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The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted contraband items worth N9.26billion and shutdown 3 bonded terminals over infractions, including evasion of Customs duties, smuggling and other sharp practices.
Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu fsi, disclosed this during a press conference on the activities at the nation’s premier seaport for the first half of the year 2025.
While stressing that the action to shutdown the bonded terminals forms part of an intensified effort to uphold compliance within Nigeria’s busiest seaport corridor, Olomu, confirmed that one of the terminals has already been charged to court, while investigations are ongoing regarding the remaining two.
“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.
Meanwhile, 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.
Olomu 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 noted 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 of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
In addition to its enforcement achievements, the Apapa Command recorded N1.3 trillion in revenue within the first half of 2025 a significant contribution to the Federation Account. Olomu described this performance as evidence of the Command’s dual capacity to facilitate trade and enforce compliance effectively.
Comptroller Olomu further acknowledged the vital role of other government agencies operating within the port. He praised the increased intelligence sharing and coordination among security agencies, which he said has significantly disrupted criminal networks and enhanced national security.
Also speaking at the press briefing, 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.”
He also highlighted recent digital advancements at the Command, such as a platform that allows importers to track transactions in real time. However, he called for greater inclusion of licensed customs agents in the notification process, noting that current updates often exclude them, potentially causing communication lapses.
