Ismail Aniemu writes that newly promoted Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Babatunde Olomu revolutionized customs operations at the nation’s premier port of Apapa through diligent revenue collection, uncompromising anti smuggling disposition, hands-on trade facilitation and strategic stakeholder engagement.
Upon resumption in Apapa 15 months ago, then a Comptroller by rank, Olomu came armed with over three decades experience milled through customs facets of public relations, intelligence enforcement and revenue backed with a Ph.D and distinguished fellowship of one of Nigeria’s top notch security Institute
A man of few words, soft spoken with a brave attitude to overcome challenges, Olomu proved that excellence is achievable without being preemptively loud.
Record-Breaking Revenue Collection:
Single-Day Record: Olomu led the Apapa Command to a historic single-day revenue collection of ₦18.9 billion on March 14, 2025, surpassing the previous record of ₦18.2 billion set in October 2024. This achievement was attributed to officer dedication, a culture of compliance, and industrial harmony at the port.
Monthly Revenue Milestones: Under his leadership, the command achieved unprecedented monthly collections, including ₦201.8 billion in July 2024 and ₦215 billion in August 2025, despite network challenges with the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), known as B’Odogwu.
Annual Revenue Target: He led the Apapa Command to surpassed the ₦2.1 trillion in revenue collection from January to November 2024, contributing significantly to the NCS’s national target of ₦5.07 trillion, with Apapa accounting for approximately 40% of the total. This marked a significant increase in revenue generation compared to previous periods.
Three-Week Collection: Most recently,between August 1 and 22, 2025, the command collected ₦161.3 billion using the B’Odogwu platform, demonstrating resilience despite initial technical glitches.
Trade Facilitation and Modernization:
Olomu emphasized Apapa Port’s critical role in Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and implemented reforms to enhance trade efficiency.
He promoted simplified procedures under the NCS modernization regime, encouraging businesses to leverage Apapa’s ease-of-doing-business initiatives.
He ensured uninterrupted operations during a period of national unrest in July 2024, reassuring stakeholders that customs officers would be available on all working days, and extended working hours, including weekends, to clear backlogs and reduce delays.
Olomu fostered stakeholder engagement, collaborating with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and other agencies to address concerns like system downtimes and demurrage, boosting confidence in the B’Odogwu platform.
Anti-Smuggling and Compliance:
The command, under Olomu’s watch, recorded seizures of prohibited items, including poultry products, fake and unregistered pharmaceuticals, and cutlasses worth billions of naira, reinforcing efforts to curb smuggling and protect public health.
He enforced strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, Common External Tariff, and import/export prohibition guidelines, reducing revenue leakages and ensuring seamless flow of legitimate trade.
Olomu introduced a zero-tolerance policy for smuggling, concealment, and duty evasion, while promoting a robust customs-stakeholder relationship through regular engagement.
Awards and Recognition:
In 2024, the Apapa Command, under Olomu’s leadership, received three prestigious awards at the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Awards Night in Abuja for trade facilitation, revenue generation, and overall excellence. Olomu himself was named the Best Customs Area Controller of the Year for his pragmatic leadership and inclusive synergies.
These awards highlighted the command’s pivotal role in advancing NCS objectives and supporting Nigeria’s economic development through efficient trade processes and significant revenue contributions.
Leadership and Mentorship:
ACG Olomu had emphasized mentoring young officers to prepare them for future leadership roles, fostering a culture of professionalism and patriotism within his areas of influence when he served as Controller of Edo/Delta Command in Warri did same on a larger scale in Lagos
Secret for Success
The new ACG attributed his successes to teamwork, stakeholder cooperation, and the strategic guidance of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who provided tools and motivation for operational excellence.
Olomu implemented policies to ensure no customs document remained untreated for more than 24 hours, enhancing efficiency and reducing delays in revenue collection.
He actively participated in stakeholder forums, such as the APM Terminals Apapa Partners’ Engagement Forum, where he, through his representative, stressed the importance of compliance with documentation for faster cargo clearance.
His leadership promoted industrial harmony and resolved disputes among government agencies, terminal operators, and port stakeholders, ensuring smooth operations at Apapa Port.
With indelible marks, the trail blazer is leaving a big shoe behind. Who fits in?
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