Apapa Customs Command Shatters Revenue Record with N1.6 Trillion in Q3 2024
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded an impressive revenue collection of N1,610,906,781,421.82 in the third quarter of 2024, despite facing challenges from a cargo drought. This remarkable figure surpasses the N1,172,414,793,960.32 collected in the entire year of 2023, according to a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Usman.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Command, attributed the achievement to diligence, integrity, and consistent engagement with stakeholders. He highlighted the notable figures of N201.8 billion collected in July and N193.9 billion in September, expressing confidence that these results can be replicated in the final quarter of the year, beginning in October.
Olomu praised the implementation of trade facilitation programs introduced by Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, such as advance ruling, time release study, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) initiative. These programs, according to Olomu, have been key to boosting the nation’s economy and supporting the record-breaking revenue performance.
In addition to revenue collection, the Apapa Command has made significant strides in reducing smuggling activities. The CAC commended his officers for their diligent cargo examinations and issuance of demand notices when required. He emphasized the command’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling and the role of strict cargo monitoring, profiling of port users, and continuous training of customs officers in achieving this success.
Olomu reassured stakeholders, including licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers, and exporters, that the command’s dispute resolution team is always ready to assist in resolving any uncertainties. He also expressed gratitude to other government agencies for their ongoing support in sharing intelligence, conducting joint cargo examinations, and promoting compliance.
“Our revenue collection has been outstanding, and we are poised to achieve even greater results in the last quarter of 2024,” Olomu said. “The reduction in smuggling activities demonstrates the level of compliance we are celebrating, but the best is yet to come. We remain vigilant, leveraging advanced non-intrusive technology for cargo scanning and physical examination when necessary.”
The CAC concluded by reaffirming the command’s commitment to upholding strict standards and procedures across all bonded terminals under its control.
