Weeks legislative intervention

By Esther Onyegbula

The Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Area Command, Dr. Olomu Babatunde has raised an urgent alarm over critical infrastructure and equipment gaps at Nigeria’s busiest port, warning that unless key stakeholders, including terminal operators and regulatory agencies, modernize their operations, the country’s trade facilitation and revenue generation efforts may be significantly hampered.

Dr. Olomu made the appeal during an official visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs to the Apapa Command, where he outlined the systemic challenges threatening port efficiency. Chief among these, he said, is the severe shortage of scanning machines and essential technological tools, which continues to delay cargo processing and compromise customs inspections.

According to Dr. Olomu, “Scanning machines play a critical role in non-intrusive inspection, allowing customs officials to quickly detect contraband, undeclared goods, or hazardous materials without manually opening the container,” Olomu explained.
“The absence of these machines results in longer inspection times and increases the likelihood of human error.”

The Customs Controller disclosed that while efforts are being made to address the issue, including the installation of a new high-capacity scanner at the ship site, more equipment and infrastructure upgrades are urgently needed.

He called on the National Assembly to legislate the procurement of additional scanners for ports and border stations to expedite cargo clearance and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade. He also stressed the need for increased budgetary allocation to acquire advanced cargo tracking systems and surveillance technologies, including drones, to help curb smuggling and cargo diversion.

Beyond customs-specific challenges, Olomu highlighted broader systemic issues within the port ecosystem, particularly the outdated equipment used by terminal operators such as APM Terminals, ENL Consortium, and Eko Support Services.

“We urge the committee to interface with other government stakeholders regulating terminal operators on the need to upgrade their working equipment in line with the concession agreements signed with the Federal Government,” he said.

“If properly looked into, this has the potential of facilitating trade and, in the long run, increasing the revenue-generating capacity of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
He further cited poor management of the electronic truck call-up system (ETO) as another operational bottleneck that nearly sparked an industrial crisis, narrowly averted following interventions by the Comptroller General of Customs and engagements with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.

He also warned that Customs modernization “cannot succeed in isolation,” and emphasized the importance of a synchronized upgrade across both public and private sector stakeholders.

He noted that there is urgent need for legislative support for the procurement of more scanners across seaports and border stations. Upgrades to road infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve cargo movement. Increased budgetary provisions for cargo tracking systems and modern surveillance equipment. Enforcement of concession terms requiring terminal operators to invest in modern equipment and automation.

The Apapa Area Command, which handles a significant portion of the country’s imports, remains a critical revenue generator for the federal government. Experts have long warned that infrastructural and systemic inefficiencies could threaten its strategic importance unless comprehensive reforms are implemented.