…Seals three bonded terminals over unwholesome practices
The Apapa Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, on Thursday, showcased nine containers comprising of unregistered Pharmaceuticals, used clothing, expired margarine , wild animals’ skin and codeine syrup it seized a few days ago.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu who disclosed this in a news briefing at the command’s headquarters in Apapa, Lagos said that the nine containers formed part of the Twenty-Seven (27) containers seized by the command between January and June, 2025 with a Duty Paid Value, DPV of Nine Billion, Two Hundred and Sixty- seven Million, Four Hundred and Forty-Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty- six naira (N9,267,443,966.00).
Olomu further disclosed that the seizures were inclusive of 10 containers of unregistered Pharmaceuticals, 2 containers of Codeine syrup, 2 containers of stolen vehicles, 4 containers of second hand clothing, among others.
“These seizures are fallout of our efforts at preventing Nigerians from unwholesome foods and drugs, stopping illicit trade and protecting our local industries.
“As a standard, we will never compromise the health, well-being, safety of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation. Every consignment passing through our port undergo diligent check through scanning and physical examination when required”, he assured.
The Controller revealed that unregistered pharmaceuticals was most prominent on the list of twenty-eight (28) seizures made by the command during the period under review adding that the seizures comprised of controlled drugs, used clothes, codeine syrup, wild animals’ skin and other sundry items.
“It is pertinent to note that trafficking of wild animals contravenes the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which Nigeria is a signatory. Equally, on the detention list is a container of matches imported without the required End User Certificate (EUC) as provided for in our extant laws.
“As a fallout from our uncompromising anti-smuggling operations, we have sealed 3 bonded terminals under the command for various infractions. One of the terminals has been charged to court for prosecution while investigation is still ongoing on the remaining two terminals.
“Let me use this medium to once again warn perpetrators of illegal acts that Apapa Port Command is manned by eagle eyed officers, who are activated to detect and seize uncustom goods with a clear mandate to arrest perpetrators. We have demonstrated our capacity in this regard and we shall continue to do more”, he stated.
On trade facilitation, the CAC informed that the Unified Customs Management System otherwise known as B’Odogwu had gone live in Apapa command with laudable milestones even as he recalled that the command had achieved issuance of the first Single Goods Declaration on 9th May, 2025 using the B’Odogwu platform
He continued, “We have created a robust platform that facilitates trade and ensures the swift clearance of cargo. We are addressing challenges such as poor network connectivity, delays, and congestion associated with the former system.”
Comptroller Olomu observed that under the guidance of the Comptroller General of Customs, the command, very recently, opened talks with officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC and other stakeholders from various associations on developing a standard operating procedure, SOP for the movement of goods by rail from Apapa Port to other states.
“I am pleased to express that the talks have shown prospects for success with pledges of support and anticipation for robust participation by all concerned.
“This effort to revive cargo movement by rail aims to decongest the port, reduce pressure on the Apapa roads and provide a viable and cost-effective option of cargo movement to our importers, exporters, freight forwarding practitioners, haulage operators and licensed customs agents”, he said.
On revenue collection, the Controller stated that the command achieved a total collection of One trillion, three hundred and seventy-eight billion, fifty-nine million, nineteen thousand, two hundred and forty-five naira, twenty kobo (N1,378,059,019,245.20).
According to him, the amount represents 35% increase above One trillion, twenty-three billion, six hundred and sixty-three million, eight hundred and forty-two thousand, two hundred and fifty-five naira, sixty-three kobo (N1,023,663,842,255.63) that the command collected in the same period of 2024, marking N354 billion increase in collection within the period under review.
“It is important we attribute this collection to our diligent officers and compliant traders. On my watch and under the direction of the CGC. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, psc (+), we have always insisted on maximum collection of government revenue by preventing leakages and applying demand notices (DN) where and when necessary.
“Our revenue collection trajectory points to the possibility of achieving or surpassing our annual target by the end of 2025. I have urged my officers and men to brace up and redouble their efforts to make surpassing the target a reality”, the CAC submitted.
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