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Customs

World Bank, National Trade Facilitation Committee scrutinise import/ export processes at Apapa Customs

–frown at short time for container examination

— Olomu says trade facilitation in Apapa is a tradition 

Funso Olojo
The National Trade Facilitation Committee in collaboration with the World Bank has engaged the management of the Apapa command of the Nigeria Customs Service to understudy the processes of import and export trade in the command.
The team, which comprises representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the World Bank, NAFDAC, SON, and Nigerian Shippers’Council, said its mission at the Apapa Customs was to study the operations and procedures of clearance of goods, identify inherent bottlenecks and proffer solutions.
According to Dr. Brenda Max-Nduagube, the representative of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, the Federal government attaches great importance to trade facilitation, hence the reason the government collaborates with the World Bank to study trade processes at the nation’s ports and border posts, identify areas of shortcomings and offer solutions.
Mr. Alejandra Stojanov, an economist with the World Bank said they are interested to know the day to day operational procedures of the command, its import and export processes, the tariff determination, cargo classification and digital and automation programme at the command.
Stojanov also said the team wanted to know the impact of forex on the command operations.
Addressing the team, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Area Controller of Apapa customs said trade facilitation is a tradition at the command.
“Apart from revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities of the command, trade facilitation is another area of our operations which the CGC Wale Adeniyi is very much passionate about”
” We know without the facilitation of legitimate trade, there can’t be revenue generation,” Comptroller Olomu told his guests.
Delving into the administrative method that drives his vision, Olomu said since he assumed duties in May 2024, he has leveraged stakeholders’ engagement, and collaboration with other sister agencies and drive the action of the command through intelligence.
“These three pillars of our administration have really helped us so far” he declared.
While explaining to the team the extent to which the present Customs management led by CGC Adewale Adeniyi has worked to improve trade facilitation at the ports, Olomu stated that the CGC  has introduced Authorised Economic Operator( AEO) and Advance Ruling system.
He said these are two new concepts introduced by the present Customs management to further deepen trade facilitation strategy at the ports.
” The CGC has significantly addressed the issue of trade facilitation.
” From fast track, we have upgraded to AEO.
“We have kick-started the process”
Olomu however said the compilation of the beneficiaries is ongoing because the programme is for compliant traders.
He also declared that as mandated by the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Service has set up Advance Ruling concept in order to facilitate trade.
“Apapa command has already keyed into these concepts to facilitate trade in the command” he declared.
Olomu also revealed the efforts of the Customs Service to promote export trade when the CGC engaged the Nigerian Ports Authority towards harmonizing the process.
” To underscore his desire to promote export trade and make it seamless, the CGC has ordered that the five export terminals at Apapa be collapsed into one-stop shop for export called Lagos Export Processing Command.
Deputy Comptroller Wale Adenuga, the DC Revenue at the command further described the initiatives of the command to promote trade facilitation.
” We get manifest electronically from the shipping company 24 hours before the arrival of the vessels and if you are a compliant trader, you take delivery of your goods in 24 to 48 hours” he declared.
DC Adenuga further explained that the operations at the command are fully automated and still a work in progress.
” All the 50 bonded terminals under the control of the command are interlinked to our server while all the relevant agencies can access our operations through the Single window system.
” We are on Nigeria Customs Information System( NCIS 11) and still working to upgrade it.
“So we have a robust automation system which promotes seamless operations with a top-notch server at our Customs Processing Centre (CPC) which can only be disrupted by bad weather,” Adenuga said.
He revealed that the command also uses three layers of goods evacuation which are through land, water( barges) and rails.
” But due to traffic gridlock, we encourage the use of barges and about 50 percent of traders in Apapa have embraced the use of barges while about 25 percent go by road and the rest by rail”
Adenuga also informed that the command has an efficient scanning operation as the scanner has the capacity to scan 200 containers a day.
He however lamented that the scanning machine, which can scan a container within three minutes, is underutilized due to lack of capacity and logistics problems of the AP Moller to position containers for scanning.
” As a result of these, we do 120 containers a day and this further boosts our trade facilitation at the command,” the DC Revenue said.
Despite his claim that the existing scanner is underutilized, Adenuga said the command needs more scanners.
A Superintendent of Customs from the Headquarters however said the service is still expecting six more scanners from China and two to three of these will be deployed to Apapa port whenever they arrive.
However, the Trade Facilitation Committee frowned at the time allocated to the examination of containers which is done between 12 noon and 4 pm.
” How many containers could be examined within so short a time of four hours? a NAFDAC representative on the committee queried.
” No wonder there is a backlog of containers at the port” she noted.
But the customs said they were ready to start examinations by 8 am but it was the terminal owners which decided to start positioning containers by 12 noon.
The team visited other units at the command as well as the scanning site to get first-hand experience of the operations at Apapa customs.
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Customs

