The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) witnessed a historic leadership transition on Monday at its flagship Apapa Port Command, as Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Babatunde Olomu officially handed over to his successor, Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba.

Olomu, who assumed duty on 6 May 2024, leaves behind a remarkable 15-month tenure that saw Apapa achieve its first-ever ₦2 trillion revenue milestone.

Addressing officers, stakeholders, and the press at his farewell ceremony, Olomu said:

“Today I address you with mixed feelings reminiscing on the beautiful moments we shared together during my time here as Area Controller of Apapa Port, but I am constantly reminded that the service period was meant to bring challenges, proffer solutions to keep Nigeria better and at some point, come to an end. I am glad to inform you that l am now elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.”

Revenue records and trade milestones

During his tenure, Apapa set new daily and monthly revenue benchmarks, including ₦17.9bn in June 2024, ₦18.2bn in October 2024, and a record ₦18.9bn on 14 March 2025.

By August 2025 alone, the command collected ₦214.9bn using the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, overcoming initial technical hitches.

So far in 2025, Apapa has collected ₦1.83 trillion, representing 60% of its ₦3 trillion annual revenue target.

Olomu also highlighted Apapa’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Under his watch, Apapa facilitated Nigeria’s first AfCFTA shipment in July 2024, followed by a landmark export to Kenya in November 2024.

Anti-smuggling and enforcement drive

Beyond revenue, Olomu stressed that Apapa remained a stronghold against illegal trade.

“Our fight against smuggling was never rhetoric. We proved to the smugglers and their collaborators that Apapa Port is a no-go area for illegalities.”

In 15 months, the command recorded 75 seizures, including fake drugs, codeine syrup, tramadol, Indian hemp, used clothing, and other contraband.

Stakeholder relations and open-door policy

Olomu credited his success to strong collaboration with sister agencies, stakeholders, and the media.

He said:

“I ran an open-door policy, ensured easy interaction with all our stakeholders. In addition to that, my telephone line was also readily available for information sharing and feedback.”

He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, officers, and partner agencies including DSS, NDLEA, Immigration, Police, NAFDAC, SON, NPA, and others.

Oshoba takes charge with promises of innovation and security

Taking over, Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba praised his predecessor’s legacy, describing Olomu’s record as “historic” and a benchmark for future controllers.

He pledged to build on the foundation laid, focusing on three key pillars: revenue excellence, enforcement, and stakeholder relations.

“As I take over today, Gentlemen, Officers and stakeholders, your ideas, your passion, and your expertise are the foundation on which my service here shall be built. I am committed to fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued,” Oshoba said.

He vowed to deepen intelligence-led enforcement, strengthen trade compliance, and accelerate the NCS modernization agenda through the B’Odogwu system, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), and Time Release Study (TRS) programmes.

A new chapter for Nigeria’s flagship port

Oshoba urged officers and stakeholders to give him maximum support, noting Nigeria’s growing global profile as Chair of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.

“Together, let us consolidate the gains, embrace innovation as we collectively write the next chapter of legacy for Apapa Command and the Nigeria Customs Service at large.”

With Apapa contributing over half of Nigeria’s Customs revenue, all eyes will be on Oshoba to maintain and possibly surpass  the standards set under Olomu’s stewardship.

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a De Minimis Threshold of $300 for low-value consignments and passenger baggage, a move aimed at simplifying clearance processes, boosting e-commerce, and enhancing Nigeria’s trade facilitation framework.

The decision was taken at the board’s 63rd regular meeting on 2 September 2025, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun. The new policy takes effect from Monday, 8 September 2025.

Explaining the policy, the board stated that consignments valued at $300 or below will be exempted from payment of customs duties and related taxes, provided they are not on the list of prohibited or restricted goods.

The regulation also applies to passenger baggage not exceeding $300. However, this duty-free privilege is limited to four importations per year.

“The De Minimis threshold aligns with global best practices and international conventions, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Revised Kyoto Convention,” the NCS said.

Trade Facilitation and Stakeholder Engagement

The Customs Service said the framework will ensure immediate clearance of eligible goods without post-release documentation, reducing clearance delays and cutting costs for traders.

To support smooth implementation, NCS will establish multi-channel helpdesks to guide stakeholders, handle inquiries, and resolve complaints.

According to the statement signed by Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National PRO, Abdullahi Maiwada, the reform is expected to stimulate cross-border e-commerce and position Nigeria as a regional leader in trade facilitation.

Strict Penalties for Abuse

The Customs Board also warned against attempts to manipulate invoices or evade duty obligations, stressing that violations will attract sanctions, including forfeiture of goods, arrest, and penalties under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Disciplinary Actions Against Officers

Beyond trade reforms, the board addressed disciplinary issues following viral videos showing acts of misconduct by some officers.

Two officers were demoted to the next lower rank and referred for mandatory medical re-evaluation. The board also reinstated two others whose cases were favourably reviewed.

Issuing a stern warning, the Customs Board said:

“All officers are reminded that abuse of banned substances and unethical behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

NCS Reaffirms Commitment to Integrity

The Service reaffirmed its dedication to discipline, accountability, and integrity, pledging to strengthen public trust through reforms and strict enforcement of ethical standards.

“The Service remains firmly committed to accountability, discipline, and integrity in discharging its statutory mandate,” Maiwada said. “Through impactful reforms and transparent processes, we will ensure our personnel reflect fairness, service, and national responsibility.”

A senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller Akpevwe Ogboru, has completed a groundbreaking 35-day solo motorbike journey from Nigeria to Belgium, covering a distance of 10,265 kilometres across two continents and ten countries.

Ogboru, popularly known as Tracta 2, arrived at the Nigerian Embassy in Brussels at 12:47 p.m. on Thursday, 4 September 2025. Her journey, themed “Ride for Women Inclusivity and Cross-Border Research,” was both a personal challenge and an advocacy project to promote gender inclusivity, girl-child empowerment, and cross-border cultural research.

A daring expedition across borders

Starting her ride on 1 August 2025, Ogboru braved diverse terrains, climates, and cultural landscapes on her way to Belgium. The expedition, she said, was not only a test of endurance but also an effort to spotlight pressing social issues.

Her arrival in Brussels was met with admiration at the Nigerian Embassy, where officials described her feat as an inspiration to Nigerians and the global community.

Customs Service hails landmark achievement

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, led tributes to Ogboru, describing her achievement as a moment of pride for Nigeria.

In a statement issued through the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, he said:

“On behalf of the Officers and Men of the Service, I commend Assistant Comptroller Ogboru for her bravery and dedication. Her accomplishment stands as a beacon of inspiration to Customs officers, Nigerians, and the global community, affirming that with determination and vision, boundaries can be transcended.”

The NCS added that Ogboru’s ride reflects the Service’s commitment to supporting initiatives that embody resilience, innovation, and inclusivity while also strengthening Nigeria’s positive image abroad.

Advocacy for inclusivity and empowerment

Beyond its symbolic adventure, Ogboru’s expedition also served as a platform for cross-border research on connectivity, mobility, and cultural exchange. By dedicating the journey to the cause of women and children, she has amplified the call for inclusivity in male-dominated fields such as security, governance, and engineering.

“This journey is about more than reaching Belgium; it is about showing that Nigerian women can break barriers and redefine possibilities,” Ogboru said before departing Nigeria.

A journey back home

Having reached Brussels, Ogboru is now preparing for her return journey to Nigeria. The NCS said her mission underscores the importance of resilience and advocacy in projecting Nigeria as a nation of determined trailblazers.

The Service pledged continued support for similar bold initiatives that contribute to institutional growth and the advancement of broader societal values.