressing challenges such as poor network connectivity, delays, and congestion associated with the former system. Very recently, under the guidance of the CGC, they opened talks with officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other stakeholders from various associations on developing a standard operating procedure (SOP)for the movement of goods by rail from Apapa Port to other states.
Compt Olomu is pleased to express that the talks have shown prospects for success with pledges of support and anticipation for robust participation by all concerned. This effort to revive cargo movement by rail aims to decongest the port, reduce pressure on the Apapa roads and provide a viable and cost-effective option of cargo movement to our importers, exporters, freight forwarding practitioners, haulage operators and licensed customs agents.
INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION
He uses the opportunity of this briefing to acknowledge and commend other sister government agencies for their support. They have always enjoyed their robust intelligence sharing and joint consultations towards national security. Their togetherness has always stood as great blows to criminals and their activities.We shall continue strengthening the bond.