Customs, NDLEA bust major drug syndicate, seize 9 containers of illicit goods worth N53.39 Billion at Apapa port

Funso OLOJO and Gloria Odion

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit trade with the interception of nine containers laden with narcotics, expired pharmaceutical products and falsified medicines valued at N53.391 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos.

Speaking during the unveiling of the seizures on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the operation was made possible through intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration and the deployment of non-intrusive inspection technology.

According to Adeniyi, the containers, which initially appeared to contain legitimate imports, were subjected to detailed intelligence analysis and verification that exposed sophisticated concealment methods used by the syndicate.

The seizures comprised:
A 40-foot container (CAAU7569127) containing 3,639 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Canadian Loud) weighing 1,819.5 kilograms, concealed alongside three imported vehicles and assorted automobile spare parts.

Another 40-foot container (HAMU3246311) conveying 9,918 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing approximately 4.95 metric tonnes, hidden with two imported vehicles and household items.


A 40-foot container (MRKU3816476) loaded with 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of Codeine Syrup, concealed with 38 cartons of insulated casserole dishes.

Another container (TGBU5399178) containing 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of Codeine Syrup, hidden inside 36 cartons of casserole products.

Container HASU4519480 carrying 1,300 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol (Timakadol).

Container MRKU4961275 containing 1,269 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Oxytocin injections, Mexclor Eye Drops and Carbamazepine tablets (Termigral brand).

Container PCIU8771576 conveying expired pharmaceutical products, including Cloxicillin capsules, Cynamine Vitamin B12 injections and Becoline B-Complex injections.

A 20-foot container (MRKU6964435) loaded with Piccan Teething Powder.

Container TCKU7000791 carrying 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC registration number (04-6646) and an expiry date of December 2028.

Adeniyi explained that the narcotic consignments would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), while the expired and falsified pharmaceutical products would be transferred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation, regulatory action and safe disposal.

“In accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, narcotic drugs falling within the statutory jurisdiction of the NDLEA will today be formally handed over to the Agency for further investigation and prosecution.

“Similarly, expired pharmaceutical products will be transferred to NAFDAC for regulatory action and safe disposal.

“The remaining goods shall remain in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service for seizure, forfeiture, condemnation, revenue recovery and other enforcement actions as provided by law,” the CGC stated.

He stressed that the seizures represented far more than their monetary value.

“These seizures represent far more than monetary value. They represent lives protected, families preserved, communities secured and countless young Nigerians shielded from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and unsafe medicines,” Adeniyi said.

The Customs boss commended officers and men of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism, vigilance and dedication, while also praising the sustained collaboration among the NCS, NDLEA, NAFDAC and other security agencies.

“We shall continue to intercept, expose and prosecute all those who threaten our economy, compromise public health or undermine the security of our nation.

“Together with our partner agencies, we remain steadfast in protecting our borders, facilitating legitimate trade, preserving the health of our citizens and securing the future of our country,” he added.

 

The Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, disclosed that the interception of 6,778.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud was the outcome of a painstaking intelligence-driven operation undertaken by the agency’s Special Investigation Unit and Marine Intelligence Unit in collaboration with foreign partners, particularly the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

According to Marwa, intelligence gathering and surveillance lasted for more than four months before the containers were intercepted.

