Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has been recognised for its outstanding performance, receiving three prestigious awards in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and overall excellence.
The Command was said to have raked in about N2.1 trillion into the Federal Government coffers in the outgoing year. This represents a significant revenue collection increase since Dr. Babatunde Olomu assumed duty as the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command.
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.
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, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde 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.
The accolades highlight the command’s exceptional achievements in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and overall excellence.
The awards serve as a testament to the command’s dedication to advancing the NCS’s objectives and its unwavering support for Nigeria’s economic development.
Speaking further on significance of the award, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Wale 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 emphasized a strategic shift in organizational culture, moving beyond the traditional emphasis on punitive measures to recognizing 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.”
Reacting to the awards, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Dr. Babatunde Olomu, who also emerged as the Best Customs Area Controller of the Year, attributed the success to his pragmatic leadership, resilience, and inclusive synergies.
Dr. Olomu expressed gratitude to the officers and men of the command for their contributions and commitment.
He acknowledged the Comptroller-General and the NCS management for recognizing the dedication and sacrifices made by the command over the past year.
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 modernization 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.
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