Comptroller Babatunde Olomu PhD, the Area Controller of the Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, has reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to outsmarting smugglers through sharp intelligence and relentless enforcement.
Speaking on Monday, August 18, 2025, during a visit from Dr. Martin Iluyomade fsi—Director of NAFDAC’s Inspection and Enforcement Directorate and Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Food—Olomu revealed that smugglers’ latest tricks, including fake registration numbers and false declarations, have consistently failed.
He emphasized that the Apapa Command is fully aligned with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Comptroller-General of Customs and NAFDAC’s Director-General, aimed at blocking the entry of harmful and prohibited items under NAFDAC’s watch.
Olomu urged NAFDAC to fast-track the evacuation of seized containers from the port, assuring that Customs will continue to arrest suspects and hand them over along with the intercepted goods.
The controller emphasized that taking down the human element in the smuggling chain is key to breaking the cycle.
He also noted that officers under his leadership have embraced the CGC’s zero-tolerance policy on smuggling, especially when it comes to dangerous imports like fake drugs, contaminated food, and illegal arms.
A recent seizure of 32 containers—personally supervised by the CGC—was cited as proof of the strong collaboration between Customs and NAFDAC, and a direct result of their renewed partnership.
Dr. Iluyomade praised Olomu’s leadership, calling the seizures “life-saving.” He warned, “Guns may kill a few, but fake drugs and unwholesome food can wipe out an entire nation. Those behind it are waging war against Nigerians.”
He described Olomu as the finest Controller Apapa has ever had, recalling his own early days at NAFDAC and noting how Customs’ anti-smuggling efforts have dramatically improved. He also appealed for support in securing seized containers from theft before NAFDAC’s evacuation.