Apapa Customs Seizes 27 Containers of contraband pharmaceuticals, stolen vehicles worth N9.3 Billion in 6 Months

… Achieves 35% revenue Increase, generates ₦1.378trn

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 27 containers with a duty paid value of N9,267,443,966.00 between January and June 2025.

The seized contraband includes unregistered pharmaceuticals, used clothing, expired margarine, wild animals’ skin, containers of stolen vehicles, and codeine syrup.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Controller of Apapa Area Command of the Nigerian customs service(NCS) made the disclosure today Thursday 3 July 2025 at the Command’s press conference, warned importers of illicit drugs to stay away from Apapa Command, vowing to continue detecting and seizing uncustomed goods.

Olomu stated that the seizures were fallout of thier efforts at preventing Nigerians from unwholesome foods and drugs, stopping illicit trade and protecting the country’s local industries.

“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.

“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.”

The successes recorded so far he said were possible through the collaborative efforts of the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control(NAFDAC), National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA), DSS, the police and some stakeholders.

On revenue collection, he highlighted the impressive collection of ₦1,378,059,019,245.20 in revenue for the first six months of 2025, representing a 35% increase from the same period in 2024.

The revenue increase he said marked a N354 billion increase from the N1.023 trillion collected in the first half of 2024.

Comptroller Olomu attributed the growth to effective revenue collection strategies, including preventing leakages and applying demand notices (DN) where necessary.

The Apapa customs boss stated that under his watch and direction of the Controller General of Customs Comptroller Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, psc (+), they have always insisted on maximum collection of government revenue by preventing leakages.

He restate that thier revenue collection trajectory points to the possibility of achieving or surpassing thier annual target by the end of 2025.

“I have urged my officers and men to brace up and redouble their efforts to make surpassing target a reality.

“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.”

Olomu spoke on improved network to aliviate the challenges of delays and congestion, he said, “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.”

He expressed that discussions are ongoing towards reviving cargo movement by rail which aims to decongest the port, reduce pressure on the Apapa roads and provide a viable and cost-effective option of cargo movement to importers, exporters.