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Our commitment towards trade facilitation, interventions to plug revenue leakages has set Apapa Customs on comfortable trajectory to achieving N2.3 trillion 2024 revenue target—- Comptroller Olomu

Comptroller Olomu, Apapa, CAC
Funso Olojo 
The new Area Comptroller of the Apapa command of the Nigeria Customs service, Babatunde Olomu, has expressed confidence in the ability of the Command to meet its 2024 revenue target of N2. 3trillion.
Comptroller Olomu, who assumed duties at the flagship command of the service a month ago, is therefore consolidating on the achievements of his predecessor, retired Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, who bowed out of the service in May, 2024.
According to Comptroller Olomu, the command, under his leadership, has embarked on a number of measures to further consolidate the achievements of his predecessor in order to take the revenue performance of the command to the next level.
Towards this, the command has set monthly, weekly and daily revenue targets for its revenue officers to energise them toward meeting the N2. 3trillion 2024 target.
It was learned that the sum of N193 billion was set as a monthly target, N44 billion as the weekly target and N8.9 billion as a daily target.
The CAC met a template for enhanced revenue collection which he is now building on.
In the first quarter of the year, before he assumed duties, the command surpassed its target for that period.
In the month of April, it generated N182 billion, in May, the revenue dropped due to some challenges as it collected N175 billion.
However, Comptroller Olomu is ambitious as he has set a target of N200 billion for the month of June.
“We are seriously working towards this target and we are confident of achieving it due to the diligence and dedication of our revenue officers who are constantly being kept on their toes by the CAC and the Headquarters” a source close to the crack revenue team of the command, whispered to our reporter.
” We have plugged a lot of revenue leakages and made a lot of interventions which keep our revenue increasing” the source declared.
” We do all these without impeding trade as we do everything to facilitate genuine transactions by compliant traders”
” We know the high propensity of an average Nigerian trader to evade duty payment.
“So we do a lot of scanning and physical examinations without necessarily compromising trade facilitation”
” Because of our diligence and thoroughness in checking declarations and consignments through the use of non-intrusive technology( scanning) and physical examinations, non-compliant traders are not comfortable.
“As a result, some of them resort to blackmail and all sorts of antics to compromise and dampen the morale of our revenue officers without success” an inside source declared.
” We raised a lot of queries on suspicious consignments but without wasting time to ensure that importers and their agents make honest declarations”
” So, a compliant trader has no reason to be apprehensive at the command”
It was also gathered that to further boost fast delivery of cargo to decongest the terminals and at the same time, reduce traffic gridlock on the port access road, Comptroller Olomu has initiated a programme that will encourage the maximum use of barges to evacuate cargo from the port.
” The CAC is desirous of encouraging the use of barges.
” To this end, he has commenced an engagement with barge operators and terminal operators to enhance the use of barges.
” In addition, he wanted to co-opt other commands at the Lagos port into the initiative” a source stated.
On the issue of alerts on cargo, the command said it was a means of flagging any cargo whose owner either wants to evade payment of duties or engage in under payment.
” A compliant trader has no cause for worry as there’s no alert without justification because an average Nigerian does not want to pay tax.
The command also clarified the issue of scanning which has evoked some negative reactions in some quarters, especially among non-compliant traders.
” It is the system that randomly selects containers meant for scanning.
” There is no way our scanning officers could influence containers that will go to the scanning site.
” This is impracticable due to the volume of containers they are supposed to scan daily which are between 150 – 200.
” There won’t be time to subject any  of such container to physical examinations given the volume of containers they are to scan each day”
“Non-instructive inspection (scanning) is the best technology we have all over the world.
” But some Nigerians are aversed to this type of technology that will not allow them to cut corners because of their high propensity to evade payment of duties” our reporter learned.
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Customs

Kaila, Seme Customs CAC, seeks collaboration with stakeholders to achieve seemless trade along border corridor 

Funso OLOJO, Editor
The new Area Controller of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has  reached out to traditional rulers and  sister agencies at the border communities to ensure the achievement of his mandate of detection, determent of smuggling, revenue generation and trade facilitation along the border corridor.
To achieve these objectives, Comptroller Kaila went on tour of the communities within the border corridor where he met and sought for the support and cooperation of major critical stakeholders, including the traditional rulers and sister agencies.
According to him, his objective was to eradicate trade hindrances affecting free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan business corridor.
Speaking at the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I who was a well recognized traditional ruler across the border communities.
“”The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service.
“Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling.
“And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we can not have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said
 The King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, who described Kaila as the son of the soil, added that “We have listened to your request.
” Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, signifies his commitment to fostering the service relationship with residents living within the border  communities
“I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required.
” In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he mentioned
While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.
“I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need.
“Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your presence here, things will change for the better, ” he said
In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, Kaila also visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry.
The  Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy  Medugu,expressed the  readiness of the formation to always support the command in achieving its mandate.
“Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility.
” Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said
The Area Controller then ended his familirisation tour with seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office, showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
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Customs

SIFAX Group sponsors Customs feature film “Novara”

