Accolades continue to greet the ongoing transformation in trade facilitation and anti-smuggling activities in the Apapa Port business environment being undertaken by the Customs Command under the leadership of Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, which results in over N2.1 trillion revenue yield into the government coffers within 11 months in 2024, as well as the interception of various dangerous items smuggled into the country through the port
By Innocent Chukwu
A great transformation has occurred in the Apapa Premier Port, courtesy of the Customs Area Command in charge of the country’s number one seaport. Stakeholders are of the opinion that since early this year, the business environment at the apex seaport has become a world class comparable to those of the developed maritime economies with only a little difference in ports infrastructure. The development comes as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) in charge of Apapa Area 1 Port, Dr Babatunde Olomu, insists that he is determined to ensure that the transformation must be concretized to make the port a world class standard and a model for other seaports in the West African Sub-region. The evidence of the remodeling of the Apapa Port by the Comptroller Olomu-led Customs Command is that both the local and international observers have attested that the port is now in the league of the best business friendly ports in Europe and Asia and America, with trade facilitation and compliance level of the business community resulting in the Command raking in over N2.1 trillion revenue for the Federal Government between January and October 2024.
For example, the American Embassy in Nigeria told the Customs Command last October that it had keenly observed the dispatch with which cargoes were being released from the Premier Port seamlessly as if it was happening in Europe or America. The Embassy representative said this at the Command’s headquarters in Apapa, Lagos as he presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the CAC, Olomu for what he referred to as “Exceptional Support for the United States Mission in Nigeria” by the Apapa Port Customs boss in providing the enabling environment for a seamless provisional release of 26 containers belonging to the Mission through the Apapa Premier Port.
The Embassy which confessed it never had it as smooth before, urged the CAC to ensure that he concretized the reforms and innovations he has initiated in the port so that none of his successors can dismantle them in the future.
The trade facilitation initiative of Olomu at the Apapa Port, as well as collaborative efforts and stakeholders’ engagement adopted by the Command since early this year, have yielded enormous results such as exponential revenue generation and security of the nation through confiscation of arms and dangerous drugs smuggled via the port.
Olomu disclosed the revenue surge while addressing officers and men on a parade on Wednesday November 20, 2024. He said the command aimed at achieving its N2.2tr target for this year by the end of November, 2024.
Comptroller Olomu said the command was drawing inspiration from the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who announced the total collection of N5.07 trillion by the service during the just concluded CGC Conference in Abuja.
According to him, Apapa Port Command plays a critical role in the overall performance of the service nationwide. He said the command contributed 40 percent of the N5.07 trillion total target of the service that has been met so far, which underscores the high expectations and responsibility on the command.
The Controller urged officers to align with the outstanding examples set by CGC Adeniyi in revenue collection, trade facilitation, uncompromising enforcement and sustained stakeholder engagement in the service and national interest.
He charged the officers to keep the trajectory of good revenue and enforcement records sustained and ensure that seizures made from smugglers should be backed with suspects for prosecution. He added that arresting smugglers with their wares would cause greater impact in the fight against smuggling.
Comptroller Olomu’s nose for squeezing out revenue from the business community was discovered last year while he served as the CAC of the Edo/Delta Command, he tripled the Command’s revenue generation. The Customs management at the time wanted to know why the Edo/Delta Command could not go beyond the revenue ceiling of N12 billion per year despite all the efforts by the authorities to reposition the South south regional port.
But Olomu was to wave a magic wand when he got to the “arid port” and determined to transform it to a fertile port for maximum revenue generation. Olomu, as the CAC Edo/Delta Command did not apply any more special magic than his decision to bring his patriotism to the fore-he subdued his personal desires and comfort by deploying special skills to identify where government was losing revenue to the business community, and blocked the areas. By the end of 2023, the Command’s revenue rose to over N36 billion.
The Edo/Delta Command’s magic Olomu has brought to bear on the Apapa Command revenue generation where some of his admirers have claimed that he does “money ritual” for the Federal Government. Otherwise, they argued how was he able to bring the Command’s revenue generation from a little above one trillion Naira in 2023 to as high as N2.1 trillion in 10 months-January to October 2024?
Commenting on the revenue profile of Apapa Customs Command in 2024, Prince Olu Ologbese, a veteran clearing and forwarding business operator told this medium that he was sure the Command can generate up to N2.5 trillion as he observed that the CAC will never relent. The promoter of Ogbese Marine Services insisted that only Apapa Customs Command can generate for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) half of its revenue target for this year.
Ologbese said, “Well, Apapa Port being the premier port, we cannot, you cannot take that status from it. The Customs Command has always been in the forefront of carrying other Commands along, it has always been in the front in revenue generation, anti-smuggling and other areas.
