Market News

By Adaku Onyenucheya

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised its daily revenue to N18.9 billion at Apapa Port, breaking the previous record of N18.2 billion achieved in October.

The revenue collected on March 14, 2025, stands out as the highest in the history of the command. The Area Controller of the Apapa command, Dr Babatunde Olomu, said dedication to duty, sustenance of compliance as a norm and promotion of industrial harmony in Apapa Port, contributed to the achievement.

“Our record-breaking achievement of N18.9b daily collection is the beginning of greater exploits to be attained this year. We are also not lowering our guard in the fight against smuggling as our officers are ever ready to detect concealment, under declaration, false declaration, and other antics geared towards duty evasion, ” he said.

Olomu further stated that the ports are critical national assets directly impacting the local economy and global trade. He said it is imperative to keep the ports working, especially Apapa Port, which accounts for the highest volume of cargo coming into Nigeria.

The Controller, acting under the directives of the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, had spearheaded high-level discussions to partner with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in resolving all crises with port users and truckers over issues around the Eto’o call-up system, which had caused traffic gridlock along the Apapa Port corridor.

Olomu said he also stepped in to prevent the planned withdrawal of service by maritime workers and freight forwarders due to unresolved issues between them on the one hand and APM Terminals on the other hand.

The CAC also highlighted efforts that prevented a shutdown of port activities and promoted productivity with seamless import and export activities.

“In line with the directives of the CGC, who has promoted robust stakeholder engagement as one of its cardinal thrusts, we intervened in the disputes involving sister government agencies, terminal operators and stakeholders in the port.

“It is heartwarming to note that our intervention succeeded in promoting uninterrupted trade and strengthening port users’ confidence,” he stated.