• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
    • Government
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
    • Chinese nationals jailed in Lagos

      Court Jails Nine Chinese Nationals for Cybercrime in Lagos

      ASUU

      Tackle Corruption, Institutional Decay – ASUU Charges FG

      EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Accountant General Over N8bn Fraud as Court Sentences…

      PRNigeria logo fearured image

      EFCC Arraigns Ex-Convict, Other for Naira Abuse in Lagos

      EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ilorin

  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
    • Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria Customs, ICPC and the Audit of Conscience

      Customs Diplomacy: Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Ink Mutual Assistance Deal

      Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria, Belarus Forge Alliance to Combat Smuggling, Facilitate Trade

      President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and CG Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

      Tinubu Hails Customs Boss Wale Adeniyi on Historic Election as WCO…

      WTO Lauds Nigeria Customs for Embracing Global Trade Standards

  • National
    • The First Shot and the Long March: Reflections on 162 Years…

      47 Years of Excellence: Honoring Asiwaju Awomolo, SAN

      NCoS inmates

      58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to…

      Tinubu conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – Wike

      Police Arrest 43 Illegal Immigrants, Human Traffickers, Rescue Victim

    • Government
      • Tinubu conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – Wike

        Soldiers

        Soldiers, forest guards to tackle insecurity in Kwara State

        MUSWEN Muslim Ummah of South West

        MUSWEN Renews Call for Shariah Courts to Regulate Affairs of Muslims

        Corporate Affairs Commission

        CAC Unveils AI-Powered Registration Portal to Revolutionize Business Registration in Nigeria

        Employment: ICPC Secures Conviction of FAAN Staff

  • Security
    • Tinubu to Troops: You Have My Full Backing to Crush Terrorists,…

      The First Shot and the Long March: Reflections on 162 Years…

      Police Officer

      Security Forces Nab 2 Suspected ESN/IPOB Terrorists in Enugu

      NCoS inmates

      58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to…

      Police Officer

      Police rescue 19 Ghanaians from human traffickers in Oyo

  • Features
    • The First Shot and the Long March: Reflections on 162 Years…

      From SDP to ADA to ADC: Can the New Opposition Coalition…

      Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR

      Adeniyi: Lifting Nigeria to the Pinnacle of Global Customs Authority

      Nigeria’s Growth Numbers Tell Only Half the Story By Umar Farouk…

      NYSC Corps Members in Camp

      The Burden Too Many Nigerian Youths Bear Alone

  • State
    • Police Officer

      Security Forces Nab 2 Suspected ESN/IPOB Terrorists in Enugu

      NCoS inmates

      58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to…

      Police Officer

      Police rescue 19 Ghanaians from human traffickers in Oyo

      Soldiers

      Soldiers, forest guards to tackle insecurity in Kwara State

      NDLEA Logo

      NDLEA Intercepts UK, Saudi-Bond Cocaine Hidden in Lipsticks in Lagos, Arrests…

  • Event
    • 47 Years of Excellence: Honoring Asiwaju Awomolo, SAN

      NCoS inmates

      58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to…

      Troops of the Nigerian Army giving a salute

      162nd Anniversary: Tinubu Salutes Nigerian Army, Hails Troops as Guardians of…

      President & Chairman of Governing Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku

      NIPR Lauds Nigerian PR Firms for Outstanding Performances at 2025 SABRE…

      SCN NGO signs partnership with PRNIGERIA

      SCN NGO Seals Partnership with PRNigeria to Amplify its Humanitarian Projects

    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Home National Apapa: Untold Story of Nigeria’s Revenue Powerhouse, By Gidado Yushau Shuaib
  • National

Apapa: Untold Story of Nigeria’s Revenue Powerhouse, By Gidado Yushau Shuaib

By
Gidado Yushau Shuaib
-
August 25, 2024
CG Adewale Adeniyi at Apapa Port
CG Adewale Adeniyi at Apapa Port

Apapa: Untold Story of Nigeria’s Revenue Powerhouse, By Gidado Yushau Shuaib

Apapa is a name that has always resonated with me, not just as the backdrop for film and TV productions or Nigeria’s once-popular Gala Sausage Roll but, more importantly, as the site of one of Nigeria’s most significant port complexes. Nigeria, a nation rich in resources and potential, is home to several crucial ports, including the Lagos Port Complex, Tincan Island Port, Rivers Port, Onne Port, Delta Port, Calabar Port, and the recently established Lekki Deep Sea Port. However, many ports have not fully realised their potential, remaining underutilised despite their strategic importance.

