The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) held its end-of-the-year party on Friday, December 13, 2024. The event was a heartfelt occasion aimed at appreciating stakeholders for their compliance with trade and customs procedures, which have significantly contributed to the command’s impressive revenue collection of over 2.2 trillion naira this year.
In his welcome address, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, emphasized the importance of the gathering in recognizing both the strategic partners and the officers and men of the command for their resilience and unwavering commitment to duty.
Deputy Comptroller General CK Niagwan, representing Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR psc (+), expressed her delight in joining Comptroller Olomu and his team, as well as representatives from other agencies and strategic partners, to celebrate a shared commitment to compliance and excellence in trade. She highlighted that the award ceremony was a testament to the dedication of the awardees to ethical business practices and adherence to regulations, which are essential for Nigeria’s economic growth.
Niagwan extended her congratulations to the Apapa Area Command for their significant achievement in revenue collection and encouraged them to maintain their commendable efforts. She stressed that compliance is not merely a requirement but a competitive advantage that fosters transparency, reduces operational risks, and strengthens trust between businesses and regulatory authorities. Compliant stakeholders are better positioned to enjoy streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and the numerous benefits that come with being recognized as trusted trade partners.
The Deputy Comptroller General acknowledged that sustaining compliance often necessitates capacity building, especially in the evolving landscape of global trade. To support this, the NCS is committed to providing necessary training, technical assistance, and partnerships designed to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools required to uphold high standards. One of the NCS’s primary goals is to ensure that all stakeholders remain competitive, innovative, and aligned with global best practices.
Niagwan emphasized the belief that collaboration with strategic partners can unlock even greater growth opportunities. Compliant stakeholders not only contribute to national revenue but also drive economic development, attract foreign investments, and enhance Nigeria’s position in international trade.
She encouraged all stakeholders present at the event to view the award ceremony as both a celebration of past achievements and a call to maintain momentum. In her closing remarks, the DCG reiterated her gratitude to everyone in attendance and assured them that the Nigeria Customs Service is ready to collaborate in building a trade ecosystem that rewards integrity, supports capacity development, and fosters mutual success for all.
Assistant Comptroller General Orbir, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, who accompanied the DCG, reaffirmed Zone A’s commitment to leading the revenue collection drive across the country.