DR. AZEEZ MUSTAPHA COMMENDS APAPA CUSTOMS FOR INTENSIFIED CAMPAIGN AGAINST SMUGGLING
… Applauds CGC’s Tenure elongation
By Mcanthony Onuoha
The Managing Principal of AZ De World Cargo Logistics Limited, Dr. Azeez Abayomi Mustapha, Rff, FITMT, has commended the giant strides of the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, following his intensified campaign against smuggling.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, CAC, Apapa Command
Dr. Mustapha in a telephone conversation with the Prestige Blended Magazine online and Print, described Comptroller Olomu as a champion who deserves all the accolades.
According to Dr Mustapha, “l think Comptroller Olomu deserves all the accolades he is getting. In performance, he should be rated 99% . His vigilance and commitment to anti-smuggling campaign, especially, illicit drugs and unwholesome products are commendable. The Comptroller has made unprecedented marks in revenue collection as Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command.”
” I want to also give kudos to the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Zone A, ACG Charles Orbih, and his team, as well as all Area Controllers under him for their tremendous commitment to anti-smuggling operations. Their sacrifices are never for self aggrandizement but demonstration of genuine patriotism.”
Dr. Azeez Abayomi Mustapha
Recall that between January and June 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Command, intercepted 27 containers of prohibited and illegally imported items, valued at over 2 billion in duty paid value (DPV).
The Command also announced the sealing of three bonded terminals for various infractions uncovered during the intensified anti- smuggling operations. The Prestige Blended Magazine learned that one of the terminals is currently undergoing prosecution in the law court, while investigations are ongoing on others.
Dr. Azeez Abayomi Mustapha (middle), the President of Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP), Comrade Udo Onyeka (left), and the Former President of CONMMEP, Alhaji Tunde Umar- Daniah, at CONMMEP Round Table recently.
Breaking down the mid year anti- smuggling operations in a media briefing, Controller Olomu stated that 10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, two containers of codeine syrup, two containers of stolen vehicles and four containers of second – hand clothing, were intercepted. Other items included expired margarine, codeine syrup, and wild animal skins.
The Controller stated that the seizures reflected ongoing efforts to prevent Nigerians from consuming unwholesome food and drugs, curb illicit trade, and protect local industries.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mustapha in the conversation, hailed the tenure extension of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a wise decision by Tinubu led administration.
According to Dr. Mustapha, “one good turn deserves another, and the reward for good work is more work. The CG has demonstrated capacity by sticking to overall transformation of the organization. He has made indelible marks already and will do more following his one year tenure extension. He is a great administrator, and l want to also commend his team for genuinely according him the cooperation he needs to succeed.”
“The CGC’s Tenure elongation is well deserved, and l want to say that his recent election as Chairman of World Customs Organization was chiefly because of his accomplishments as the helmsman of Nigeria Customs Service”.
“Once again, l commend Babatunde Olomu and his team for outstanding performance, and also applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting the CGC more time, it is indeed a brilliant decision”, Mustapha stated.