“We had said it once, I think it was in your magazine, Tentacle, that I mentioned it, that when you have an officer who is a revenue officer, a super revenue officer, the difference will be clear. That is what we’re saying.
That is the view and assessment of every reasonable stakeholder who has eyes to see as well as appreciates good performance. The Senate Committee is in order in commending the CAC.
Other Area Controllers who led the Command performed their possible best and left. The fact remains that Olomu has been in the eyes of many high ranking officers. I don’t know who wrote the song, “I know whom I pass, I know who pass me”. Right from time, it has been known that Comptroller Olomu is a wonderful performance officer. He is a high ranking revenue officer. That is why he spent long time in Abuja. We don’t need to deceive ourselves that when officers are posted they are the ones who take care of big men, and these big men who know that some officers are different, that you will not expect anything from them when you post them out, will not be willing to post them out. You know Olomu will not take, and may not have to give to anybody. Big men will not want to post him out because they will not expect anything from him”.
In the area of fighting illicit trade and smuggling activities, the Command busted an attempt to smuggle illicit drugs worth a total of N1,18 billion.
Breakdown of the seizures shows they were 236,783 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and barcadin packed in a total of 2,174 cartons from two terminals under the command in Lagos
The seizures were made at APMT Apapa and Kachicares Resources Terminal, both in Lagos. Olomu described it as a fallout of the service zero tolerance for smuggling.
Comptroller Olomu said “On 11th of October 2024, our officers during a joint examination of 1×40 container number MRKU0377493 found prohibited CSP cough syrup in 34,800 bottles. The offensive importation was also found to have been expired. The smugglers packed them in 174 cartons with 200 bottles per carton
“On same day during another examination in same terminal a 1×40 container TGBU8886020 was found to be laden with 39,700 bottles DSP cough syrup packed in 100 bottles per carton.
“At Kachicares Resources Terminal, 1X40FT container NO SUDU8579006 said to contain kitchen wares was examined on the October 15, 2024 and found to contain concealment of Barcadin cough syrup for throat and chesty cough in 100ml
“They were packed in 1584 cartons. Another set of 83 loose bottles
Also found in the container are 124 cartons of kitchen cutters, packed in 60 pieces per carton and additional 57 loose pieces
“Like I have always said, Apapa Command Nigeria Customs Service is committed to seamless trade facilitation powered by robust stakeholders engagement but will not compromise on our revenue collection anti smuggling mandates as we facilitate trade
“For the umpteenth time, I want to warn perpetrators of unlawful trade to steer clear from Apapa Port as our eagle eye officers relying on intelligence, technology and on the job experience are out to uncover all their smuggling antics” the Controller said.
For these reasons, even the Nigerian Senate has hailed Olomu’s exploits and innovations. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Senator Jubril Echocho, commended the 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, October 25, 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, the CAC 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.
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”, Senator Echocho said.
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.
But 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.
The Senate delegation pledged to compile a comprehensive report detailing the Command’s achievements, challenges, and recommendations to support ongoing improvements in Nigeria’s Customs operations.
The Apapa Command’s collaborative efforts with sister agencies, and stakeholders’ engagement also resulted in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) presenting an award to Olomu.
The NDLEA commended the NCS for its support in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse. NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa who presented the award for exemplary service to Comptroller Olomu in Lagos, said the partnership between both government agencies is working for crime reduction and prevention of vices associated with drug abuse.
Speaking at the Commissioning of the NDLEA Marine Headquarters, which was built and donated by the British government in Lagos on October 16, 2024, Marwa commended Comptroller Olomu for the many seizures the NCS has made in Apapa Port.
Olomu acknowledged that combating trading in illicit drugs requires collaboration. He added that by sharing intelligence with the NDLEA, the NCS can track and arrest cartels bringing illicit drugs into Nigeria through the sea.
Other Frontline business gurus in the maritime business sector have also applauded Comptroller Olomu for his exceptional performances. These include Mr Lucky Eyis Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Dr Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam the founder and Board Chairman of the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) as well as the founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), and Prince Olayiwola Shittu Chairman of Skelas and former President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).
Praising Olomu’s sterling performance, Shittu said, “We stakeholders are not surprised at what is happening at Apapa. The Federal Government and NCS made the best choice allowing a good guy to handle the Premier Port – Olomu is a good guy. He has demonstrated that patriotism can be a practical guide to public office. We’re all happy with what is happening at Apapa. The awards and commendations are not cheap considering where they are coming from. I’m sincerely impressed”.
Amiwero said, “Olomu has given his best, he has introduced remarkable innovations and has managed crisis effectively.
