Senate Committee Commends Apapa Customs on N1.82tr Collection , Fostering Robust Stakeholders Relations
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Senator Jubril Echocho, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Command for it’s impressive revenue generation and proactive engagement with stakeholders.
Echocho, a senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District made the commendation during an official inspection visit to the command on Friday 25th October, 2024, along with a Senate delegation,
He said the visit which is an on the spot assessment of the command’s activities was to see operational progress, address challenges, and explore potential legislative support to boost Customs’ efficiency.
While briefing the committee, Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Babatunde Olomu reported that the Apapa Command had generated over ₦1.82 trillion to date, surpassing the ₦1.17 trillion collected in 2023. He attributed this success to streamlined clearance procedures and a focused approach to lawful revenue collection.
‘’we have already beaten 2023 total collection even when we have three months ahead to go. While we focus on lawful areas for revenue collection and national economic development, we never slept on our responsibility in checking possibilities of smuggling of prohibited items using unorthodox means like concealment, under declaration, under valuation or outright false declaration’’. Olomu stated.
Olomu also highlighted recent seizures of over 36 illegal items, including codeine-based cough syrups, tramadol, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and other controlled substances, as part of the Command’s anti-smuggling efforts.
He noted that the Command’s trade facilitation mechanisms and regular stakeholder interactions have significantly improved compliance with customs regulations.
Senator Echocho praised the Command’s achievements and expressed optimism that it would meet or exceed its annual revenue target of ₦2.2 trillion.
“This commitment demonstrates the impact of effective revenue collection on our national economy, Revenue generation remains a priority in President Tinubu renewed Hope agenda, as it helps reduce national debt and strengthens Nigeria’s global standing.”
Echocho further lauded the Command’s stakeholder engagements, observing that they fostered a sense of inclusion and cooperation beneficial to both Customs and the trading community.
“Regular engagement with stakeholders has established a productive synergy that positively impacts compliance and revenue,” he added.
Echocho also highlighted the connection between streamlined trade processes and revenue generation, commending the CAC’s initiatives in this area.
However, Olomu acknowledged persistent challenges, including limited scanning equipment and outdated technology, which he said hindered efficient cargo inspections. “Insufficient modern scanning machines delay shipment processing and affect data accuracy, impacting our ability to effectively monitor compliance,” Olomu explained.
He called for legislative support to fund advanced scanners and expand the Command’s technological capabilities, including automated cargo tracking and surveillance.
In response, Senator Echocho assured Customs officers that the Committee would advocate for both technological support and improved welfare provisions in the 2025 budget.
The lawmaker said “Providing officers with the resources needed reduces operational pressure, in addition to recognising their impressive performance, we will propose enhanced remuneration to motivate further efforts.”
Echocho also stated that the Committee would ensure that the Command’s requests are included in the upcoming budget. “If these needs are met, Customs will see a substantial improvement in revenue generation and anti-smuggling measures,” he affirmed.
The delegation pledged to compile a comprehensive report detailing the Command’s achievements, challenges, and recommendations to support ongoing improvements in Nigeria’s Customs operations.
