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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

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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