Customs Seals Bonded Warehouses, Drags 1 To Court Over Criminal Collusion

…As Apapa Command Collects Over N1.3tn Half Year

BY FUNMIALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Command says it has sealed a total of three bonded terminals for allegedly engaging in operational infractions and criminal collusion.

Although the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu PhD who made above disclosure while briefing news men on the Command’s half year activities did not expatiate on the nature of the offences, he noted that one of the indicted bonded terminals is already facing prosecution at the law court.

He explained that while the Service will continue to weed out dubious and recalcitrant players from the system, he warned those contemplating such practices to desist or be fished out and dealt with according to the law.

Speaking on the development, he said: “As a fallout from our uncompromising anti-smuggling operations, we have sealed 3 bonded terminals under the command for various infractions. One of the terminals has been charged to court for prosecution while an investigation is still ongoing on the remaining two terminals.

”Let me use this medium to once again warn perpetrators of illegal acts that Apapa Port Command is manned by eagle-eyed officers, who are activated to detect and seize uncustom goods with a clear mandate to arrest perpetrators. We have demonstrated our capacity in this regard and we shall continue to do more.”

He also disclosed that the Command between January and June generated a total revenue of one trillion, three hundred and seventy-eight billion, fifty-nine million, nineteen thousand, two hundred and forty-five naira, twenty kobo (#1,378,059,019,245.20), representing 35% increase above one trillion, twenty-three billion, six hundred and sixty-three million, eight hundred and forty-two thousand, two hundred and fifty-five naira, sixty-three kobo (N1,023,663,842,255.63) collected within the same period of 2024; with an increase of #354 billion within the period under review.

On trade facilitation, Olomu explained that while the command is committed to rewarding compliance with speedy processes for exit of their cargo, national security and citizens’ safety will not be sacrificed on the altar of trade facilitation, and urged traders to imbibe the culture of honest declaration of imports to enable trade facilitation.

Stakeholders during the briefing yesterday at the command’s conference room.From extreme left, an interim President and one time Sole Administrator/National Secreyary of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, Pius Ojubuonu and Alhaji Abdulazeez Mukaila

This is even as he explained the role B’Odogwu is currently playing in trade facilitation, and ongoing efforts at increased collaboration to further enhance ease of business and trade facilitation.

“As you may be aware, the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) also known as B’Odogwu has gone live in the Apapa Command with laudable milestones. In addition to the issuance of the Pre Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR)being issued using the homegrown technology, we have achieved issuance of the first Single Goods Declaration On the 9th of May 2025using the B’Odogwu platform. For us, this marks a significant shift towards faster, more reliable cargo handling.

“We have created a robust platform that facilitates trade and ensures the swift clearance of cargo. We are addressing challenges such as poor network connectivity, delays, and congestion associated with the former system.”

Still on efforts to raise the bar on trade facilitation and ease of doing business, Olomu said the Command and indeed the Service is leaving nothing to chance in achieving increased efficiency and productivity.

“Very recently, under the guidance of the CGC, we opened talks with officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other stakeholders from various associations on developing a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the movement of goods by rail from Apapa Port to other states.

“I am pleased to express that the talks have shown prospects for success with pledges of support and anticipation for robust participation by all concerned.

This effort to revive cargo movement by rail aims to decongest the port, reduce pressure on the Apapa roads and provide a viable and cost-effective option of cargo movement to our importers, exporters, freight forwarding practitioners, haulage operators and licensed customs agents.”

In the area of anti-smuggling activities and enforcement, he disclosed that a total of twenty-seven (27) containers were seized between January-June 2025 with a combined duty paid value (DPV) of Nine billion, two sixty-seven million, four hundred and forty-three thousand, nine hundred and sixty-six naira (#9,267,443,966.00).

“Today, we are showcasing nine (9) containers comprising of unregistered pharmaceuticals, used clothing, expired margarine, wild animals’ skin, and codeine syrup seized by the command just a couple of days ago, which form part of the twenty-seven (27) containers seized between January-June 2025 with a duty paid value of (DPV) of Nine billion, two sixty-seven million, four hundred and forty-three thousand, nine hundred and sixty-six naira (#9,267,443,966.00)

“The seizures are inclusive of 10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, 2 containers of codeine syrup, 2 containers of stolen vehicles, 4 containers of second-hand clothing, amongst others.

“These seizures are fallout of our efforts at preventing Nigerians from unwholesome foods and drugs, stopping illicit trade and protecting our local industries. As a standard, we will never compromise the health, well-being, safety of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation. Every consignment passing through our port undergo diligent check through scanning and physical examination when required.

“Unregistered pharmaceuticals is most prominent on the list of twenty-eight (28) seizures made by the command during the period under review. The seizures comprise of controlled drugs, used clothes, codeine syrup, wild animals’ skin and other sundry items.”

Continuing, he said: “It is pertinent to note that trafficking of wild animals contravenes the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), of which Nigeria is a signatory. Equally, on the detention list is a container of matches imported without the required End User Certificate (EUC) as provided for in our extant laws.

“As a fallout from our uncompromising anti-smuggling operations, we have sealed 3 bonded terminals under the command for various infractions. One of the terminals has been charged to court for prosecution while an investigation is still ongoing on the remaining two terminals.

“Let me use this medium to once again warn perpetrators of illegal acts that Apapa Port Command is manned by eagle-eyed officers, who are activated to detect and seize uncustom goods with a clear mandate to arrest perpetrators. We have demonstrated our capacity in this regard and we shall continue to do more.”

Commending the synergy of sister government agencies, the Apapa Customs boss said, “Let me use the opportunity of this briefing to acknowledge and commend other sister government agencies for their support. We have always enjoyed their robust intelligence sharing and joint consultations towards national security”, adding:

“Our togetherness has always stood as great blows to criminals and their activities. We shall continue strengthening the bond.”