The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) raked in about N2.1 trillion into the Federal Government coffers in the outgoing year, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Dr. Babatunde Olomu has said.
Olomu said that this represented a significant revenue collection increase since he assumed duty as the Area Controller of the Command.
He disclosed this during the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Awards where the Apapa Port Command was recognised for its outstanding performance, receiving three prestigious awards in the areas of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and overall excellence.
The awards were presented to the Apapa Command during the 2024 CGC Awards Night, underscoring its pivotal role in enhancing trade efficiency and boosting government revenue.
At the event, Olomu also emerged as the Best Customs Area Controller of the Year.
Olomu was reputed to have set up a revenue recovery committee to address leakages, especially in bonded terminals.
He also established a team to address complaints and disputes.
Olomu said: “We sincerely appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the NCS for this recognition. It’s a testament to the teamwork and dedication of the officers and men of the command. I also thank our stakeholders for their high compliance level, which significantly contributed to the 2.1 trillion naira credited to the command.”
He assured the CGC of the command’s unwavering commitment to surpassing expectations.
He added: “This award is a tonic for us to do better. The three awards for trade facilitation, revenue generation, and overall best command and area controller, will only motivate us further. For 2025, once targets are assigned, we are confident of surpassing them because trade facilitation is key to revenue generation.
“By simplifying procedures and ensuring compliance, we will continue to support stakeholders and sister agencies to generate greater revenue for the government.”
Dr. Olomu urged Nigerian businessmen and women to take advantage of the ease-of-doing-business initiative at Apapa Port.
He highlighted the simplified procedures implemented under the CGC’s modernisation regime to ensure seamless trade processes.
“We invite more businesses to leverage the facilities and initiatives at Apapa Port. Our commitment remains unwavering in ensuring efficient trade facilitation and contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth,” he concluded.
Speaking during the awards presentation in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Mr. Wale Adeniyi, described the event as a celebration of excellence that transcended routine achievements.
Adeniyi said: “It is about exceeding expectations, showing dedication to the country, and demonstrating exceptional commitment to our nation’s interests. Tonight, we gather to celebrate officers and stakeholders who have exemplified these qualities and more.”
He further emphasised a strategic shift in organisational culture, moving beyond the traditional emphasis on punitive measures to recognising exceptional service and celebrating excellence.
He added: “This strategic shift springs from our belief that positive reinforcement nurtures a more dynamic, motivated, and high-performing workforce.”
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