Olomu led Apapa Command’s N2.2Trillion Revenue Collection Trills Customs CG, Seeks for Tempo Sustainability
… As Command fetes Outstanding Stakeholders
Cutting the Party Cake
The Apapa Area One Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has since the emergence of its present Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu PhD, continued to be in the news for the right reasons in terms of outstanding performance all through the year 2024.
Leadership dexterity could be termed the action word to better describe the Olomu led management of the Apapa Command, where he cuts his teeth from all fronts to conquer all forms and antics of revenue marauders to achieve a never before attained revenue collection milestone of over N2.2 trillion for the year 2024 (still counting) in the history of the command, that earned him tripartite award honours during the recently concluded 2024 Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Conference held at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja.
At the event, Comptroller Olomu carted away with the Controller of the Year award, while his led Apapa command was crowned as the best command of the year and best command in revenue generation.
Relatedly, at another recent function held in Lagos, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, once again reiterated his commendation on the Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi for the command’s outstanding revenue collection of over N2.2trillion and at this time, he urged the CAC and officers of the command to put in more committed efforts at sustaining the tempo.
DCG Caroline Niagwan delivering the CGCs Speech
This recent commendable posture came to fore on Friday December 13, 2024 at the Apapa command’s End of the Year party and award ceremony for outstanding stakeholders of the command, where the CGC, who was ably represented by Deputy Comptroller General Caroline Niagwan, DCG Tariff and Trade, Adeniyi again congratulated the Customs Area Controller and all the officers and men of Apapa Area Command for the milestone achieved in revenue collection to the tune of N2.2tr and still counting which has earned the command multiple accolades. The CGC also harped on the need for compliance and synergies as necessary strategies to greater productivity at the port. According to him, compliance is a competitive advantage.
In his words, “It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today to celebrate a shared commitment to compliance and excellence in trade. This award ceremony is a testament to your dedication to ethical business practices, adherence to regulations, and unwavering support for the principles that drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
“Compliance is not merely a requirement; it is a competitive advantage. It fosters transparency, reduces operational risks, and strengthens the trust between businesses and regulatory authorities. It also positions compliant stakeholders to enjoy streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and access to the numerous benefits that come with being recognized as trusted trade partners.
“As a Service, we understand that sustaining compliance can sometimes require capacity building, especially as global trade evolves. To this end, the Service is committed to providing the necessary training, technical assistance, and partnerships that will empower you with the knowledge and tools to maintain this high standard.
“Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder remains competitive, innovative, and aligned with global best practices. By working together, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth. Compliant stakeholders not only contribute to national revenue but also drive economic development, attract foreign investments, and enhance Nigeria’s position in international trade” Adeniyi said
Earlier in his welcome speech, Comptroller Olomu had expressed appreciation to the CGC and the customs management team for always providing the direction and inspiration to the command in it’s drive to meet government’s expectations .
DCG Caroline Niagwan presenting an outstanding award to one of the recipient stakeholders at the event
While he described the end of year party as many things rolled up in one as it strengthens the stakeholders bond as a community of government and private sector collaborators working together for the betterment of Nigeria; the CAC also noted that it is as well meant to celebrate together as the year 2024 ends and honour those whose outstanding performances contributed in shaping the command’s achievements in 2024.
Dr. Olomu said despite the challenges of low trade volume, the command is able to achieve its target which is a reflection of officers commitment and dedication to duty, adding that in line with the policy thrust of the CGC, the command utilised its relationship with stakeholders to achieve its goal this year.
According to him improving on stakeholder engagement has become an operational template the Comptroller General of Customs has impressed on the officers and expressed joy to announce that it has proven to be a masterstroke towards enhanced compliance.
The highly elated Olomu in his words said, “Compliance is no doubt the bedrock of all customs achievements in areas of revenue collection, anti-smuggling and legitimate trade facilitation. Our approach to regularly engage our sister government agencies has raised our degree of intelligence sharing towards a common national interest.
“Let me use this period to thank the NPA, DSS, NDLEA, NAQS, Port Health, Police, Immigration and other sister government agencies for their consistent collaboration in 2024. They are indeed an integral part of the command’s success story in 2024. I urge them to stay on board let’s do it again in 2025.
“With our port users, we maintained regularly enlightenment meetings, faster trade dispute resolution mechanism and consistent appraisal of feedbacks to keep improving on our responsibilities.
“There have been positive fallouts of our regular interface with our stakeholders. This is evident in our collection of N2.2trillion revenue and still counting, zeroing in on the minority that attempt smuggling by curbing their activities with seizures. We are fostering inclusivity and this will continue in 2025
“We have ensured no container , import or export consignment goes through our control without due diligence of proper examination. This has been the foundation of our impeccable enforcement drive.
“We are honouring some of our officers and stakeholders for their outstanding performances in the year 2024. I want to urge the awardees to see this as a call for more commitment to surpass their best outputs. There is no end to improvement
“This should also be a challenge to those who didn’t make the award list this time, I urge them to keep improving with a promise that their inputs shall not go unnoticed for due recognition” he concluded
Meanwhile, among the stakeholders recognised with various awards are APM Terminals, Sifax Group, ENL Consortium, Dangote, Talod Ocean Airfreight and Princess Chi Ezeh the CEO of Munah Sylva Nigeria Limited.
Similarly, the command also recognised serving and retired officers for their contributions to its overall successes in 2024.
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