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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

Apapa Customs commences stricter crowd control measures to enhance security at command

Funso OLOJO, Editor
In response to the rising wave of insecurity across the country, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded plans to tighten access control measures to ensure that only authorized persons gain entry into the command to conduct official business.
As part of the new security arrangement, all licensed clearing and forwarding agencies operating at the command have been directed to submit the names of three representatives through Customs Form C-30, who will be authorized to carry out daily transactions on behalf of their companies.
The NCS Form C-30 is an operational document that serves as proof of authorization for a licensed clearing and forwarding agent to operate within a designated Customs command. It is a mandatory requirement for cargo clearance and export processing at Nigerian ports.
The initiative comes amid heightened efforts by government agencies and private organizations to strengthen security protocols and protect personnel, facilities, and critical national assets from emerging threats.
Speaking exclusively with our correspondent, the Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the measure is aimed at reducing the number of visitors to the command and enhancing access control in response to growing security concerns nationwide.
According to him, the requirement for clearing and forwarding agencies to nominate representatives for Customs transactions is already provided for in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, although it has not been fully implemented.
He disclosed that the Apapa Command has decided to activate the provision in view of the prevailing security situation in the country.
“This is a standard procedure globally to enhance security at ports, which are critical to the world economy.
“In Nigeria, our ports are the arteries of the economy, and we cannot afford to expose them to the risk of attacks.
“We have to be proactive and not wait until an unfortunate incident occurs before taking action.
“America never expected the September 11 terrorist attacks.
“It is for these reasons that the management of the Service has decided that the enforcement of the crowd-control provisions contained in the Customs Act 2023 should commence at the Apapa Command, given its status as the largest and flagship Customs command in the country,” Oshoba stated.
The Customs Area Controller explained that restricting physical access to accredited company representatives would not only strengthen security but also improve operational efficiency and facilitate better monitoring of activities within the command.
He further disclosed that the policy, which is scheduled to take full effect next week, will significantly limit the movement of unauthorized persons within the command premises.
“The accredited representatives of all registered clearing and forwarding agencies will be issued official duty identification cards, which will grant them access to the command.
“Whenever there is a change in personnel, the concerned agency will notify the command so that the necessary adjustments and replacements can be updated in our system.
“Visitors, including journalists, will be required to register at the gate and will be issued visitor identification cards.
“This is a standard practice globally. I am aware that terminal operators such as Grimaldi at PTML and APM Terminals at Apapa Port already operate similar crowd-control mechanisms,” he noted.
The new access-control regime follows recent efforts by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to improve security, operational efficiency, and reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.
It could be recalled that between May 14th and 16th,  2026, PEBEC, led by its Director-General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, coordinated a major enforcement operation along the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors in Lagos to dismantle illegal checkpoints and extortion points obstructing cargo movement.
The operation targeted notorious extortion locations, including Liverpool Bridge, the Terminal International Container Terminal (TICT) Second Gate, NAGAFF Junction, ETISALAT Roundabout, and Fidelity Roundabout.
Working in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Government, PEBEC sought to restore order and eliminate unauthorized checkpoints that had become a major impediment to trade facilitation.
The exercise resulted in the immediate removal of illegal structures and unauthorized personnel operating along the corridor, while authorities issued a stern warning against any attempt to re-establish the extortion checkpoints.
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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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Customs

“You are worthy ambassador of Osun State” Oni of Ife eulogies Adeniyi’s leadership of Customs 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi II, has eulogized the sterling qualities of Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller- General of Customs, for his revolutionary leadership of the Nigeria Customs  Service.
The  first class Yoruba monarch made the commendation on Thursday, 28th May 2026, during the annual Eid-el-Kabir gathering hosted by the Comptroller-General at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State.
The Oni, who cited President Bola Tinubu’s public commendation of Adeniyi as evidence of the confidence reposed in the Customs boss, described him as a good ambassador of Osun State and a source of pride to the ancient Ife Kingdom and the Modakeke community.
Oba Ogunwusi said President Tinubu’s public expression of satisfaction with Adeniyi’s performance reflected confidence in his leadership and the results being achieved by the Service.
“We are very proud of him and the work he is doing. When Mr President publicly expressed satisfaction with his performance, it was not a casual statement.
” It reflects trust in his capacity and the results he is delivering. What he is doing in the Customs Service and in the community shows that he is a unifier.”
Reaffirming the support of the Ife Kingdom for the Comptroller-General, the monarch declared:
“He brings people together, and that is what leadership is about. We will continue to stand by him and pray for him.”
Addressing guests, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adeniyi expressed appreciation to the Ooni of Ife, community leaders, family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers for their continued support.
He described Eid-el-Kabir as a season that reminds humanity of the virtues of sacrifice, gratitude, obedience, and service to others.
According to him, beyond the celebration, the gathering provides an opportunity to reconnect with people, strengthen relationships, and reflect on the collective responsibility of building stronger communities and a better nation.
The CGC noted that the NCS has continued to record significant progress in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, technological innovation, and corporate social responsibility initiatives in line with the economic objectives of the Federal Government.
He said the Service remains focused on supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through reforms aimed at facilitating legitimate trade, enhancing national security, improving compliance, and creating opportunities for economic growth.
CGC Adeniyi added that Customs has continued to invest in community-focused interventions across the country, including educational support programmes, healthcare initiatives, and other projects designed to improve the lives of Nigerians.
He pledged that the Service would continue to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening its operations and delivering greater value to the nation, while assuring stakeholders of Customs’ commitment to professionalism, transparency, and service excellence.
Adeniyi also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and assured Nigerians of the Service’s continued support for government policies geared towards economic prosperity and national development.
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