“This is not what it used to be at the port, he has worked properly and performed greatly. Olomu has introduced innovations which have changed many things in the port.
“Revenue collection alone should not be a basis for performance of modern customs. What we’re talking about is trade facilitation where Olomu has done excellently. Revenue collection is not the basis for investment, we’re looking at trade facilitation which brings investment and companies can survive.
“That means there is predictable and transparent system. When you clear goods faster, you relieve the burden of dues and rents.
“What brings awards is how you facilitate trade; how fast do you clear goods from the port, how do investors make gain from their investment?
“How do you harmonise and simplify processes of customs procedure for clearing of cargo?
“When you facilitate trade, it affects the trader positively, the market woman and the consumer.
“When you facilitate trade, you make more revenue, industry will grow and investments will come.
“When you bring your container from India, for example, and it spends six months in the port, the importer will run away.
“Olomu has tried in this regard, he listens and responds to issues, he is not arrogant, he is not a political officer, but he’s cool-headed. We don’t have many of his type in the Service, and that’s why he has been able to achieve these feats”.
In his assessment of the transformation of Apapa Port, Dr Aniebonam said it is a sheer result of the customs visionary management team headed by Adewale Adeniyi.
According to Aniebonam, “The point am making is what has to do with the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service under Adewale Adeniyi. When he came in as the CGC, we referred to him as an international customs officer because he climbed through the ladder, and before now he was an image maker for the Service, so he has seen it all before he was brought to lead customs.
“So, he knows what to do. First, he is blessed with competent officers, from the management team down to Controllers. If you check all of them, you will see that they have honour, they have integrity, they are competent.
“In terms of transformation, Apapa started it. The record is there in terms of revenue, you can see that the performance there is something else, something extraordinary as far as I’m concerned
“You need to look at the industrial harmony; you need to operate in an environment that is peaceful. So, the stakeholders’ engagement that is being emphasized at Apapa Port has added a lot of impetus to whatever we’re doing at the port.
“I’ve heard about the awards and commendations from American Embassy to the Apapa Port Customs Command, and others in terms of trade facilitation, I think a lot of people don’t understand that trade facilitation means compliance. Nobody facilitates illicit trade.
“What I think has happened to Apapa Port is the fact that the current CAC has been able to take charge of the Service Providers.
“It’s about leadership and followership, and the freight forwarders are doing their best to see that things are properly done”.
Meanwhile, the Customs management has specially recognised the reforms Olomu has introduced in the port. During the Comptroller General’s Award on Friday, November 29, 2024 at Abuja, the Apapa Port Command was bestowed with the award of “Best Command In Trade Facilitation (Sea Ports), while Olomu was bestowed with the “Best Controller of the Year”.
On ground to receive the award was Olomu who was seen beaming with smiles.
Specifically, the management honoured Apapa Area 1 Command with three awards at 2024 Awards for Excellence.
Olomu won the award for Revenue Collection and an award of Excellence for his outstanding feats at the Command.
A press statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abubakar Usman said that Comptroller Olomu who was celebrated by his officer-colleagues, friends and stakeholders stood out as the starboy of the award night.
He emerged “Best Controller of the Year” for his exceptional leadership and improving on the command’s capacity to deliver on its mandates at Nigeria’s premier port of Apapa.
The Customs Management said the awards were in recognition of the command for its various groundbreaking achievements in the areas of revenue collection, anti -smuggling and trade facilitation.
According to the statement, “For the first time in the history of the command, it generated N2 trillion as revenue into government coffers as at November 20, 2024. Under the leadership of Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the command raised the bar of preventing revenue leakages and achieving maximum collection, even in the face of low trade volume
“With hands on daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly evaluation of its activities, the command has been attuned to getting all officers to resume early, process all entries timely, carry out diligent examination and shun compromise in the discharge of their duties”.
Shortly after receiving the awards in Abuja, Comptroller Olomu while holding the plaques and certificates dedicated the honour to all officers and men of the command.
The Area Controller described the achievements as result of teamwork, dedication, focus and cooperation. He said no leader can excel without supportive lieutenants and called for continuous support from all stakeholders.
While thanking the CGC for the honour bestowed on the command, Comptroller Olomu said as the number one Customs Officer in Nigeria, CGC Adeniyi has been a source of inspiration and good example for all officers to emulate.
He further described the award as a motivation for selflessness, call for increased commitment and a challenge to sustain and improve on the tempo of work at the command which will cascade to all bonded terminals attached to it.
The Controller also urged all port users to rededicate themselves to national service by being law abiding and reporting suspected unlawful acts in the port to the service and other security agencies.
