ACG Olomu Hands Over Mantle of Leadership to Comptroller Oshoba, as Apapa Area Command Attains 60% Annual Collection
ZAINAB JUNAID
In a seamless transition of leadership, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) Babatunde Olomu has officially handed over the Premiere Port of Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, to the newly appointed Area Controller, Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba.
The handing over ceremony which took place on Monday, 8 September 2025 at the Command’s auditorium, brought together Senior Officers of the Command, terminal and Unit’s Heads, and other respectable Stakeholders.
In his farewell speech, ACG Olomu announced that Apapa Command has collected a total of One trillion, eight hundred and thirty-four billion, seven hundred and eighty-nine million, four hundred and ninety-nine thousand, eight hundred and fifty naira, forty kobo (N1,834,789,499,850.40) out of its three trillion annual revenue target for the year 2025.
He projected that his successor will build on these achievements to surpass the 2025 revenue target since the Command had attained 60% of its annual collection.
“For the month of August 2025, the Command collected 214.9 billion using the newly introduced B’Odogwu, the Unified Customs Management System, despite initial technical challenges.
“Despite ensuring maximum collection of all revenue due to the federal government from customs duties, we never slept on our anti-smuggling responsibility. Our fight against smuggling was never a rhetoric. We proved to the smugglers and their collaborators that Apapa Port is a no-go area for illegalities.
“In the 15 months I served here, we made 75 seizures of various items broken down to 62 units of 40ft containers and 13 units of 20ft containers. The seizures comprise of fake, expired and substandard medicaments, controlled drugs as codeine syrup, tramadol, Indian hemp, and other items like used clothing, wood etc,” ACG Olomu stated.
He further thanked God Almighty for the journey so far, appreciated CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR for entrusting him with the Command and his Officers and Men; esteemed stakeholders, for the unwavering support towards the collective success during the period of 15 months he served as the CAC.
“Our sister agencies like the DSS, Police, Immigration, NDLEA, Port Health, NAFDAC, SON, Quarantine, NPA and others have been very supportive. You all are highly appreciated. As Oliver Twist who always ask for more, I am asking that you do more than that for my successor who is also a distinguished gentleman, Officer with capability to take this Command to greater heights,” he added.
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In his remarks, Comptroller Oshoba appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the Management of the Service for entrusting him with the strategic responsibility and assured utmost commitment to justify the confidence reposed in him.
He highlighted his three key pillars including: Improving revenue excellence; Deepening enforcement and security; Enhancing stakeholder relations and also paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, for his immense contribution to the Service.
“Under his leadership, the Apapa Command became a benchmark for excellence in revenue generation, enforcement, and trade facilitation,” he said.
”As I take over today, Gentlemen, Officers and Stakeholders, your ideas, your passion, and your expertise are the foundation on which my service here shall be built.
“I am committed to fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued, and my leadership will be guided by the three key pillars highlighted above.
He further called on all Stakeholders and Officers to renew their dedication and shared vision for excellence. “I solicit for maximum support from every one of you,” he stated.
He asserted that the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), Time Release Study (TRS), Advanced Ruling (AR) and other trade facilitation programmes, which put NCS ahead of its peers’ Customs administration in Africa, will be the cornerstone of his leadership approach.
The new Area Controller concluded, stressing the importance of collaboration.
“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 successes together, because every milestone we achieve will be a testament to our collective hard work and commitment.
“Together, let us consolidate the gains, embrace innovation as we collectively write the next chapter of legacy for Apapa Command and the Nigeria Customs Service at large,” he added.