- Compt. Babatunde Olomu
In an unprecedented leap in the history of the command, and by extension the agency, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), posted a staggering N1.02 trillion in revenue collection for the half-year ending June 30, 2024 – a 143 per cent increase over the N421 billion collected in the same period of 2023.
This was preceded by several monthly records even from the previous year, with the N201.85 billion for July 2024 continuing what is seaming a tradition. The command’s record-breaking revenue collection is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its officers, among them the Deputy Comptroller of Customs and OC Gate, Frank Onyenka.
However, these have not come without strains and challenges. With these impressive revenue records also come whispers of mischief and discontent from within and outside the command and the agency, hell bent on truncating the success story.
Compt. Babatunde Olomu has been vocal about the measures taken to prevent revenue leakages and combat smuggling, with the recent 11 containers of prohibited consignments, including expired pharmaceuticals and unfit poultry products, the latest interceptions displayed as proof of ongoing battles against corruption and unprofessional conduct at the ports.
Findings also revealed that these successes were aided by the honesty and dedication of such officers like Onyenka, said to be scrupulous and meticulous in handling the Apapa exit gate.
Prior to his redeployment to the Apapa Port, Onyenka was O/C Gate at Onne Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he won the “Best Revenue Officer” of the Command in 2022.
It was this display of high level integrity, honesty, dexterity, dedication to duty and reliability that motivated the NCS management to redeploy him to the Apapa Area Command as O/C Gate.
True to expectations, since then, he has changed the narrative at the Apapa Exit Gate with his many innovations and changes – all contributing to command’s current high revenue figures. Such changes include the Personal Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration (PUBD) which until his coming recorded zero naira, just as no general performing examination was being carried out.
To that effect, the beneficiaries were smiling to the banks, but with his intervention, examination is now being carried and the dividends are clear, with about 23-30 per cent of the command’s revenue from August 2023 said to have come through this channel, tacitly backed by the area comptroller.
Therefore, it is not surprising that such revolution at the Apapa Exit Gate would meet stern resistance, as some unscrupulous elements within the system are reportedly conniving to thwart and pervert revenue generation, and sustain the bleeding of the system of accruable revenue by browbeating the general public with a campaign of calumny against Onyenka, in order to remove him.
However, it was learnt that in spite of the acrimonious campaign against him, he is in line to be rewarded by the command for his intervention at the Apapa Command, which replicates his record at Onne Area 11 Command.
He is said to be very practical and passionate about his job, a thoroughbred professional who knows where and when to draw the line in his official duties. Those close to this exceptional and hardworking officer describe him as a no-nonsense man, uncompromising, and keen on details and very meticulous with documentation.
On the human side, Onyenka is said to be a man of the people; unassuming, a very compassionate leader who cares much about those working with him. Before his arrival at the Apapa Exit Gate, the place was chaotic with crowds always around the office. Today, however, the usual chaos has been tamed after conducive quarter cabins were constructed as offices for customs officers to facilitate trade, among others.
On grounds of anonymity, a clearing agent who described Onyenka as a very efficient and fearless officer, said that those with the campaign of calumny against him are afraid of him, knowing that he would not compromise, and would always stand against revenue leakage and loss. Therefore, they want him out in order to return the status quo and have their way, because has been a stumbling block on their path.
Nevertheless, the command’s successes are not just about the numbers but also in the strategies employed. These included the recently introduced Time Release Study (TRS) and the establishment of a revenue recovery committee, as well as the command’s dedication to thorough inspections and the use of scanners to prevent illicit trade, all of which have been pivotal to the feats achieved.
Meanwhile, the impressive revenue figures in spite of the significant reduction in trade volume, suggest a more efficient and vigilant customs operation, with broader implications for the Nigerian economy, even as it underscores the need for continuous vigilance and integrity in the face of daunting corruption.
As the lamb navigates the territory of wolves, the command must remain steadfast in its commitment to transparency and accountability. Only then can it truly transform Nigeria’s maritime industry and set a new standard for customs operations nationwide.
