Apapa Customs Drives Success for Nigeria Customs Bose Adeniyi

Apapa Customs Drives Success for Nigeria Customs Bose Adeniyi

By prince Benson Davies

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of a one-year extension for Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi was a nod to his impactful reforms, resilience, and results-driven leadership. At the heart of this success is Apapa Customs, Nigeria’s busiest seaport command, transformed under Adeniyi’s watch.

Key Highlights of Apapa Customs Under Comptroller Babatunde Olomu

– Record Revenue Collection: Apapa Customs generated over ₦2.357 trillion in revenue in 2024, with ₦264.5 billion collected in October 2024 alone – the highest monthly revenue in the command’s history. As of May 2025, the command recorded a landmark revenue collection of ₦1 trillion.¹
– Revenue Growth: Between January and July 2025, the command generated revenue in excess of ₦1.5 trillion, with a 35% revenue growth in H1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
– Anti-Smuggling Drive: Apapa Customs seized 27 containers between January-June 2025 with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦9.27 billion, including unregistered pharmaceuticals, codeine syrup, used clothing, and stolen vehicles.
– Trade Facilitation: The command ultilizes the unified Customs Management System (B’Odogwu) to enhance trade facilitation and revenue collection

– Trade Facilitation: The command streamlined import/export procedures using tools like Authorised Economic Operators (AEO), Advanced Ruling systems, and the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System. This boosted Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business ranking and facilitated Nigeria’s first AfCFTA shipment to Kenya.
– Digital Transformation: Comptroller Olomu implemented cutting-edge technology like ICT-driven cargo profiling and blockchain-based clearance systems to reduce processing time and curb fraud.
– Stakeholders Engagement: The command prioritized stakeholder engagement with a Trade Dispute Resolution Desk, weekend operations, and strategic consultations with freight associations and regulatory bodies.

Recognition and Leadership
Comptroller Olomu’s leadership has been in line with the visionary reforms of Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi. The Apapa Command won the CGC Best Command Award in Trade Facilitation and Overall Best Command in Revenue Generation in 2024.

Community and Transparency
The command emphasizes community relations, transparency, and accountability through regular press briefings and stakeholder updates. They also uphold public health protection by seizing harmful goods.

Through consistent communication and visible results carried out under CGC Adeniyi’s directive, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu at Apapa Customs created public trust and restored public confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service. Olomu’s leadership exemplifies the transformative impact of CGC Adewale Adeniyi’s visionary reforms. Their synergy elevated the Nigeria Customs Service’s operational standards and played a pivotal role in securing Adeniyi’s extended mandate.

– Extension of CGC Adeniyi’s Tenure: President Bola Tinubu extended CGC Adeniyi’s tenure by one year to consolidate reforms and complete critical initiatives.
– Apapa Command’s Contribution: The Apapa Command’s stellar performance under Olomu contributed significantly to this decision, validating Adeniyi’s modernization agenda and reform strategy.