Comptroller Olomu Reaffirms Command’s Commitment to Outsmart Smugglers in Apapa Port

.As NAFDAC Director Commends Uncompromising Approach

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu fsi, has reaffirmed commitment to outsmart smugglers through intelligence and uncompromising enforcement to prevent prohibited items from entering the country.

Comptroller Olomu, made this known on Monday, 18 August 2025, when he received Dr. Martin Iluyomade fsi, Director, Inspection and Enforcement Directorate of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on a courtesy visit to the Command.

In a statement signed on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs ST Ayagbalo, the Area Controller noted that the renewed antics by smugglers to use fake registration numbers and false declarations have always failed.

He emphasised that the Command is committed to implementing the signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Director General of NAFDAC, which aimed at preventing smuggling of items under the agency’s regulatory purview.

While urging NAFDAC to expedite action in evacuating handed over containers from the port, the Area Controller assured that efforts will be sustained to arrest and hand over suspects with the seizures.

The Command’s helmsman stated that arresting the perpetrators is a major step to demobilize the human element influence in the smuggling supply chain cycle and deter others from such illegal activities.

He also informed that Officers under his watch are committed to upholding the CGC’s zero tolerance stance on smuggling, ensuring illegal imports that will endangered Nigerians, including, what they eat, drink and illegal arms are prevented.

According to him, the recent seizure of 32 containers that attracted the presence of the CGC who personally supervised its handing over to NAFDAC attests to the smooth working relationship between the two organisations, justifying their recently signed MoU.

Iluyomade, who also doubles as Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Fake, Substandard Drugs and Unwholesome Food commended Comptroller Olomu for being uncompromising and making what he called ‘Life Saving Seizures’.

He said, “You can kill one or two persons with guns, but you can kill a whole nation with fake drugs, unwholesome food, and harmful medicine. It’s like those importing it are declaring war on the citizens of this country”.

While describing Comptroller Olomu as the best Controller Apapa Command ever had, he highlighted his exceptional performance and recalled starting his career as a young employee of NAFDAC years back, confirming Customs anti-smuggling efforts have experienced significant improvement.

Iluyomade validated the awards given to the Command under the leadership of Comptroller Olomu, stating they were truly earned and very deserving.

He further sought the Command’s support to secure handed over containers from being pilfered ahead of NAFDAC evacuation.