Commentaries

Comptroller Yusuf Malanta: The Revenue Marshall of Nigeria Customs

Comptroller Yusuf displaying some of the seized contraband goods

Eyewitness Reporter

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service is unarguably the biggest revenue basket of the agency.

The command, as the flagship of the tax-collecting agency of the Federal Government, contributes the largest chunk of the annual revenue targets of the service, year in year out.

Its contributions to the revenue profile of the service are conservatively put at between 35 percent to 40 percent of the revenue earnings of the organization, each year.

It is for this reason the command has consistently become a cash cow which annually boosts the increasing revenue propensity of the service.

However, never in the history of the service had Apapa Command boosted the revenue collection of the agency than now.

Never in the history of the service than now had the Apapa command redefined the act of revenue collection taken to an unprecedented and dizzying height.

Never in the history of the service than now had the Command recorded a blistering form in revenue generation.

Never in the history of the service than now had the command combined the twin objectives of revenue generation and trade facilitation with admirable ease to achieve record-breaking feats.

In 2021, the command collected a whooping sum of N870.388 billion as revenue, a collection higher by 68 percent over the N518.0446 billion collected in 2020.

That was the year, 2021, when Comptroller Yusuf Malanta Ibrahim, the revenue Marshall, berthed at the Command as its Area Controller.

Yusuf, who was appointed and took over as the helmsman of the premier Customs Command, will be a year old in the saddle in February 2022.

But within 12 months, shy of a few days, which he has so far marshaled the affairs of the flagship command, Comptroller Yusuf has redefined the act of revenue collection.

With gusto, he has broken all the records in the books in terms of revenue mobilization and collection.

A monthly analysis of the revenue haul of the command in 2021 showed that he is a man who relishes aiming for the sky.

In February when he took over, he met a monthly revenue earning of N49.544 billion.

Ever since then through to December, the revenue Marshall has not looked back as he achieved a geometry increase in revenue collection.

In March, the command collected N55.645 billion and in April, it was N65.463billion.

May recorded N62.966billiion while the sum of N78.500million was collected in June.

July recorded the sum of N72.536billion and N87.881billion in August.

The sum of 82.147billion was collected in September and October yielded N86.022 billion.

The month of November witnessed an unprecedented monthly collection of a humongous sum of N89.766 billion which was a record revenue collection never witnessed in a single month in the entire Service.

In December, the sum of N85.516 billion was collected to round up the year.

In total, the command collected an eye-popping sum of N870,388,340,650.65 billion

This sum is 37.84 percent of the N2.3 trillion realised by the entire Service in 2021.

The revenue target of the service for 2022 has been fixed at the sum of N4.1 trillion.

Out of this, the Apapa port Command, expectedly, will contribute the largest chunk of the target.

Going by its propensity for recording a geometric increase in revenue generation, it is expected that the Apapa command will also take the lead in the quest of the Customs High command to meet the mega target of N4.1 trillion.

If the command could rake in N870.388 billion in 2021, which translates to 21.2 percent of N4.1 trillion of this year’s service target, it then presupposes that the command is expected to contribute nothing less than N1trillion to the year’s target.

This is based on the fact that N870.388 billion (2021 total revenue of Apapa) of N2.3 trillion of last year’s target is 37.84 percent, the same percentage of this year’s N4.1 trillion will therefore translate to N1.55 trillion.

And going by the geometric increase in its revenue collection, the Apapa Command is expected to gross nothing less than 1 trillion this year.

The command, under the able leadership of Comptroller Yusuf, is by no means intimidated by the task ahead.

Already, Malanta has primed the machinery of the command to execute the project.

“For us in Apapa Area Command, we have already boarded and fastened our seat belts towards the realisation of this target ( the N4.1 trillion revenue target for 2022.)

Such was the zeal, determination and resilience of the one also known as revenue mobiliser.

Malanta knows the structure and internal workings of Apapa command like the back of his hand.

Before his present assignment, he had held sway at the same Command as its ASYCUDA Project Manager(APM) where, working behind the scene, he had used technology to boost the revenue profile of the command.

Using his acumen as a system man, Malanta had worked as the APM to sustain the status of the command as the biggest revenue basket for the service.

Automated system for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) is a technological tool used by Customs to enhance its operations and boost revenue generation.

As the one driving the project then, it means that Malanta is well-grounded in automation processes.

His background in ICT technology thus prepared him for his present assignment as the helmsman of the Apapa command.

