Senate Committee On Customs Commends Apapa Command On Revenue Performance
Senate Committee On Customs Commends Apapa Command On Revenue Performance
By Asuquo Nuwak
The Senate Committee on Customs has commended the Apapa Customs Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service for its impressive revenue performance of over N1.82 trillion this year, in addition to its proactive engagement with stakeholders.
The Senate Committee made the commendation during an oversight visit to the Command on 25 October 2024, to assess operational progress, address challenges, and explore potential legislative support to boost Customs’ efficiency.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Jubril Echocho, who commended the achievements of the command, also appreciated its revenue generation drive.
Senator Jubril Echocho, disclosed that, “this commitment demonstrates the impact of effective revenue collection on the national economy.
He noted that, “revenue generation remains a priority in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as it has helped in reducing national debt and strengthens Nigeria’s global standing.”
In his response on the Command’s activities, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Babatunde Olomu told the Senate Committee that the revenue generated was over N1.82 trillion, which surpassed N1.17 trillion collected in 2023.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, in his presentation, attributed this success to streamlined clearance procedures and a focused approach to lawful revenue collection.
He said the command have already surpassed the 2023 total revenue collection even when the command have three months ahead to go.
Besides, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu disclosed that the command have focused on lawful areas for revenue collection and national economic development, and have never slept on its responsibility in checking possibilities of smuggling prohibited items into the country, through the use of unorthodox means, such as concealment, under declaration, under valuation or outright false declaration”.
The Customs Area Controller told the Senate Committee Chairman about the recent seizures of over 36 illegal items, including codeine-based cough syrups, tramadol, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and other controlled substances, as part of the Command’s anti-smuggling efforts.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, noted that the Command’s trade facilitation mechanisms and regular stakeholder interactions have significantly improved compliance with customs regulations.
The Customs Area Controller, further noted the challenges, which included outdated technology and limited scanning equipment, as hindering efficient cargo inspections.
He used the opportunity to request for legislative support in order to provide advanced scanners and technological expansions.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu is quoted as saying that: “Insufficient modern scanning machines delay shipment processing and affect data accuracy, impacting the ability to monitor compliance effectively”.
In his response, the Chairman, Senate Committee, assured that he will advocate for technological support and improved welfare as provided in the 2025 budget, in recognision of the officers’ impressive performance.
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