By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, received the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, Zonal Coordinator Commends Apapa Customs on Revenue Performance, Seizures; Charges Officers on Integrity, Trade Facilitation performance in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation in 2025.
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Photos from the familiarisation visit of the Zone A Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG), Mohammed Babandede, to the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Apapa Port Command.
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Addressing officers during the visit, the Zonal Coordinator explained that the purpose of his tour was to assess operational challenges, appreciate the Command’s achievements and further motivate personnel who have continued to exceed expectations, particularly in revenue collection where the Command surpassed its annual target.
ACG Babandede also praised the Command’s sustained anti-smuggling operations, highlighting significant seizures of narcotics and other illicit substances, including cocaine and tramadol. He described the interceptions as vital to national security, public health and societal safety, stressing that effective enforcement remains central to creating a secure environment for legitimate trade to flourish.
While noting that the responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service go beyond revenue generation to include national security, public safety and trade facilitation, the Zonal Coordinator commended the Apapa Command for its effective inter-agency collaboration. He urged officers to further strengthen cooperation with sister agencies, especially in deploying and promoting trade facilitation tools that have elevated the Service’s operational standards.
The Zonal Coordinator further emphasised the importance of integrity, reputational management, mentorship and capacity building within the Command. He encouraged senior officers to mentor younger personnel and share operational experience, while also drawing attention to officers’ welfare and health. He disclosed that drug tests would be conducted across Commands and advised officers to remain health-conscious to enhance effective service delivery.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed appreciation to the Zonal Coordinator for the timely and morale-boosting visit. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining high performance in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation, inter-agency cooperation and ethical conduct, in strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
