… As Compt. Olomu Assures of Higher Revenue With B’Odogwu
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a staggering ₦694.1 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2025, setting a new benchmark in the Service’s 135-year history. The figure represents a remarkable 41.8% increase from the ₦489 billion collected in the same period in 2024.
Disclosing this during a working visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, attributed the Command’s success to the strategic leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
“Under the guidance and effective supervision of the CGC, we are optimistic about surpassing last year’s total collection of ₦2.357 trillion,” Olomu stated.
In a major milestone, the Apapa Command set a new record for the highest daily revenue collection with ₦18.9 billion generated on Friday, March 14, 2025—surpassing the previous record of ₦18.2 billion set in October 2024. Olomu described the achievement as historic and a testament to the Command’s operational efficiency.
He emphasized the vital role of the Apapa Command in Nigeria’s economy, describing it as the country’s most significant trade gateway with the capacity to handle the highest volume of imports and exports in both West and Central Africa.
Highlighting efforts to improve the ease of doing business, Olomu noted that the Command has leveraged digital innovations, particularly the B’Odogwu platform, which he said is gaining rapid acceptance among stakeholders and contributing immensely to trade facilitation.
He also reported a major breakthrough in the automation of export processes, with the Apapa Command processing exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Guided Trade Initiative (GTI). He revealed that some Nigerian exporters have now been elevated to the status of Authorised Economic Operators (AEO), enhancing their credibility and access to global markets.
The Area Controller further announced that the Command recently issued its first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under the B’Odogwu platform, calling it a significant milestone in the journey toward a fully indigenized, ICT-driven customs system.
Chairman of the House Committee on Customs, Hon. Leke Abejide, commended Comptroller Olomu for his leadership and innovation, describing the Apapa Command as a model of productivity. He assured the CAC of the lawmakers’ continued legislative support, particularly in promoting trade facilitation through technology and global best practices.
“We are impressed by the Command’s performance and your ability to think ahead in revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Hon. Abejide remarked.
With the first quarter figures indicating strong momentum, Comptroller Olomu expressed confidence in the Command’s capacity to deliver even greater results in the months ahead.