Compt Oshoba Takes the Reins at Apapa Customs, Vows to Build on Predecessor’s Achievements

Compt Oshoba Takes the Reins at Apapa Customs, Vows to Build on Predecessor’s Achievements

 

By prince Benson Davies

The Nigeria Customs Service has witnessed a change in leadership at the Premier Command in Apapa, with Compt EO Oshoba taking over from ACG Babatunde Olomu. During his eight-month tenure, ACG Olomu achieved a remarkable revenue collection of N1.834 trillion and implemented measures to enhance trade facilitation and anti-smuggling efforts.

Compt Oshoba, who previously headed the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), has pledged to sustain the tempo of revenue generation, anti-smuggling, and trade facilitation. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders and colleagues to drive the command forward. The new Area Controller noted that the service is at a crucial stage, particularly with Nigeria holding the Chairmanship of the World Customs Organization, and stressed the need for the command to set a good example.

ACG Olomu, in his valedictory speech, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs for the opportunity to serve as Area Controller and highlighted the command’s achievements during his tenure. These include:

Revenue Collection: The command achieved a record-breaking revenue collection of N2 trillion, an unprecedented feat in the service’s history.
Anti-Smuggling*: Robust anti-smuggling efforts were implemented to prevent revenue loss and protect local industries.
Trade Facilitation: The command worked closely with stakeholders to facilitate trade and ensure compliance with customs regulations.
Stakeholders’ Engagement: ACG Olomu fostered strong relationships with government agencies, private sector operators, and the media to promote the command’s objectives.

As Compt Oshoba begins his tenure, he has vowed to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor and drive the command towards greater heights. With his experience in intelligence operations and commitment to collaboration, stakeholders are optimistic about the command’s future prospects

ACG Babatunde Olomu’s tenure as Area Controller of the Apapa Command has been marked by significant achievements. Under his leadership, the command recorded impressive revenue collections, implemented trade facilitation reforms, and intensified anti-smuggling efforts.

Revenue Collection
The command achieved remarkable milestones in revenue collection, including:

Record-breaking single-day revenue collections: N17.9 billion on June 19, 2024, N18.2 billion in October 2024, and N.18.9 billion on March 14, 2025
Total revenue collection: N1.834 trillion for the year 2025, with a target of N3 trillion for the year.

Trade Facilitation and Modernization
ACG Olomu played a key role in implementing trade facilitation reforms, including: Historic AfCFTA shipment: Facilitating Nigeria’s first African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) shipment from Apapa Port in July 2024.
Faster cargo clearance: Entrenching a tradition of faster cargo clearance and seamless trade dispute resolution.

Enforcement/Anti-Smuggling
The command intensified anti-smuggling efforts, including:

Seizures: 75 seizures of various items, including fake, expired, and substandard medicaments, controlled drugs, and other contraband Protection of local industries: Preventing revenue loss and protecting local industries from smuggled goods.

Stakeholders Engagement
ACG Olomu maintained an open-door policy, ensuring easy interaction with stakeholders and addressing trade impediments in Apapa Port.

ACG Olomu expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewalwe Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve as Area Controller and acknowledged the support of stakeholders during his tenuresignificant achievements. Under his leadership, the command recorded impressive revenue collections, implemented trade facilitation reforms, and intensified anti-smuggling efforts.