…Apapa Command Honours Top Stakeholders and Officers
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has applauded the Apapa Port Command for its exceptional revenue collection of over N2.2 trillion in 2024, urging the command to sustain its performance through enhanced compliance and collaboration.
Speaking at the command’s End-of-Year Party and Award Ceremony in Apapa on Friday, December 13, 2024, Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller General Caroline Niagwan (Tariff and Trade), highlighted compliance as a critical tool for competitiveness, transparency, and economic growth.
He stated, “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. Compliant stakeholders enjoy streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and other benefits that position them as trusted trade partners.”
The CGC emphasized the Customs Service’s commitment to capacity-building for stakeholders to adapt to global trade dynamics, adding that collaborative efforts would unlock greater opportunities for economic development.
In his address, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Area Controller of Apapa Command, expressed gratitude to the CGC and the Customs management team for their leadership and support. He attributed the command’s achievements to a combination of officer dedication, stakeholder engagement, and compliance enforcement.
Despite challenges like low trade volumes, Olomu noted that the command achieved its revenue target, citing robust collaborations with stakeholders and government agencies as a driving force.
“Compliance is the bedrock of all customs achievements in revenue collection, anti-smuggling operations, and legitimate trade facilitation,” Olomu said.
He commended the NPA, DSS, NDLEA, NAQS, Port Health, Police, Immigration, and others for their partnership, urging them to maintain the momentum in 2025.
Highlighting the role of port users, Olomu revealed that regular stakeholder meetings, quick dispute resolution mechanisms, and feedback appraisals have contributed to the command’s impressive performance.
During the ceremony, several organizations and individuals were honoured for their contributions. Among the awardees were APM Terminals, Sifax Group, ENL Consortium, Dangote, Talod Ocean Airfreight, and Princess Chi Ezeh, CEO of Munah Sylva Nigeria Limited.
The command also recognized both serving and retired officers for their exceptional dedication to its success in 2024.
Olomu encouraged the award recipients to see the recognition as a call for greater commitment, while urging others to strive for excellence in 2025.
“There is no end to improvement. We will continue to work inclusively with all stakeholders to sustain this momentum and achieve even greater milestones next year,” he concluded.