The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday witnessed a landmark transition as Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Babatunde Olomu officially handed over leadership to Comptroller E.O.B. Oshoba.
The event, attended by terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other key stakeholders, was filled with glowing tributes to Olomu, whose 16-month stewardship at the Service’s flagship command was hailed as both historic and transformative.
In his valedictory speech, ACG Olomu—who was recently elevated from Comptroller to ACG—highlighted the command’s unprecedented revenue performance. He attributed the success to the unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, coupled with the dedication of officers and the cooperation of port stakeholders.
Under his leadership, the Apapa Command recorded over ₦2 trillion revenue in 2024—a feat that attracted special commendation from the CGC. By the time of his exit in 2025, the command had already generated ₦1.83 trillion, representing 60% of its annual target and setting a firm path toward the ₦3 trillion benchmark. The command also posted record-breaking daily collections, including ₦18.9 billion on March 14, 2025.
Beyond revenue, Olomu implemented far-reaching operational reforms in line with the CGC’s trade facilitation agenda, resulting in faster cargo clearance and improved dispute resolution. He also positioned Apapa at the forefront of continental trade, facilitating Nigeria’s first shipments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in July and November 2024—ushering the country into intra-African commerce.
On enforcement, the command intensified its drive against smuggling and illegal imports. Within 15 months, it made 75 significant seizures, including containers of fake, expired, and controlled drugs such as codeine and tramadol. Declaring Apapa a “no-go area for illegalities,” Olomu emphasized the centrality of vigilance to the command’s mandate.
Expressing appreciation to government agencies, industry players, and other stakeholders, Olomu urged them to rally even stronger support for his successor. He described Comptroller Oshoba as “a distinguished officer, well-prepared to take Apapa Command to greater heights.”
In his response, Comptroller Oshoba pledged to sustain the legacy of performance and innovation left behind by Olomu. He assured stakeholders of his readiness to consolidate on existing gains and called for continued collaboration to strengthen Apapa’s critical role in national trade and revenue generation.
