Apapa Customs Command Tightens Focus on Revenue, Discipline, and Trade Efficiency

By Lod Onyeji

LAGOS — At Nigeria’s busiest seaport, the message from the top was unmistakable: efficiency, integrity, and vigilance are non-negotiable.

On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller for the Apapa Area Command, used the command’s monthly parade to lay out a clear operational agenda for officers. Speaking at the headquarters in Apapa, he urged personnel to intensify revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations, and uphold professionalism in all dealings with stakeholders.

The address comes as Apapa, which handles the bulk of Nigeria’s containerized trade, faces mounting pressure to reduce cargo dwell time and curb revenue leakages without compromising security. Oshoba framed the challenge as both technical and reputational.

“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service,” he said. “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.”

Performance and Professionalism Linked

Oshoba’s directive linked internal discipline to external outcomes. He called on officers to remain accessible and professional with importers, agents, and terminal operators, warning against conduct that could undermine public trust in the Nigeria Customs Service.

“We should not be seen as slugs in the wheels of progress,” he said, referring to the reform agenda of Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team. He also emphasized heightened vigilance against smuggling, particularly of illicit drugs and prohibited items, and reminded officers to maintain proper conduct and dress.

Incentives for Excellence

The parade’s centerpiece was the recognition of officers and units judged to have excelled in service delivery. Assistant Comptroller Ismail Mohammed was named Most Outstanding Officer of the Month. CSC Augustine Ondoma, ASCI Bukola Olaleye, and IC Olalekan Salawu were honored for professionalism, innovation, and punctuality, respectively.

On the terminal side, APM Terminal officers received the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while ECO SUPPORT Terminal officers were recognized for revenue generation.

Oshoba said the award system was designed to foster “hard work, excellence, professionalism and healthy competition” across the command. The move mirrors a broader push within the Customs Service to use performance metrics and public recognition to drive compliance with trade facilitation mandates.

*A Balancing Act*

Apapa’s role as the primary gateway for Nigerian imports means the command sits at the intersection of revenue targets, trade facilitation, and border security. Oshoba’s remarks suggest an effort to balance these demands by tying officer accountability directly to service delivery outcomes.

The event concluded with a renewed call for officers to align with national objectives of boosting non-oil revenue and improving Nigeria’s trading environment.

The original statement was released by Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, Public Relations Officer for the Apapa Area Command, on May 13, 2026.