Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Controller Urges Discipline, Revenue Growth, Trade Facilitation
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has directed officers and personnel under his command to intensify revenue generation efforts, strengthen anti-smuggling operations, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.
The directive reflects the Command’s renewed commitment to blocking revenue leakages, enhancing operational vigilance across terminals, and ensuring that officers conduct themselves in a manner that positively represents the Service while facilitating seamless trade operations.
Comptroller Oshoba gave the charge during the Command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at the Apapa Command headquarters in Lagos. Addressing officers and men at the parade, he reiterated the importance of discipline, improved revenue performance, and efficient service delivery.
He stressed the need for stronger operational interventions across all terminals to eliminate gaps responsible for revenue leakages, while maintaining uninterrupted legitimate trade activities. According to him, enforcement measures must be balanced with trade facilitation to ensure prompt cargo clearance and full remittance of government revenue.
Speaking on accountability and conduct, the Area Controller warned officers against unnecessary delays in cargo processing, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated.
“Any delay caused by an officer on a consignment will not be tolerated,” he stated. “Even at the exit gates, once a consignment has been duly exited in the system, it should move out immediately. There should be no hold-up at that stage.”
Oshoba also reminded officers that professionalism and accessibility must define their interactions with stakeholders. He warned that any behaviour capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Customs Service or undermining the reform agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team would attract sanctions.
“We must avoid becoming obstacles to progress,” he said. “Our duty is to support trade and national development, not to slow it down through avoidable delays or poor attitude.”
The Area Controller further directed officers to strengthen surveillance against smuggling activities, especially the trafficking of illicit drugs and other prohibited items. He added that misconduct and improper dressing would be dealt with decisively, noting that discipline and proper appearance are essential to maintaining public confidence in the Service.
The parade also featured the recognition of outstanding officers and units for exemplary performance. Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month, while CSC Augustine Ondoma was recognised for professionalism, ASCI Bukola Olaleye for innovation, and IC Olalekan Salawu for punctuality.
At the unit level, the enforcement team at APM Terminal received the Excellence Award for Enforcement, while officers at ECO SUPPORT Terminal were honoured with the Excellence Award for Revenue Generation.
Comptroller Oshoba explained that the award initiative was introduced to motivate officers and units within the Command, encourage excellence and professionalism, and promote healthy competition aimed at improving overall performance.
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