The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a ban on commercial activities, including Point of Sale (POS) operations, within its premises and related formations.
This decision stems from resolutions made at the recently concluded Comptroller General of Customs Conference in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Customs Area Controller Babatunde Olomu addressed officers and staff during a parade, announcing the prohibition of officers from participating in cargo clearance activities.
Olomu highlighted that one of the key directives from the conference is the meticulous examination of import and export cargo, with 100 percent physical inspection to be deployed when necessary.
Furthermore, he urged officers in the enforcement unit to refrain from issuing indiscriminate intervention alerts, which can undermine the perception of unity within the service. He emphasized the importance of the NCS operating as a cohesive and coordinated entity.
“Other outcomes from the conference include the banning of commercial activities within customs formations and premises. This includes the engagement of PoS operators near customs offices and customs officers doubling as licensed clearing agents, which conflicts with their official mandates,” Olomu said.
The Apapa Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Babatunde Olomu, has disclosed additional outcomes from the recently concluded Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Conference, including the introduction of mandatory routine medical checks for all officers.
Speaking on the performance of the command, Olomu announced that as of November 19, 2024, the Apapa Command had collected N2.01 trillion in revenue, bringing it closer to its N2.2 trillion target for the year, which is expected to be met by month-end. He noted that the Apapa Port Command remains pivotal to the service’s overall performance, contributing 40 percent of the N5.07 trillion revenue already achieved nationwide under the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi.
Olomu praised the leadership and vision of CGC Adeniyi, emphasizing the significance of maintaining excellence in revenue collection, trade facilitation, enforcement, and stakeholder engagement. He encouraged officers to adopt a proactive approach to tackling smuggling by ensuring that seizures are accompanied by the arrest of suspects, which he said would enhance the impact of enforcement efforts.
Reflecting on key updates from the CGC Conference, Olomu highlighted its alignment with the World Customs Organisation’s theme, which focuses on leveraging strong relationships across organizations and individuals to achieve strategic customs objectives. He urged officers to sustain the high standards set by the command, reinforcing their critical role in advancing the service’s goals.
