By Anthony Nwachukwu
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has commended the Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Compt. Babatunde Olomu, for the command’s outstanding revenue collection of over N2.2 trillion in the ongoing calendar year, and urged him to sustain the tempo.
Speaking at the command’s end of year party and awards ceremony in Lagos, Adeniyi harped on the need for compliance and synergies as necessary strategies to greater productivity at the port, stating that compliance is a competitive advantage.
Declaring a shared sense of commitment to trade compliance and excellence, Adeniyi, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General, Caroline Niagwan, congratulated Olomu and all officers and men of Apapa Area Command for the milestone achieved and the consequent multiple accolades
“This award ceremony is a testament to your dedication to ethical business practices, adherence to regulations and unwavering support for the principles that drive Nigeria’s economic growth,” a statement from the Customs Public Relations Officer, Apapa Port Command, Abubakar Usman, cited Adeniyi to say.
“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.
“It also positions compliant stakeholders to enjoy streamlined processes, faster clearance times and access to the numerous benefits that come with being recognised as trusted trade partners.”
Noting that sustaining compliance could sometimes require capacity building, especially as global trade evolves, Adeniyi assured the agency would provide the necessary training, technical assistance and partnerships that will empower officers with the knowledge and tools to maintain the expected high standard.
“Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder remains competitive, innovative and aligned with global best practices,” Adeniyi added. “By working together, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth.
“Compliant stakeholders not only contribute to national revenue but also drive economic development, attract foreign investments and enhance Nigeria’s position in international trade.”
On his part, Compt. Olomu commended the NCS management for always providing the command the direction and inspiration to meet expectations.
According to him, the party was aimed at strengthening the stakeholder-bond as a community of government and private sector collaborators working together for the betterment of Nigeria. It also aimed to honour those whose outstanding performances contributed to shaping the command’s achievements in 2024.
Olomu noted that in spite of the low trade volume, the command achieved its target, reflecting officers’ commitment and dedication to duty. He described compliance as “the bedrock of all customs achievements in revenue collection, anti-smuggling and legitimate trade facilitation.
“Our approach to regularly engage sister-agencies has raised our degree of intelligence sharing towards a common national interest. With our port users, we maintained regular enlightenment meetings, faster trade dispute resolution mechanism and consistent appraisal of feedbacks to keep improving on our responsibilities.”
