By: Joy Enamuna

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has set a new revenue collection record, generating an unprecedented ₦18.9 billion in a single day on Friday, March 14, 2025.

This milestone surpasses the previous highest daily collection of ₦18.2 billion recorded in October 2024.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, described the achievement as the beginning of even greater milestones in 2025.

He attributed the success to officers’ dedication, sustained compliance culture, and industrial harmony at Apapa Port, along with the unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

The announcement was made in a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Tunde Ayagbalo, on Monday night.

Key Factors Behind the Achievement

Comptroller Olomu emphasized that collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) played a crucial role in resolving challenges affecting port users, particularly issues related to the Eto call-up system, which had previously caused traffic congestion at the port corridor.

Additionally, he intervened in a potential strike by maritime workers and freight forwarders over unresolved disputes with APM Terminals. His efforts helped avert a port shutdown, ensuring seamless import and export activities.

Commitment to Trade Facilitation and Anti-Smuggling Efforts

Highlighting the importance of Apapa Port in Nigeria’s economy, Comptroller Olomu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to keeping trade activities smooth.

“In line with the CGC’s directive to enhance stakeholder engagement, we stepped in to resolve disputes involving government agencies, terminal operators, and other port users,” he said. “It is heartwarming to see that our efforts have maintained uninterrupted trade and strengthened confidence among stakeholders.”

He also reiterated the command’s vigilance in tackling smuggling, stating that officers remain fully prepared to detect and prevent concealment, under-declaration, false declaration, and other forms of duty evasion.

With this record-breaking revenue collection, the Apapa Area Command continues to set the pace in revenue generation and trade facilitation in Nigeria’s maritime sector.