So it was a homecoming for Malanta in February 2021 when he was redeployed to Apapa, as the Area Controller to work in familiar terrain.

That explains the ease and clinical efficiency he marshalls the revenue machinery of Apapa command for huge harvest.

His knowledge of the terrain and the technicalities of the job also explained why Comptroller Yusuf hit the ground running almost immediately he assumed duties in 2021.

Comptroller Yusuf also combines his proficiency and propensity for revenue generation with trade facilitation with admirable ease.

He encourages trade compliance among the trading public, especially those plying their trade at Apapa command.

His belief was that compliance aids trade facilitation which in turn boosts revenue generation.

As a result, he always preaches compliance among the trading public and admonishes the traders to embrace compliance that will aid quick service delivery.

His love for compliance made him create a special unit called the compliance department which enhances compliance among traders.

With his uncompromising attitude towards compliance, the trading public has come to conform with the tenets of goods clearing procedures at the command.

Also, the men and officers of the command, the foot soldiers and field commanders, have taken a cue from the revenue Marshall not to compromise in their duties.

Whoever among the trading public who refuses to be compliant always feels the wrath of the revenue Marshall who seizes such unconventional goods without batting an eyelid.

This explains the uncompromising anti-smuggling machinery of the command which rolls with ruthless and clinical efficiency that recorded 103 seizures of contraband goods in 2021 with duty paid value of N31.227 billion.

The trade facilitation drive of the command has also resulted in the processing of five million, three hundred and eighty tonnes of exports in 2021 with the dollar value of $641 million as against the $340 million recorded in 2020

Comptroller Yusuf has often told the trading public that he is a friend to compliant traders while a nemesis to recalcitrant ones.

The revenue Marshall at the command has therefore dexterously combined the use of technology, superior intelligence gathering, forensic manifest management system and the synergy he has forged with other sister agencies, to propel the Apapa command to a commanding height of revenue generation.

To realise the 2022 revenue goal, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), the Customs High commander, can always rely on the technology-savvy of Malanta to lead the crack team of revenue mobilisers in the service who are expected to prosecute the onerous task of meeting the N4.1 trillion revenue mark.

Related Topics:featured Revenue Marshall

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Commentaries

Dapo Okubadejo – Visionary leader poised for greater responsibilities in Ogun State

Olufemi Orioye

As the political landscape of Ogun State continues to evolve with an eye on the 2027 general elections, one name that is increasingly being highlighted as a strong contender for the Deputy Governorship seat is Honorable Dapo Okubadejo, the Economic Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the state’s Commissioner for Finance.

Okubadejo has, over the past few years, proven his exceptional leadership, financial expertise, and unwavering commitment to the development of Ogun State.

His strategic vision and remarkable track record make him not just a key player in Ogun’s economic progress but also a potential catalyst for even greater growth under the leadership of Senator Solomon Adeola as the incoming governor of the Gateway state

A Financial Maestro with Proven Expertise

Honourable. Dapo Okubadejo’s journey into public service began with an impressive academic background and a career that spans several years in both the public and private sectors.

As the Economic Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Commissioner for Finance in Ogun State, Okubadejo has demonstrated remarkable financial stewardship, steering the state’s economic activities with a blend of innovation, accountability, and transparency.

His ability to manage the state’s finances during times of economic uncertainty, alongside his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, has earned him the admiration of his colleagues and the public alike.

Role in Ogun State Government

Since joining the Ogun State government in 2019, Okubadejo has been a key figure in shaping the state’s economic policies.

-He leads the state’s economic management team

-Oversees budgeting, revenue generation, and fiscal planning

-Helps design and implement economic reforms and development strategies

-His work has focused on improving internally generated revenue, attracting investment, and strengthening financial governance in the state.

One of his notable achievements has been his role in stabilizing the state’s revenue generation systems.

Under his leadership, Ogun State has witnessed a remarkable improvement in internally generated revenue (IGR), reducing reliance on federal allocations.

Okubadejo through his intellectual prowess with his financial expertise has increased the state internal generated revenue from the paltry sum of twenty million naira annually before the current administration to almost three hundred million naira annually while the state’s annual budget of its former four hundred and fifty million naira has also increased to over one trillion naira within seven years in office

This feat has not only enhanced the state’s financial autonomy but has also allowed for greater flexibility in executing developmental projects aimed at improving the lives of residents.

His work on creating a more efficient budget system has allowed Ogun State to channel resources towards key infrastructural projects, education, and health initiatives, creating a ripple effect that benefits the state’s entire economy.

