The new Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Emmanuel Osoba, has said the Command is at a critical stage in its ongoing modernisation and digital transformation journey.
Osoba made the remark on Monday during his acceptance speech at the Apapa Customs office in Lagos, where he officially took over from Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, who has been promoted to the position of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
He said the Service is currently focused on building a stronger technology-driven system through platforms such as the Unified Customs Management System, popularly known as B’Odogwu, and called for robust collaboration among all stakeholders to sustain the progress achieved so far.
“As you are all aware, we are currently positioned at a critical juncture in the ongoing ICT and modernisation efforts within the Service. The world is changing rapidly, and with change comes opportunities. Together, we will build on the gains of B’Odogwu and cause our workplace to evolve into an ecosystem of rapid innovation and excellence. I ask for your continued support to push the Unified Customs Management System to greater heights,” Osoba said.
He explained that his administration in Apapa will prioritise initiatives designed to improve the ease of doing business, including the Authorised Economic Operator scheme, Time Release Study, Advanced Ruling, and other trade facilitation programmes that have put Nigeria Customs Service ahead of its peers in Africa.
“I believe in the power of collaboration. No one succeeds alone, and I am here to work alongside you, not just as a leader, but as a partner in our shared mission. We will face challenges, but we will tackle them together with resilience and determination. We will also celebrate our success together, because every milestone we achieve will be a testament to our collective hard work and commitment,” he added.
In his handover remarks, the outgoing CAC, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, reflected on his 15 months in charge of Apapa Command. He described the period as a time of challenges, solutions, and landmark achievements. He noted that under his leadership, Apapa Customs intercepted several high-profile contraband shipments and achieved record revenue collections.
Between January and May 2025, the Command intercepted 11 containers filled with unregistered sex enhancement drugs, expired food items, and other prohibited goods worth N921 billion. In August, another 16 containers of contraband, including arms and expired pharmaceuticals, were seized.
Olomu also revealed that Apapa Command recorded unprecedented revenue milestones. In 2024, the Command achieved its first-ever N2 trillion annual revenue. It also posted record-breaking single-day revenue collections of N17.9 billion in June 2024, N18.2 billion in October 2024, and N18.9 billion in March 2025.
For August 2025 alone, the Command generated N214.9 billion despite technical hitches during the rollout of B’Odogwu. Cumulatively, Apapa has collected N1.83 trillion so far in 2025, which represents about 60 percent of its N3 trillion target for the year.
Olomu also stressed Apapa Port’s role in trade facilitation, particularly Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He recalled that the port handled the first-ever shipment under the Guided Trade Initiative to Ghana in July 2024, followed by another shipment to Kenya in November of the same year.
He thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for giving him the opportunity to lead the Service’s flagship command and expressed appreciation to officers, sister agencies, and industry stakeholders for their cooperation. He urged them to extend greater support to his successor, Osoba.
Stakeholders at the event commended Olomu for his achievements and pledged support for the new Controller. The founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, thanked Olomu for maintaining peace during his tenure and assured Osoba of the association’s cooperation.
“We want to thank the outgoing CAC for the peace we enjoyed, and we pledge our support for the new CAC, Comptroller Osoba. NAGAFF will always support you to do better than your predecessor,” Aniebonam said.
Similarly, Ademola Mumuni of Storin Marine described Olomu’s leadership as a success story, while the publisher of Shipping Position Daily, Mr. Sesan Onileimo, praised him for his bridge-building approach and impact on the industry.
With Osoba now in charge, expectations are high that the Apapa Command will continue to consolidate on its gains in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and ICT-driven reforms, while also sustaining its reputation as Nigeria’s busiest and most strategic customs command.
