By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has charged its officers to scale up revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, gave the directive during the Command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Command headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
Oshoba called for stronger operational interventions across terminals to block revenue leakages, while also ensuring faster trade facilitation and timely cargo clearance.
“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. Any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated, even at the gates. If a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay at the gates,” he said.
He urged officers to remain accessible and professional in their engagements with stakeholders, warning against actions that could undermine the Service’s image and the reforms being driven by the Comptroller-General and the management team.
“We should not be seen as slugs in the wheels of progress,” Oshoba stated.
The CAC also directed officers to maintain heightened vigilance against smuggling, particularly illicit drugs and prohibited items, while cautioning against misconduct and improper dressing.
The parade featured awards for outstanding performance. Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed was named Most Outstanding Officer of the Month, while CSC Augustine Ondoma, ASCI Bukola Olaleye, and IC Olalekan Salawu were recognised for professionalism, innovation, and punctuality.
APM Terminal received the Excellence Award in Enforcement, while ECO SUPPORT Terminal won the Excellence Award in Revenue Generation.
Oshoba said the awards are designed to encourage hard work, excellence, professionalism, and healthy competition across the Command.