With the forthcoming 2027 elections in sight, Okubadejo’s financial acumen is seen as a valuable asset in managing the economic demands of the state, making him a strong candidate for the deputy governorship role

Who is Dapo Okubadejo?

Dapo Okubadejo is a Nigerian financial expert, investment adviser, and politician who plays a central role in the economic management of Ogun State.

He currently serves as the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun, positions he has held since 2019.

Background and Education

Okubadejo was born in Ogun State, Nigeria, and hails from Ijebu Ode.

He studied Agriculture at Obafemi Awolowo University and later earned a master’s degree in International Finance from the University of Glasgow.

Professional Career

Before joining government, he built a distinguished career in global finance:

He started at Arthur Andersen in 1992, rising to senior management

He became an Equity Partner at KPMG by serving as Head of Deal Advisory and Private Equity for West Africa and later Africa

Okubadejo worked extensively on corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and investment advisory across multiple sectors

He is widely regarded as an expert in international finance, project finance, and investment strategy, advising both governments and private investors

Reputation Within policy and business circle

Okubadejo is known for his technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong background in global finance.

His influence in Ogun’s economic planning has made him one of the most prominent technocrats in the state’s administration.

In simple terms, Dapo Okubadejo is a top financial strategist in government, combining private-sector experience with public service to manage and guide Ogun State’s economy.

A Vision for Ogun’s Future

Okubadejo’s approach to governance has always been rooted in the vision of a prosperous and self-reliant Ogun State.

His involvement in strategic economic planning has positioned the state to be one of the top economic hubs in Nigeria.

His work on the Ogun State Development Plan, a comprehensive blueprint designed to take the state into the next decade of growth, is a testament to his long-term vision.

In recent years, Okubadejo has worked closely with Governor Dapo Abiodun to champion initiatives that will diversify the state’s economy beyond its traditional agricultural base.

He has been a vocal advocate for the growth of the state’s industrial and technological sectors, recognizing that sustainable growth will depend on the development of these critical industries. Under his guidance,

Ogun has attracted both local and international investors, with the state’s manufacturing and technology parks seeing significant expansions.

His forward-thinking policies also emphasize the empowerment of local entrepreneurs and the creation of an environment conducive to innovation.

These initiatives not only stimulate job creation but also lay the foundation for a more resilient economy in the face of global challenges.

Strong Leadership with Community Focus

What sets Okubadejo apart from other political figures is his focus on the people.

He has consistently emphasized the need for governance that listens to the aspirations of the citizens and aligns policies with their needs.

In his various roles, Okubadejo has worked tirelessly to improve the welfare of the average Ogun resident, prioritizing education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

His leadership style is centred on collaboration and inclusivity.

Whether it’s working with other government officials, the private sector, or the general public, Okubadejo believes in building consensus and fostering unity.

His focus on transparency has earned him the trust of both the government and the people, a crucial quality for anyone seeking to hold a high office.

As the Economic Adviser to Governor Abiodun, Okubadejo has acted as a bridge between the state and its international partners, bringing in crucial investments and resources that have accelerated Ogun’s development

His ability to navigate the complexities of global economics while staying grounded in local needs has set him apart as a visionary leader with the kind of global perspective necessary for Ogun to thrive in the coming years.

A Partnership with Senator Solomon Adeola

With the selection of Senator Solomon Adeola as the Ogun State APC gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 elections, the stage is set for a formidable partnership between two leaders who are committed to the state’s prosperity.

Adeola’s wealth of experience in the Senate, coupled with Okubadejo’s financial expertise, presents a strong combination capable of driving Ogun’s next wave of development.

Okubadejo’s deep understanding of state finances, paired with Adeola’s experience in federal legislative matters, makes them a powerful duo in the pursuit of greater infrastructure, job creation, and economic development in Ogun

The synergy between the two would create a dynamic team ready to confront the challenges of governance with confidence and competence.

A Bright Future for Ogun State

As the 2027 elections draw near, Ogun State’s political landscape looks set for transformative changes.

Honourable Dapo Okubadejo’s potential as the next Deputy Governor is undeniable.

His solid record in public service, combined with his clear vision for the future, makes him a fitting choice for a leadership role that demands both experience and foresight.

With Okubadejo at his side, Senator Solomon Adeola would undoubtedly have a reliable partner to help push Ogun State to even greater heights.

Their combined efforts promise a prosperous, self-reliant Ogun State that will be a model for other regions to follow.

