The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service said it generated N672.1 billion from January to April 2024.
This was disclosed by the outgoing area controller of the Apapa command, Babajide Jaiyeoba during his handover and retirement ceremony in Lagos on Monday, according to Daily Trust.
Jaiyeoba said the command made a record-breaking revenue of N182 billion in April alone, which was the highest monthly collection ever recorded in history.
He praised the Almighty God, the comptroller-general of customs, Bashir Adeniyi, stakeholders, and the entire staff of the Apapa command for making it possible.
He said “I will describe the eight-month tenure as Area Controller of Apapa Command as joyful and characterised by exciting moments culminating into tangible results for the benefit of the nation.
“We have set the ball rolling for the actualization of our target, and the officers I am leaving behind are focused on this.
“My optimism is not misplaced because we have all proven to be tested and trusted.”
The retiring Area Controller praised the officers for their constant pursuit of maximum duty collection, to prevent leakages, fight smuggling, and ensure that traders enjoy a smooth clearance as he has led them.
Jaiyeoba called on all officers, sister government agencies, and stakeholders to support the incoming area controller, Babatunde Olomu.
“Let’s triple, or possibly, quadruple, the cooperation and support I got for him. His success is our common benefit.
“For over three decades, I have known him to be a team player and result-oriented officer,” Jaiyeoba said.
In his remark, Olomu assured that he was committed to modernizing and improving the customs operation, starting with Apapa Port as a focal point for implementing trade facilitation reforms.
He said “We are reviving Nigeria’s readiness for improved trade with fellow African countries and the world at large.
“The management of the service is committed to evolving a more modern customs, with Apapa Port being a nucleus for the implementation of many trade facilitation reforms championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, MFR.”
