By Femi Anamelechi
The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu disclosed this during a Media Briefing on 3rd July 2025 at the Artea Command office in Lagos. CAC Babatunde Olomu said the Apapa Area Command intercepted contraband items worth N9.26billion and shutdown 3 bonded terminals over infractions, including evasion of Customs duties, smuggling and other sharp practices. the Comptroller speaking on the activities at the nation’s premier seaport for the first half of the year 2025 pointed out that the shutdown of the bonded terminals forms part of an intensified effort to uphold compliance within Nigeria’s busiest seaport corridor. He also confirmed that one of the terminals has already been charged to court, while investigations are ongoing regarding the remaining two.
Speaking further on Anti Smuggling activities of the Apapa Area Command, the CAC said “As a result of our robust anti-smuggling efforts, three bonded terminals have been sealed. One is already undergoing prosecution in court, and we are currently investigating the others. “Let this serve as a warning Apapa Port Command is under the watch of vigilant, well-trained officers who are fully equipped to detect and seize uncustomed goods, and arrest those involved in illegal activities,” Olomu asserted. He disclosed that from January to June 2025, the Command intercepted 27 containers loaded with contraband valued at N9.26 billion.The seizures include; unregistered pharmaceuticals, codeine syrup, expired margarine, used clothing, stolen vehicles, and wildlife skins, among others,Comptroller Babatunde Olomu said.
This underscored the serious public health risks posed by unregistered pharmaceuticals and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians from such harmful imports.-He also said that the seizure of wild animal skins highlights the Command’s alignment with global environmental standards, particularly the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species to which Nigeria is a signatory. On Revenue generation In CCA Babatunde Olomu disclosed that Apapa Command recorded N1.3 trillion in revenue within the first half of 2025 a significant contribution to the Federation Account.
The increase In revenue was the result of the motivation and innovative leadership of the CGC Bashir Adewale Adebiyi (MFR) and the efforts and resilience of men and officers of the Apapa Area Command.Comptroller Olomu also attributed the achievements in increased revenue to the vital role of other government agencies operating within the port. He praised the increased intelligence sharing and coordination among security agencies. He said the synergy ” has significantly disrupted criminal networks and enhanced national security. “Mr. Babatunde Mukaila, a licensed clearing agent and former Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), applauded the Command’s leadership for fostering improved relationships with stakeholders.
He described the engagement under Comptroller Olomu as “unprecedented,” praising his transparent and approachable leadership style.“Apapa Port is now the most transparent and efficient port in the country. Honest freight forwarders can do business with confidence, knowing they will be treated fairly.”The stakeholder and commended recent advancements at the Command, such as a platform that allows importers to track transactions in real time. He further called for more robust relationships and the inclusion of licensed customs agents in the notification process, noting that current updates often exclude them, potentially causing communication lapses.