In conclusion, as Ogun State prepares for the 2027 elections, one thing is certain: Dapo Okubadejo stands out as an exceptional leader ready to take on greater responsibilities and continue his journey of service to the people of Ogun State.

His appointment as Deputy Governor would not only be a reward for his dedicated service but also a step toward securing a brighter future for all Ogun residents.

Commentaries

AMBO At 60: The technocrat Osun needs for defining future

Abiola Oluwaseun.

Today, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, turns 60.

Yet his birthday is more than a personal milestone; it has become a political moment for Osun State, where citizens increasingly recognise that competence, not theatrics, must define the next chapter of leadership.

Over the decades, the name AMBO has evolved from an acronym into a brand of leadership: calm yet decisive, technocratic yet deeply connected to the grassroots, firm yet unfailingly humane.

In a political climate where noise is often mistaken for achievement, Oyebamiji represents a refreshing countercurrent.

His rise embodies what governance should be , that is, thoughtful, grounded, and anchored in systems that outlive individuals.

Born and raised in Ikire, Oyebamiji’s childhood reflected the realities of rural Southwestern Nigeria in the 1970s: modest homes, tight-knit families, and parents who believed that education was the greatest inheritance.

These early experiences shaped his enduring ethos, which holds that success must be built on discipline, learning, and service, rather than shortcuts or populist gimmicks.

That ethos carried him into the banking sector in the late 1980s, where he began a nearly 40-year career spanning commercial banking, investment management, and public finance.

Whether at Wema Bank or in later roles, he became known for precision, calmness and an uncommon ability to navigate complexity, attributes that would later define his public life.

For instance, as Commissioner for Finance in Osun State, Oyebamiji earned a reputation for steadiness when the economy was anything but steady.

He managed crises, stabilised financial systems, and insisted on transparency at a time when many states were buckling under fiscal pressure.

At the helm of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), he introduced reforms that revived a long-neglected sector.

His insistence on safety protocols, digital compliance systems, and staff capacity-building restored credibility to an agency once dismissed as dormant.

These reforms did not just solve immediate problems; they laid structural foundations that will endure long after his exit, a hallmark of leaders who build institutions rather than headlines.

In a political era dominated by theatrics, Oyebamiji’s competence is a quiet but persuasive argument for a different kind of governance.

Perhaps the most compelling part of AMBO’s recent journey is his intentional return to the grassroots.

Long before declaring his gubernatorial ambition, he toured all 30 local government areas of Osun and sometimes with only a handful of aides, meeting traditional rulers, youth groups, farmers, market women, and party stakeholders.

What he offered was not money or slogans, but time and listening, a rarity in modern politics.

Residents expected a quick speech and a hurried exit. Instead, they encountered a man willing to sit on wooden stools, walk through farms, and ask honest questions about fertiliser, rural roads, and food prices.

That ability to combine technocratic sophistication with human connection has become one of his strongest political assets.

In a state where people insist on touchable leadership, AMBO passes the test.

Osun stands at a crossroads. After three years under an administration more famous for dance-floor theatrics than developmental strategy, the state confronts deep financial pressures, faltering infrastructure, an underperforming agrarian economy, and widening political fractures.

Now, this moment demands a financial expert, not a financial gambler, a planner, not a performance artist and systems builder, not another administrator of stagnation.

In every measurable way, AMBO fits the brief.

His mastery of budgeting, revenue optimisation, and long-term economic planning is not theoretical but proven.

His experience with national logistics and waterway infrastructure gives him an edge in building rural value chains and improving mobility.

And his calm but firm leadership style offers a bridge for a politically divided state yearning for stability.

Some analysts argue that Osun’s next leader must be someone whose legitimacy comes from competence rather than charisma.

Others point to AMBO’s organic support base, who are mostly youths, traditional councils, workers, and party stakeholders, as evidence of a candidate whose popularity grows not from noise but from trust.

At 60, Oyebamiji stands at the convergence of experience, foresight, and maturity.

He is part of a generation of technocrats who understand both the old Osun and the new one that must emerge.

His ambition is not driven by desperation but by preparedness.

As one associate puts it, “AMBO is the kind of leader who prepares long before he steps into the arena.”

That discipline is rare and that’s precisely what Osun needs.

Birthdays are checkpoints, and at 60, AMBO arrives at one with a résumé richer than that of any aspirant in the race: a childhood rooted in Ikire, a career refined in the banking halls of Lagos, a reputation tested in Osun’s public finance, and a national leadership role that broadened his perspective.

