Apapa Customs and Nigerian Navy Strengthen Partnership for Enhanced Maritime Security

By Lod Onyeji

In a bid to bolster maritime security and facilitate trade, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service recently strengthened its partnership with the Nigerian Navy. Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Area Command, paid a courtesy visit to Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of Western Naval Command, to deepen operational collaboration.

The visit was in line with the three policy thrusts of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi: Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation. Oshoba emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation, stating that modern border management requires agencies to work together to achieve common goals. He appreciated the Navy's efforts in securing Nigeria's waters, saying, "No vessel can come into the country without safe waters".

Rear Admiral Mustapha acknowledged the longstanding partnership between the two agencies, emphasizing that port security is about inter-agency coordination and that security is a prerequisite for development. He commended the Customs Service under Adeniyi's leadership for blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets.

The FOC assured the Apapa Command of improved cooperation in securing the maritime domain and supporting national economic growth.