The Customs Area Comptroller (CAC) of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu PhD, announced a revival of rail-based cargo movement in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). Speaking during the presentation of the Command’s 2025 half-year revenue report, Olomu confirmed that discussions are underway to establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the transport of cargo from Apapa Port to other parts of the country.
The initiative promises port decongestion, reduced road pressure, and a cost-effective cargo transport alternative and has received widespread support from stakeholders including importers, freight forwarders, and licensed customs agents.
Comptroller Olomu also disclosed that the command recorded a substantial revenue growth in the first half of 2025, collecting ₦1.378 trillion—an increase of ₦354 billion over the same period in 2024. He credited this leap to officer diligence and trader compliance:
The controller prioritizes
strict revenue collection and prevention of leakages under the guidance of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Apapa Command under Olomu’s watch has implemented the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, ushering in faster and more reliable cargo clearance. Notable milestones include:
– First Single Goods Declaration issued via UCMS on May 9, 2025
– Enhanced issuance of Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAAR)
– Mitigation of issues like network delays and congestion
Between January and June 2025, he stated that the command seized 27 containers with a total duty-paid value of ₦9.26 billion. Items confiscated include:
– Unregistered pharmaceuticals (10 containers)
– Codeine syrup (2 containers)
– Stolen vehicles (2 containers)
– Used clothing (4 containers)
– Expired margarine, wild animal skins, and undeclared matches
Comptroller Olomu emphasized the Command’s resolve to protect Nigerians from harmful goods and uphold international commitments like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
He also revealed that three bonded terminals have been shut down over infractions:
– One is currently facing prosecution
– Investigations are ongoing for the other two