The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command: A Bastion of Trade Facilitation and Security Enforcement
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, stands as a critical cog in the nation’s economic machinery, serving as both a facilitator of legitimate trade and a staunch defender against illicit activities. Under the leadership of Customs Area Controller Babatunde Olomu, the command has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to revenue generation and the interception of contraband, achieving remarkable results in both areas. Over a fifteen-month period, spanning from May 2024 to July 2025, the Apapa Command seized a diverse array of illicit goods, including weaponry, pharmaceuticals, narcotics, and restricted technology, while simultaneously generating a staggering N3.7 trillion in revenue. This impressive performance underscores the command’s dedication to upholding the principles of trade security and bolstering the nation’s economic well-being.
The range of seizures effected by the Apapa Command highlights the multifaceted nature of the threats faced by Nigeria’s borders. From the confiscation of assorted rifles and ammunition, posing a direct threat to national security, to the interception of expired pharmaceuticals and counterfeit drugs, endangering public health, the command’s vigilance extends across a broad spectrum of illicit activities. The seizure of banned substances, such as codeine and tramadol, demonstrates a commitment to combatting drug trafficking, while the recovery of stolen vehicles and restricted security gadgets like drones underscores the command’s efforts to disrupt organized crime and protect critical infrastructure. This comprehensive approach to enforcement reflects a keen understanding of the interconnectedness of these illicit markets and their potential to destabilize the nation.
The Apapa Command’s revenue generation figures further solidify its crucial role in supporting national development. Collecting a total of N3.7 trillion between May 2024 and July 2025, the command consistently exceeded expectations, with monthly collections often surpassing N200 billion. This substantial revenue stream represents a significant contribution to the government’s coffers, providing vital resources for public services and infrastructure development. The consistent and robust revenue performance achieved by the command underscores its effectiveness in facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring compliance with customs regulations.
The success of the Apapa Command under Olomu’s leadership can be attributed to a combination of factors, including enhanced intelligence gathering, proactive enforcement strategies, and robust inter-agency collaboration. The command’s proactive approach is exemplified by the seizure of 60 warrior drones and 53 helicopter drones lacking valid End-User Certificates, demonstrating a commitment to preventing the misuse of potentially dangerous technology. Similarly, the confiscation of 10 professional FM transceivers showcases the command’s ability to intercept equipment that could be used for illicit communications. These seizures represent a proactive stance against potential security threats, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding national interests.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, recognizing the significance of the Apapa Command’s achievements, commended Olomu and his team for their unwavering dedication and exceptional performance. Acknowledging the command’s position as the highest revenue collector within the NCS, Adeniyi emphasized the high expectations placed upon them and urged the team to maintain their exemplary performance. His commendation highlights the importance of effective customs operations in both protecting national security and fostering economic growth.
Adeniyi’s call for port users to embrace legitimate trade reflects the NCS’s commitment to creating a transparent and compliant trading environment. His assurance of the NCS’s unwavering dedication to detecting and preventing all forms of concealment serves as a deterrent to potential smugglers and reinforces the agency’s role as a guardian of national security and economic integrity. The Apapa Command’s success serves as a model for other customs formations across the country, showcasing the potential for effective enforcement and revenue generation when combined with a commitment to professionalism and integrity. The command’s ongoing efforts play a vital role in fostering economic stability, protecting public health and safety, and upholding the rule of law within Nigeria’s borders.
