…Reaffirms zero tolerance to smuggling activities
The Apapa Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service has achieved a remarkable milestone, collecting N1.6 trillion by the end of the third quarter of 2024, surpassing the total revenue of N1.17 trillion in 2023. According to Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, this impressive feat is a direct result of diligence and integrity. He attributes the success to various factors, including the effective implementation of trade facilitation programs, such as advance ruling, time release study, and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)
The command’s strategic efforts have led to a significant reduction in smuggling, with notable revenue collections in July (N201.8 billion) and September (N193.9 billion) 2024. To sustain this momentum, Comptroller Olomu plans to maintain engagement with stakeholders, ensuring continued compliance and cooperation.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu expressed gratitude to sister agencies for their support, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in sharing intelligence to combat criminal activities. He highlighted the Apapa Port Command’s impressive revenue collection, noting that despite the good performance, there’s room for improvement, especially in the last quarter of 2024.
Olomu also attributed the success to compliant stakeholders and reinforced the command’s commitment to vigilance, leveraging non-intrusive technology for cargo scanning and physical examinations to prevent smuggling. He assured that standard operating procedures are strictly followed in all bonded terminals.
“the various trade facilitation programmes put in place by the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, like advance ruling, time release study and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) are being dutifully implemented for the overall benefit of the nation’s economy” he said.
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. According to the CAC, the command shall continually engage with all stakeholders to sustain the rising level of compliance, which has resulted in reduced smuggling in the area. According to him, strict monitoring of cargoes, constant profiling of port users, sensitization of stakeholders and in-house training, and retraining of officers have jointly contributed to the almost zero level of smuggling in recent times.
The Command encouraged all port users to take advantage of their dispute resolution team to clear up any uncertainties. This support extends to licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters, and haulage operators, ensuring they receive assistance whenever needed
