Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Port Command Registers Historic Revenue Growth
In a statement released on Monday, the Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service disclosed that it had collected N1.6 trillion in revenue by the end of the third quarter of 2024, a significant surge compared to the N1.172 trillion collected throughout 2023.
Command Spokesperson, Usman Abubakar, attributed the impressive figure to the efforts of stakeholders in ensuring compliance with regulations, while Comptroller, Babatunde Olomu, expressed confidence that the command could surpass this year’s revenue performance in the final quarter.
According to Comptroller Olomu, July 2024 saw N201.8 billion collected in revenue, with an additional N193.9 billion in September. Notably, reduced smuggling activities and heightened vigilance by customs officials have contributed to this increased revenue.
When queried about the command’s tactics to combat smuggling, Olomu emphasized the utilization of non-intrusive cargo scanning technology and strict physical examinations, ensuring these practices are consistently implemented in bonded terminals under their supervision. “Our anti-smuggling activities are conducted simultaneously, allowing us to swiftly identify and seize illicit cargo, which has resulted in these commendable revenue gains.”
Despite this impressive outcome, the Comptroller stated that the command’s ultimate goal is to consistently meet or exceed these levels. By fostering cooperation between government agencies and compliant stakeholders, Nigeria Customs Service seeks to bolster its reputation for fiscal accountability and integrity while encouraging lawful trade practices throughout the country.
