Apapa Port targets to generate revenue of N2.3 trillion in 2024.

The Comptroller of the Customs Area of ​​the Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, has disclosed that the Apapa Port in Lagos has been tasked to generate $2.3 trillion of the targeted $5.1 trillion revenue of the Nigerian Customs Service for the year 2024.

Disclosing this recently during a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Comptroller of Olomi appealed to the honorable monarch to support the Service’s efforts to collect taxes, facilitate trade and fight smuggling.

The visit was part of a customs community relations effort to gain support from host communities for the government’s fiscal policies and regulatory compliance among members of the trade community.

In his speech during a courtesy visit to the Olomu Palace, he emphasised the crucial role of traditional institutions in promoting and supporting tax compliance while conveying warm greetings from the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

“We are here to seek your royal blessing and seek your support in ensuring that your subjects and stakeholders fully comply with government fiscal policies,” Olomu stated.

Speaking further, he said: “The Nigeria Customs Service is expected to generate a total of N5.1 trillion in the 2024 fiscal year and the Apapa Area Command will be responsible for generating N2.3 trillion of this amount. This underlines the importance of Lagos and Apapa Port to the economy of our country,” he said.

Olomu explained that cooperation with traditional institutions is necessary to achieve the expected revenues and ensure the effective implementation of government policies.

He also stressed the need to minimize the smuggling of counterfeit medicines, which poses a serious threat to public health and safety.

Oba Akinolu expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the Customs Service and called for more stringent measures to combat the smuggling of banned and adulterated drugs into the country.

“The smuggling of adulterated or poor quality drugs poses a huge threat to our country,” Oba Akinolu said.

“The devastation this is causing to our people is immense. We must continue to educate and appeal to our citizens to understand the dangers of this illegal activity. The Nigerian Customs Service under your leadership is playing a key role in this fight,” the monarch said.

The Oba has praised the efforts and cooperation of the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), highlighting their excellent performance in combating drug smuggling.

He assured Olomu of his unwavering support, saying: “I assure you of my support at all times and every day. May God Almighty take care of the officers under your command and prepare you adequately for your future endeavors.”

Oba Akinolu also advised officers to prepare for the future by educating their children and taking care of their health.

“Educate your children and take care of your health. I am 81 now and it is by the grace of God. God will do it for you too,” he noted.

The visit concluded with mutual assurances of cooperation and commitment to combat the menace of drug smuggling, ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Nigeria.

Olomu recently visited the Oba of Ijora, Oba Fatai Aromire, as part of efforts to strengthen customs and community relations. The monarch described it as the first such visit to his palace in the last three decades.

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