Apapa Customs Comptroller, Olomu Hails ANLCA Contributions to Revenue Collection, As Command Collects N1.367Trillion in Six Months

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Premier Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Compt Babatunde Olomu has lauded the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), saying that the association plays a very important role in the realisation of revenue targets by the Service.

Compt Olomu stated this when he was hosted by the Apapa Chapter of ANLCA, led by its Chairman, Chief Emeka Chukwumalu. The event which was held at the ANLCA National Secretariat in Amuwo Odofin, drew a large number of ANLCA stalwarts including members of Board of Trustees (BOT) National Executive Committee (NECOM) and Chairmen of chapters across Western Zone.

Speaking at the visit, Compt Olomu announced that the Command between January and June 2025 has generated N1.367Trillion.

“This meeting is in furtherance to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s policy trust of ensuring robust stakeholders collaboration and engagement among our stakeholders and to build the relationship which existed between Customs and ANLCA.

“We know very well that ANLCA is the mother of all licensed agents and a leading voice when it comes to issues around maritime industry.
So, today ANLCA is a grandmother because her children are also giving birth now.

“The history of all maritime associations is incomplete without ANLCA, and that is why you are a pioneer body, and the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command is very pleased to be associated with you.

“We acknowledge the support we have received from ANLCA. Recall that last year, the Nigeria Customs Service at Apapa Area Command generated a total of N2.357Trillion, we are here to appreciate you for your support and input into that revenue.

“As we speak, the command between January and June 2025 has generated N1.367Trillion. We know that this would not have been possible without the support of ANLCA. So, we are here to continue to foster the industrial harmony which has crystallised into a very significant feat.
There is no doubt that we are partners and we need each other to succeed” Compt Olomu stated

While highlighting the recent election of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the pride it has brought to Nigeria as a nation, Compt Olomu acknowledged the impact of ANLCA members in the success story of the customs CGC, saying that without a credible Licensed Customs Agents, there cannot be a credible customs administration.

Speaking, he said “You are aware that the CGC of Customs recently emerged as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), this is a very positive developments for Nigeria in the global customs community, and it comes with responsibilities, it signposts us a credible Customs administration.

“However, you know that it takes two to tangle, because a credible Customs administration is equally backed by a credible licensed customs agents”

Compt Olomu advised Customs agents to prioritise their health at all times and ensure a life-work balance in order to prevent sicknesses and avoidable sudden deaths.

“I want to urge you to prioritise your health and create a routine of life work balance, don’t be too carried away with pursuing containers, we have to find time for ourselves too, pursuit of money should not be more than our health, let do medical checks routinely to guide against manageable health issues” he said

Speaking earlier in his welcome address, Apapa chapter Chairman of ANLCA, Chief Emeka Chukwumalu commended Olomu for dismantling of the multiple checkpoints that have long plagued cargo clearance at the Apapa Port.
He said the reduction of customs units from several cumbersome desks to just two, has been one of the most significant interventions the clearing community has witnessed in recent years.

“We specifically thank you for reducing the department of customs on alerts to just two; CPC and Valuation. This has significantly reduced delays and ensuring more predictable and efficient clearing environment.

“In the same vein, your efforts at harmonising the gate control has further made our daily operations smoother.
We further asked for your assistance, we seek that you streamline the fact track process to truly achieve the objective of faster clearance of cargo” Chukwumalu stated
Chukwumalu pushed for the inclusion of ANLCA members in the Nigeria Customs Service’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, arguing that clearing agents deserve to benefit from customs welfare initiatives as key revenue partners.

“We would be immensely grateful if you would consider and extend the Cusroms CSR initiative to our association, such a gesture that would further strengthen the bond between us and the Customs” he said

In his response, Comptroller Olomu expressed satisfaction that the reforms implemented by his administration are yielding results. He assured that the customs gate processes would be reviewed to address the reported cases of harassment and delays.

“The issue of gate delays and gate high-handedness will not be tolerated. I have taken note of this, and I can assure you that it will be addressed,” Olomu promised.

The CAC also welcomed the association’s call for inclusion in the Customs CSR programme but noted that CSR projects are subject to approval by the customs headquarters.

“We encourage you to put your request in writing. Once we receive your memo, we will push it through to Abuja with proper justification. You have my word that we will follow it up,” the Controller assured.

Comptroller Olomu also pledged to investigate other operational concerns raised by the agents, including enforcement blockages, the problem of changing examiners’ names post-lax closure, and the system integration issues between the Truck Transit Parks (TTP) and APMT.

“These are issues we will critically address, and I am committing to providing solutions as quickly as possible,” Olomu said.