The Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller-General (Dr) Babatunde Olomu, fsi. has formally bowed out of that office, handing over to a new helmsman in person of Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba.
Speaking at the formal hand over ceremony in Apapa, Monday, ACG Olomu expressed gratitude to God Almighty for bringing him thus far, the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, dsm psc(+), all his officers/men, esteemed stakeholders, distinguished members of the fourth estate of the realm for their unwavering support towards the collective success during the 15 months period he was there as CAC.
He insisted that his tenure witnessed some significant milestone achievements and transformation, while attributing his success to teamwork and alignment with the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s policy direction.
Hee noted that under his watch the command set new records by achieving its first-ever ₦2 trillion revenue collection—a feat that earned the command multiple accolades, including the CGC Special Award for Excellence in Revenue Collection and Overall Best Area Controller.
The command he further added attained new heights in daily revenue collection: with – ₦17.9 billion on June 19, 2024
– ₦18.9 billion on March 14, 2025
He equally revealed that in August 2025 alone, the command collected ₦214.9 billion using the newly introduced B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, despite initial technical challenges. According to him as of September, this year total revenue for 2025 stands at ₦1.83 trillion—60% of the annual target of ₦3 trillion.
Apapa Command, Olomu maintained, emerged as a central hub for trade modernization, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s historic entry into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In July 2024, the command facilitated Nigeria’s first AfCFTA shipment from Apapa Port, followed by another milestone shipment to Kenya in November.
“While I was here as CAC,’ Olomu stated ‘Nigeria made its historic first African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) shipment from Apapa Port in July 2024, launching our country’s participation in the scheme’s Guided Trade Initiative (GTI).
“Nigerian manufactured goods were sent to five other African countries. Another milestone shipment under AfCFTA from Nigeria which we facilitated was sent to Kenya in November 2024, showcasing our country’s active role and commitment to boosting intra-African trade through the agreement.” He said.
while restating the command’s commitment to faster cargo clearance, seamless dispute resolution, and compliance promotion across all stakeholders in the trade ecosystem, the outgoing CAC reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling. during his tenure.
Apapa, Olomu revealed, recorded 75 seizures, including 62 units of 40ft containers and 13 units of 20ft containers. The intercepted items ranged from fake and expired drugs to controlled substances like codeine and tramadol, as well as Indian hemp, used clothing, and wood.
He expressed confidence in his successor as a distinguished gentleman officer with capability to take the command to greater heights.
He finally extended his heartfelt gratitude to sister agencies such as: the DSS, Police, Immigration, NDLEA, Port Health, NAFDAC, SON, Quarantine, NPA and others for their support.
Meanwhile, an obviously elated Controller Oshoba praised the Management of the Nigeria Customs Service for entrusting him with the strategic responsibility, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.
“I am deeply humbled by the trust placed in me by the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, dsm, psc(+), to lead this area which is at the center of customs operations and reforms in our great country,” Oshoba said in his inaugural address.
Outlining his vision for the command, Oshoba emphasized modernization, collaboration, and continuity as part of his strategic focus in taking the command to new heights.
He commended his predecessor for the command’s stellar performance and pledged to build on the existing legacy. “My work period here won’t be an exception. I live with a desire to improve any environment I find myself,” he added.
He revealed that his leadership philosophy will be anchored on “Three Ls— Look, Listen, and Learn,” stating that his first priority is to understand the heartbeat of the command and work collaboratively with stakeholders to address any challenges.
The new CAC also highlighted the strategic importance of Apapa Command in Nigeria’s trade facilitation efforts, especially in the context of ongoing ICT reforms. He reaffirmed commitment to key modernization initiatives including the Unified Customs Management System, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), Time Release Study (TRS), and Advanced Ruling (AR).
“With Nigeria now chairing the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, we are a country of interest in the global customs community. Let us uphold the principles of compliance and ensure unwavering adherence to all legal frameworks,” he advised.
Oshoba called for unity and support, promising to lead with transparency and integrity. “I am here on a mission to sustain the excellent records achieved before my arrival and, by the grace of God, we shall jointly break new grounds to do greater things for Nigeria through Apapa Port.”
The ceremony was attended by senior customs officers, terminal heads, stakeholders, and members of the press.