He embodies a blend of technocratic depth, local legitimacy, and national exposure.

As Osun inches toward its next gubernatorial transition, the question is not whether AMBO is qualified.

It is whether the state is ready to embrace the kind of leadership that prioritises systems over spectacle, results over rhetoric, and people over performance.

The evidence suggests that Osun’s moment of clarity has come just as history often rewards preparedness with opportunity, politics rewards timing.

And at 60, with his credentials, character, and deepening support across the state, it is increasingly clear that this is AMBO’s time.

Abiola Oluwaseun writes from Gbogan, Osun State

Commentaries

Who is afraid of Bashir Jamoh, NIMASA boss?

Bashir Jamoh, DG, NIMASA

Ikechukwu Ukaegbu

The resurfacing of corruption allegations against the DG NIMASA sparks of nothing short of mischief.

Social media has been awashed with the fake news that N1.5 trillion, $9 Million looted funds were traced to NIMASA boss, Bashir Jamoh’s Personal Account.

However, what is more nauseating is the circulation of this false and stale information by social media users without any form of fact-checking.

No wonder experts have stated that the third world war may be triggered by the misuse of the internet.

About a year ago, Jackson Ude published a damaging article accusing Dr. Jamoh of corruption. Ude is a self-acclaimed journalist and lapdog for the opposition and other disgruntled elements.

He has carved a niche for blackmailing and maligning the government and its top officials.

Owing to his innocence, the NIMASA DG immediately issued a rebuttal and to further validate his incorruptibility, wrote to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requesting that the allegation leveled against him be investigated; a gesture which was applauded by the public and viewed as a bold move and first of its kind.

Meanwhile, investigations conducted since last year by notable sources revealed that the allegations were nothing but an outright falsehood and mistaken identity.

The analysis of screenshots of chats shared by Ude showed that the report was actually against a retired employee of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Hamza Jamo, who happened to also be a representative of Talent Enterprise, a Dubai-based training firm.

Forensic analysis also showed that the number shared by Ude belonged to the NNPC former staff and not the NIMASA DG but Ude in his quest for mischief refused to conduct due diligence before publishing the disparaging report.

Also, the Dubai-based company, which the former NNPC staff represents went on to issue a statement denying ever having any business relationship with NIMASA or with its Director General.

It is also because the allegations against the NIMASA boss by security agencies were discovered to be false that the EFCC never went after him. Instead, a manhunt was launched for Ude for his detrimental lies.

As usual, he cowardly fled. From a distance outside Nigeria, he throws stones big enough to destroy others’ integrity. Jamoh is not his first or only victim. Ude has targeted many innocent people. He has never proved his allegations. When sued for reputational damage, he is not found to be brought to book.

The recycling of stale information and fake news a year after it was circulated for ill-intentioned purposes is unfortunate and tactless. It is not surprising that these attacks came at a time Jamoh planned to contest the Kaduna State Governorship post.

That it coincided with this political outing revealed an attempt by saboteurs. But he is not going to be on the ballot. Making the spread of the fake information at the heels of the suspension of the Accountant General is a futile effort designed to make the Buhari Government look corrupt.

But despite these continued attempts by the likes of Ude and his sponsors to distract him, Jamoh has excelled as the NIMASA DG.

His appointment by the President is indicative of his capacity to perform excellently, especially with his more than 30 years of experience in the maritime sector.

Not only has he integrated national security and waterways protection infrastructure in the country, he initiated the SHADE Gulf of Guinea project which is playing an active role in tackling sea piracy.

It was following this genius initiative that the International Maritime Bureau struck out Nigeria from its piracy list. In addition, due to his innovative leadership, the number of seafarers has increased with over 2, 000 Nigerians trained under the National Seafarers Development Programme while security to over 22 port facilities in Nigeria has substantially improved.

No doubt, these immeasurable, achievements in just one year have led to enhanced developments in the Nigerian maritime industry. Understandably, his opponents are unhappy and have resorted to adversarial antics to soil his name and make nonsense of his feats.

Nigerians must stand up against fake news and its harmful effect. The use of yellow journalists to attack and undermine honest as well as passionate government officials who are making giant strides in their areas of appointments to move Nigeria forward should also be totally condemned.

As the DG NIMASA continues to write his name in the sands of time, let those who are after him or his job know that their schemes can only end in futility.

Ikechukwu Ukaegbu, is a Maritime Safety Analyst and resides in Abuja, FCT.