Customs: Apapa command collected N1.38trn in six months, sealed three terminals

The Apapa command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has sealed three bonded terminals in Apapa over various infractions.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday, Babatunde Olomu, customs area controller, Apapa command, said one of the terminals is already facing prosecution in court.

Olomu said investigations are ongoing into the activities of the remaining two terminals.

He warned operators involved in illegal activities to desist, adding that the command is equipped with “eagle-eyed officers”.

On trade facilitation, Olomu said the command collected N1.37 billion in revenue for the federal government from January to June 2025.

He credited the support of sister agencies in intelligence sharing and joint consultations for enhancing national security.

The area controller said the success of the command followed the comptroller-general’s directive to maximise revenue collection, block leakages, and issue demand notices (DN) where applicable.

According to the customs official, the command intercepted 27 containers with a duty paid value (DPV) of N9.2 billion between January and June 2025.

He said the seizures include unregistered pharmaceuticals, used clothing, expired margarine, wild animal skins, and codeine syrup.

Olomu said 10 of the seized containers carried unregistered pharmaceuticals, two contained codeine syrup, two had stolen vehicles, and four held second-hand clothing, among other prohibited items.

“These 27 container seizures are a fallout of our efforts to prevent Nigerians from unwholesome foods and drugs, stop illicit trade, and protect our local industries,” he said.

“We will never compromise the health, well-being, or safety of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation.

“Every consignment passing through our port undergoes diligent checks through scanning and physical examination when required.”

Olomu said unregistered pharmaceuticals were the most prominent among the 28 seizures recorded during the review period.

He also said trafficking in wild animals violates the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.

The customs official confirmed the detention of a container of matches imported without the required end-user certificate (EUC), as required by law.