– a story- telling movie on the sacrifices, resilience of customs officers in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders 
Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
In a landmark evening that brought together the worlds of commerce, security, and storytelling, SIFAX Group was prominently recognised as a major sponsor at the star-studded premiere of ‘Novara’,  the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) debut feature film, held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Viva Cinemas, Jara Mall, Ikeja, Lagos.
The high-profile event, which drew senior customs officials, industry leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and entertainment figures, marked an unprecedented moment in Nigeria’s institutional storytelling, with the NCS leveraging the power of cinema to illuminate the bravery and sacrifices of its officers in the relentless fight against smuggling.
Representing SIFAX Group at the event was Mrs Ololade Dawodu, Head of Clearing and Forwarding at SIFAX Shipping, who delivered an address that drew a direct line between the film’s narrative and the realities of maritime operations at Nigeria’s ports.
She noted that the story resonates strongly with real-life operations at Tin Can Island Port, one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial gateways and a critical hub within SIFAX Group’s operational landscape.
“For those of us in the industry, the sight of cargo ships and port operations is familiar but this film takes us beyond the surface, revealing the high-stakes reality that underpins global logistics.” she said.
Dawodu emphasised that the story goes beyond entertainment, serving as a tribute to the courage and resilience of officers who protect the nation’s economic lifelines.
She pointed to the film’s portrayal of loss and sacrifice as a sobering reminder of the human cost tied to security enforcement.
“At SIFAX Group, we believe that a secure maritime sector is the backbone of a thriving economy. Without security, trade cannot flourish.” she stated.
SIFAX Group’s partnership with the initiative did not go unnoticed.
The film’s producer, Agozie Ugwu, and the Superintendent of Customs 1, Mr Okpanachi Adejoh, both publicly commended SIFAX Group’s contributions to the project’s success, describing the Group’s sponsorship as instrumental in bringing the story to the screen at the scale it deserved.
The premiere concluded on a reflective note, with guests commending both the storytelling and the collaboration between the creative industry and key institutions.
 For SIFAX Group, the evening reinforced a clear message: sustainable growth in trade and logistics depends not only on infrastructure and expertise, but also on unwavering commitment to security.
About ‘Novara’
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Agozie Ugwu and featuring veteran Nollywood actors Francis Duru and Ray Adeka, Novara tells the story of a dedicated customs officer navigating the dangers of undercover operations, while also shedding light on the personal sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel.
 Through its narrative, the film highlights the often-unseen risks involved in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
The film follows Superintendent Panshak Asiya, an undercover Customs officer who risks everything, including the safety of his family, to dismantle one of the country’s most dangerous smuggling syndicates.
Beyond its gripping action sequences, the film explores themes of love, faith, sacrifice, and the unseen human cost of law enforcement.
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Customs

Customs seeks strong commitment to war against narcotics trafficking in Nigeria

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
–renews partnership with NDLEA for effective operations
The Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has warned that weak and uncoordinated institutional fight against drug trafficking may undermine Nigeria’ s standing in international community.
Leading a high- powered Customs delegation to a strategic meeting with the leadership of the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) held at the headquarters of the anti- narcotics agency on Monday, April 27th, 2026, Adeniyi said that Nigeria must show strong commitment, clinical enforcement and transparency in its fight against narcotics trafficking in order to enhance the confidence of international community.
Addressing the joint meeting between the top- ranked Customs officers and the leadership of the NDLEA led by its Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the Customs boss stated that narcotics trafficking is in the front burner of discussions at international fora and the West African corridor is under serious scrutiny.
Adeniyi further declared that the fight against drug trafficking now goes beyond domestic enforcement, warning that Nigeria’s credibility before international partners depends largely on how effectively local institutions work together.
“I came here directly from international engagements in Europe and Asia, and at every table, narcotics trafficking remained a major issue. The West African corridor is under serious watch.”
“The agreements we sign abroad will only carry value when our operational credibility at home supports them.
“If intelligence shared with Nigeria is not pursued to interception, prosecution and destruction, our standing is weakened,” CGC Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss disclosed that the Service had continued to make major seizures and handovers to NDLEA, particularly through the Apapa Command and other operational formations.
 Adeniyi, however, stressed that interdiction alone was not enough, calling for stronger post-seizure accountability, regular prosecution updates and transparent destruction procedures.
 “Interdiction is only the first act of enforcement, not the last. Where narcotics are transferred but not promptly destroyed, where prosecution advances without feedback, and where exhibits are separated from originating officers, then the chain of enforcement is incomplete.”, he declared.
The Customs boss proposed a fresh framework between both agencies, including joint destruction of seized drugs where suspects are not arrested, periodic case status reports, coordinated court appearances and standing liaison channels at command level.
“We have not come here to apportion blame. We have come to design the next phase of a partnership that has carried Nigeria this far and must now carry it further,” the CGC declared.
Responding, the NDLEA Chairman described the concerns raised by Customs as legitimate and timely, assuring that the agency remains committed to transparency, accountability and professional cooperation.
“The concerns relating to post-transfer accountability, prosecution outcomes and disposal processes are valid concerns.
“We must move beyond ceremonial handovers to a structured and mandatory reporting framework under which NDLEA provides formal updates on investigations, prosecutions and final disposal of Customs-originated seizures.” Marwa noted.
The NDLEA boss proposed the immediate establishment of a joint committee to review grey areas in the existing Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) signed by both agencies under previous administrations.
According to him, the committee would recommend clearer procedures and, where necessary, draft a supplementary agreement for approval by both leaderships, stating, “Today’s meeting is timely. It gives us the opportunity to discuss areas of concern frankly and strengthen our collaboration.”
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