“Over four months, actionable intelligence was carefully developed, and our marine surveillance officers tracked the vessels and containers throughout their journey until both were successfully intercepted,” he said.

The operation underscores the growing effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation and international intelligence sharing in disrupting transnational drug trafficking networks and preventing dangerous narcotics and counterfeit medicines from reaching the Nigerian market.

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Customs

Wale Adeniyi, CGC, bags one-year tenure extension as WCO Council Chairman

Funso OLOJO, Editor

Few days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, by an additional six months, the World Customs Organization (WCO) has also renewed his tenure as Chairman of its Council for another one year.

The decision was unanimously endorsed by member countries during the 147th and 148th sessions of the WCO Council held in Brussels, Belgium, reaffirming the confidence of the global customs community in Adeniyi’s leadership.

Addressing members of the NCS management team who gave him a rousing welcome on his return to Nigeria on Monday, June 29, 2026, Adeniyi revealed that he had travelled to Brussels expecting to hand over the chairmanship but was instead entrusted with another one-year mandate.

“I sincerely appreciate your support. I went to Brussels believing I was going to hand over, but the outcome was different. The Council renewed my tenure for another one year, and I dedicate this achievement to the entire Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.

Adeniyi made history in June 2025 when he became the first Nigerian to be elected Chairman of the WCO Council, the highest decision-making body of the global customs organisation.

The renewal of his international mandate comes just days after President Tinubu approved a six-month extension of his tenure as Comptroller-General of Customs, a development widely seen as a strong endorsement of his leadership, reform initiatives and outstanding performance both nationally and internationally.

In recognition of the milestone, the NCS management team presented the Comptroller-General with a symbolic souvenir to celebrate his exemplary leadership and contributions to the transformation of the Service.

Responding to the gesture, Adeniyi expressed appreciation to the management team for their unwavering support, describing the honour as a reflection of the unity, professionalism and shared commitment that exist within the Nigeria Customs Service.

The renewed confidence reposed in him by both the Federal Government and the international customs community is expected to further strengthen the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing reform agenda, deepen global partnerships, enhance trade facilitation and reinforce Nigeria’s growing influence in international customs administration.

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Customs

Wale Adeniyi,CGC, bags tenure extension as WCO Chairman 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
Few days after his tenure as the Comptroller- General of the Nigeria customs service was renewed by additional six months by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the World Customs Organization(WCO), has also followed suit by the renewal of the tenure of Adewale Adeniyi as the Council Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO).
The  council members, at the 147th and 148th WCO sessions at Brussels, Belgium, were unanimous in their decision to allow Adeniyi to continue as the Chairman of the global Customs body.
While addressing his management team which gave his a rousing welcome on his return on Monday, June, 29th, 2026, the CGC said he went to Brussels to hand over but was rather rewarded with tenure extension.
“I sincerely appreciate your support. I went to Brussels believing I was going to hand over, but the outcome was different.
” The Council renewed my tenure for another one year, and I dedicate this achievement to the entire Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.
Adeniyi was elected as the Chairman of the global Customs body in June 2025 as the first Nigerian to be so honored.
The renewal of his Council Chairmanship coincides with the renewal of his tenure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the CGC by another six months, thus confirming the national and global recognition of his capacity, leadership qualities and exceptional performance as number one customs officer in Nigeria and the world.
Recognizing the rare feat achieved by the CGC, his management team welcomed him from the WCO council sessions with a symbolic souvenir that showed their love to their principal and exemplary leadership and contributions to the growth and transformation of the NCS.
Responding, CGC Adeniyi thanked the management team for their unwavering support, describing the gesture as a reflection of the unity and shared commitment within the Service.
He disclosed that he travelled  to Brussels expecting to hand over the chairmanship of the WCO Council but was instead entrusted with another one-year mandate by members of the Council.
The renewed international mandate, alongside the extension of his tenure as CGC,  reinforces confidence in his leadership and is expected to further advance the Service’s reform agenda, international partnerships, and trade facilitation efforts.
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