Recently, I travelled to Apapa Port, expecting it to be like the other ports I had heard about. The trip, marred by a seven-hour delay in a major Nigerian airline, was a quintessential experience. Lagos is a city infamous for its traffic snarls and chaotic atmosphere. Despite my strong reluctance to stay in the mega city, the necessity of the visit outweighed my reservations.

Upon arriving in Lagos that evening, I drove straight to Apapa Port. What greeted me was beyond anything I had anticipated. The sight of over a million containers, towering like skyscrapers in an American metropolis, was overwhelming. The scale of operations was daunting, and my first thought was one of incredulity—how could such a vast logistics network be effectively managed?

Apapa, often referred to as the epicenter of Nigerian commerce, is the lifeblood of Lagos, the state with the highest internal revenue in the country. It felt like a city within a city, bustling with activities. Ships were arriving, tankers were busy ferrying fuel, and the skyline was dotted with silos from major filling stations. The energy was palpable, and for the first time, I truly understood why Lagos is characterised by its infamous traffic jams. The scale of economic activity here is both the cause and the justification.

One of the most striking aspects of my visit was the performance of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), especially in the light of recent sector challenges. Despite a significant decline in cargo throughput at seaports—estimated to have dropped by more than 50 percent—the NCS achieved a historic milestone, collecting a staggering N17.9 billion in revenue in a single day at Apapa Port. This remarkable achievement was revealed by Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command, during a press conference.

Comptroller Olomu attributed this success to the intensified efforts of Customs officers, who have been working tirelessly to plug revenue loopholes amid the downturn in cargo volumes. His dedication and effective leadership were evident, showcasing the positive impact of ongoing reforms within the Customs Service under the stewardship of Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Read Also:

  • Tinubu to Troops: You Have My Full Backing to Crush Terrorists, Separatists
  • The First Shot and the Long March: Reflections on 162 Years of the Nigerian Army By Olayemi Esan
  • 47 Years of Excellence: Honoring Asiwaju Awomolo, SAN

I have known CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi since childhood, particularly during his time with the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies when my father was the consultant for the group that ensured interagency collaboration and stopped the prevalence of conflicting reports in the past by security and response agencies. His appointment by President Bola Tinubu to lead the NCS was a decision I saw as both timely and strategic. Under his leadership, the Service has undergone a transformative period, marked by a focus on efficiency, trade facilitation, and enhanced revenue generation.

In the past, the Customs Service, like many other federal agencies, was often criticised for its inefficiencies and the misconduct of its officials. However, CG Adeniyi’s tenure has signaled the end of that era, ushering in a renewed focus on service delivery, transparency, and collaboration with stakeholders. His proactive approach to crisis management—navigating trade embargoes, fostering community engagement, and addressing operational challenges—has earned him praise from various sectors.

As a distinguished fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), CG Adeniyi has demonstrated an understanding of the critical role that public relations and stakeholder engagement play in customs management and has also set a benchmark for impactful leadership in the public sector. His efforts have repositioned the Customs Service as a vital player in Nigeria’s economic resurgence, ensuring that the revenue collected is substantial and justifiable.

Interestingly, upon my arrival at Apapa, I was greeted by a cluster of youths on motorcycles—an uncommon sight in Lagos, at least not in clusters. It turns out that it is common sight in Apapa, where young people do their daily business in this way. Like its parent city Lagos, Apapa does not sleep; even at midnight, containers move in and out of the port. It was a bustling sight to behold.

Apapa also houses a significant Northern community, which was completely unexpected. It is home to Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Bambado, the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, a prominent businessman who was crowned Sarkin Fulani of Lagos and serves as the Chairman of the Association of Fulani Chiefs in Southwest Nigeria. The Northern community is so active that some parts of Apapa felt like walking the streets of Gadon Kaya in Kano. At the end of our visit, we stopped by Ana Lura for a quick dinner and enjoyed a northern delicacy.

