The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is undergoing a significant transformation driven by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and modernization initiatives. Incoming Controller, Emmanuel Osoba, acknowledged this pivotal moment during his acceptance speech, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to maximize the benefits of the “B’Odogwu” platform, the Service’s new Unified Customs Management System. He envisions the Apapa Command becoming a hub of innovation and excellence, urging stakeholders to support the ongoing digitization process and strive for greater efficiency and transparency in customs operations. Osoba’s leadership approach centers on partnership, recognizing the importance of collective effort in navigating challenges and celebrating successes. He highlighted the command’s focus on trade facilitation programs, including the Authorised Economic Operator, Time Release Study, and Advanced Ruling initiatives, aiming to enhance the ease of doing business and solidify the NCS’s leading position in African customs administration.
Outgoing Controller, Babatunde Olomu, recently promoted to Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, reflected on his 15-month tenure, characterized by significant challenges, effective problem-solving, and remarkable achievements. His leadership witnessed unprecedented revenue collection, including the historic milestone of surpassing N2 trillion in revenue – a first for the NCS. Olomu also highlighted record-breaking single-day revenue figures achieved under his watch, progressively increasing from N17.9 billion to N18.2 billion, and eventually reaching N18.9 billion. Despite initial technical difficulties associated with the implementation of the B’Odogwu system, the Apapa Command, under Olomu’s stewardship, generated an impressive N214.9 billion in August 2025 alone. Cumulative collections for 2025 had already reached N1.83 trillion, representing a significant stride towards the ambitious annual target of N3 trillion.
Olomu’s tenure also coincided with Nigeria’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Apapa Port played a crucial role in this initiative, facilitating the first historic shipment under the Guided Trade Initiative in July 2024, followed by another shipment to Kenya in November of the same year. Beyond revenue generation, Olomu emphasized his administration’s commitment to streamlining cargo clearance processes, enhancing dispute resolution mechanisms, and promoting compliance within the trading community. He urged stakeholders to extend their full cooperation to his successor, ensuring a seamless transition and continued progress in Apapa’s customs operations.
The handover ceremony also provided a platform for stakeholders to express their appreciation for Olomu’s leadership and offer their support to the incoming Controller. Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), commended Olomu for maintaining industrial harmony during his tenure and pledged NAGAFF’s unwavering support to Osoba, expressing confidence in his ability to build upon previous successes. Ademola Mumuni of Storin Marine lauded Olomu’s achievements, attributing them to the collective efforts of dedicated officers and pledging continued support for the new leadership. Mr. Sesan Onileimo, publisher of Shipping Position Daily, praised Olomu’s adeptness at building bridges within the industry and described his impact as unforgettable.
The transition of leadership at the Apapa Area Command signifies a critical phase in the NCS’s modernization drive. Osoba’s emphasis on collaboration and leveraging technology aligns with the Service’s commitment to enhance efficiency, transparency, and trade facilitation. The impressive revenue milestones achieved under Olomu’s leadership underscore the command’s strategic importance and its potential to contribute significantly to national economic growth. The collective support from stakeholders reflects a shared vision for the future of the Apapa Command – a vision rooted in innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence in customs operations.
Osoba’s vision builds upon the foundation laid by his predecessor, aiming to further optimize customs processes and leverage technology to streamline trade. The successful implementation of the B’Odogwu system is crucial to achieving these objectives, promising to transform the Apapa Command into a model of efficient and transparent customs administration. The handover ceremony not only marked a change in leadership but also reinforced the shared commitment among stakeholders to collaborate and drive progress within the maritime industry. Osoba inherits a command poised for continued growth and innovation, tasked with navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving global trade landscape.
The Apapa Area Command’s strategic location and its pivotal role in Nigeria’s international trade underscore the importance of effective leadership and efficient customs operations. The incoming Controller’s emphasis on collaboration and leveraging technology offers a promising roadmap for the future. By partnering with stakeholders and embracing innovation, the Apapa Command is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the dynamic global trade environment. The successes achieved under Olomu’s leadership serve as a testament to the command’s potential and its commitment to excellence in customs administration. The seamless transition of leadership ensures continuity and reinforces the shared vision for the future of the Apapa Command – a future driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to achieving even greater milestones.
