Customs surpasses 2023 revenue, receives N1.6tr from Apapa port in Q3 2024

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has collected N1.6 trillion in revenue at the Apapa Port by the end of the third quarter of 2024, surpassing the N1.17 trillion total revenue collected in 2023.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) for the Apapa Port Command, Babatunde Olomu, in a statement yesterday, attributed this achievement to diligence and integrity.

He highlighted the N201.8 billion collected in July 2024 and N193.9 billion in September 2024 as significant figures, expressing optimism that similar results could be replicated in the last quarter, starting in October.

Olomu emphasised the command’s commitment to continuous engagement with stakeholders to enhance revenue collection and further reduce smuggling, which has been notably curbed under the command’s watch.

He credited the success to various trade facilitation programs implemented by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, including the Advance Ruling, Time Release Study, and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) schemes, all of which are aimed at benefiting the nation’s economy.

Commending his officers for their diligence in revenue collection, Olomu acknowledged the importance of thorough examinations and issuing demand notices where necessary.

He reaffirmed the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling and stressed the command’s commitment to sustaining high levels of compliance, which have contributed to a significant reduction in smuggling activities in the region.

Olomu further explained that strict monitoring of cargo, constant profiling of port users, stakeholder sensitisation, and regular training and retraining of customs officers have all played a role in achieving near-zero smuggling incidents in recent times.

He encouraged all port users in Apapa to utilise the services of the dispute resolution team to address any uncertainties and reassured licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and haulage operators of the command’s readiness to assist at all times.

The CAC also thanked sister government agencies for their support and emphasised that the command would continue to leverage its relationship with them to share intelligence, conduct joint examinations in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and promote compliance.

“As we facilitate trade, we also remain committed to anti-smuggling efforts, utilising non-intrusive technology for cargo scanning and physical examinations when necessary. These standards and procedures are strictly adhered to at all bonded terminals under our control,” he added.