My visit to Apapa was an eye-opener, providing a firsthand experience of the immense scale of operations that sustain Nigeria’s economy. It reinforced the importance of effective leadership in navigating the complexities of such a vast and vital sector. Apapa is not just another port in Lagos; it is a testament to what can be achieved with the right leadership and commitment to excellence. The historic revenue collection is not just a number—it is a reflection of the potential within Nigeria’s ports and the people who manage them.

Gidado Yushau Shuaib, a communications specialist, can be reached at [email protected].

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
  • TAGS
  • Apapa
  • Nigerian Customs Service
Previous articleREVEALED: Why I Resigned as DG NIA – Ahmed Rufai
Next articleMatawalle’s Controversies and Gains in Defence Sector
Gidado Yushau Shuaib
Gidado Yushau Shuaib
https://prnigeria.com
PRNigeria is the pioneer Press Release Distribution agency in Nigeria. A member of image Merchant Promotions limited, PRNigeria encourages individuals and organisations to be more transparent in their information management. with dedicated Editorial staffs, the PRNigeria ensures that information provided on its platforms are timely, factual and authoritative Read more at: //prnigeria.com/about/
Facebook Twitter

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

The First Shot and the Long March: Reflections on 162 Years of the Nigerian Army By Olayemi Esan

47 Years of Excellence: Honoring Asiwaju Awomolo, SAN

BREAKING: Olubadan of Ibadan Dies After One Year on the Throne

NCoS inmates

58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to State Government

Tinubu conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – Wike

Police Arrest 43 Illegal Immigrants, Human Traffickers, Rescue Victim

Multichoice logo

NDPC Fines MultiChoice ₦766m for Data Protection Breach in Nigeria

Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada

Customs Debunks Fake CBT Recruitment Shortlist Circulating Online

NDLEA Logo

NDLEA Intercepts UK, Saudi-Bond Cocaine Hidden in Lipsticks in Lagos, Arrests Other Suspects

Yushau Shuaib of PRNigeria, Barrister Nima Salman Mann and Rear Admiral A. A. Mustapha of NIPSS

Cybercrime Allegation: PRNigeria Petitions Police Against NIPSS Officials

Man caught trying to hack into FCMB

‎FACT-CHECK: Was a Man Trapped in Ceiling after Trying to Hack FCMB Bank?

This man reportedly caught his wife with their driver in a hotel room

FACT-CHECK: Did a Man Catch His Wife and Driver “Knacking” in a Hotel Room?

Recent Posts

  • Tinubu to Troops: You Have My Full Backing to Crush Terrorists, Separatists
  • The First Shot and the Long March: Reflections on 162 Years of the Nigerian Army By Olayemi Esan
  • 47 Years of Excellence: Honoring Asiwaju Awomolo, SAN
  • Defection Can’t Erase Malami’s Legacy of Impunity, Watchdog Group Warns
  • Appeal Natasha Akpoti Reinstatement Ruling, Women Groups Urge Senate
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
Tinubu to Troops: You Have My Full Backing to Crush Terrorists, SeparatistsThe First Shot and the Long March: Reflections on 162 Years of the Nigerian Army By Olayemi Esan47 Years of Excellence: Honoring Asiwaju Awomolo, SANDefection Can’t Erase Malami’s Legacy of Impunity, Watchdog Group WarnsAppeal Natasha Akpoti Reinstatement Ruling, Women Groups Urge SenateBREAKING: Olubadan of Ibadan Dies After One Year on the ThroneSecurity Forces Nab 2 Suspected ESN/IPOB Terrorists in Enugu58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to State GovernmentTinubu conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – WikePolice rescue 19 Ghanaians from human traffickers in OyoSoldiers, forest guards to tackle insecurity in Kwara StateAnambra Police Arrest Man with Human Breast; Rescue Abducted Driver, Recover Goods Worth N9.5mPolice Arrest 43 Illegal Immigrants, Human Traffickers, Rescue VictimNDPC Fines MultiChoice ₦766m for Data Protection Breach in NigeriaCustoms Debunks Fake CBT Recruitment Shortlist Circulating Online
X whatsapp