The new Controller in charge of the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Emmanuel Osoba, says the unit is currently at a critical juncture in the ongoing information and communication technology and modernisation efforts within the Service.

Osoba, who stated this on Monday in Apapa during his acceptance speech as the new CAC of the Command, called for stakeholders’ collaboration to build on the gains of the B’Odogwu platform.

He reiterated the need for a robust collaboration among stakeholders to push for the B’Odogwu platform.

“As you are all aware, we are currently positioned at a critical juncture in the ongoing ICT and modernisation efforts within the Service. The world is changing rapidly, and with change comes opportunities; together, we will build on the gains of B’Odogwu and cause our workplace to evolve into an ecosystem of rapid innovation and excellence. I ask for your continued support to push the Unified Customs Management System to greater heights,” Osoba said.

He emphasised that the various customs platforms, which aim to ensure ease of doing business, including the Authorised Economic Operator, Time Release Study, Advanced Ruling, and other trade facilitation programmes, which put the NCS ahead of its peers in Africa, would be the thrust of his administration in Apapa.

“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 success together, because every milestone we achieve will be a testament to our collective hard work and commitment,” Osoba stressed.

In his handover speech, the outgoing CAC, Babatunde Olomu, who was recently promoted to the position of an Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, reflected on his 15-month tenure in Apapa, describing it as “a period of challenges, solutions, and remarkable achievements.

Last week, PUNCH reported that the NCS Board, at its 63rd regular meeting, approved the appointment of Babadende Olomu and 11 others as Assistant Comptroller-Generals. Until his appointment, Olomu was the CAC in charge of the Apapa Area Command.

In May, PUNCH reported that the Command intercepted 11 containers of unregistered sex drugs, expired foodstuffs, and other contraband worth N921bn at Apapa Ports between January and May.

Also in August, the Command intercepted 16 containers of contraband, including arms and expired pharmaceuticals.

With the official handing-over ceremony, Olomu is expected to report to Abuja following his promotion to the position of an ACG.

He thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for entrusting him with the leadership of the Service’s flagship command and appreciated officers, stakeholders, and sister agencies for their support.

Olomu highlighted that under his watch, the command recorded unprecedented revenue milestones, notably the first-ever N2tn revenue collection in the history of the Service.

He also disclosed that the Command achieved a record-breaking single-day revenue of N17.9bn on June 19, 2024, surpassed by N18.2bn in October 2024, and later N18.9bn on March 14, 2025.

“For August 2025 alone, the Command generated N214.9bn despite initial technical hitches associated with the introduction of B’Odogwu, the Unified Customs Management System. Cumulatively, the Command has collected N1.83tn so far in 2025, representing about 60 per cent of its N3tn annual target,” he said.

On trade facilitation, Olomu recalled that Apapa Port played a pioneering role in Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area, including the first historic shipment under the Guided Trade Initiative in July 2024 and a subsequent shipment to Kenya in November of the same year.

He also stressed his administration’s success in promoting faster cargo clearance, dispute resolution, and compliance, even as he urged stakeholders to extend greater support to his successor.

The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from stakeholders who lauded the outgoing CAC and pledged support to his successor.

The founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, thanked Olomu for ensuring industrial peace during his tenure.

“We want to thank the outgoing CAC for the peace we enjoyed, and we pledge our support for the new CAC, Comptroller Oshoba. NAGAFF will always support you to do better than your predecessor,” he said.

Ademola Mumuni of Storin Marine described Olomu’s tenure as a success story. “The ACG has been a success in Apapa, and that is due to the support of the officers. We wish you the best in your endeavours while also pledging support for the new CAC,” he noted.

The publisher of Shipping Position Daily, Mr. Sesan Onileimo, praised Olomu for his bridge-building approach.

“You have built bridges and helped the Service. You’ve surpassed expectations, and the industry will not forget your impact,” he remarked.