Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has received high commendation from the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, for its exceptional record in revenue collection, enforcement operations and trade facilitation in 2025.
During a familiarisation visit to the Command on Thursday, 5 February 2026, ACG Babandede praised the officers and men for what he described as “consistent and outstanding performance despite operational challenges.”
He stated that the visit was aimed at recognising the Command’s achievements and boosting personnel morale.
“I came here to acknowledge your efforts, understand your challenges, and appreciate the remarkable results you have delivered. Apapa Command has not only met expectations but exceeded them, especially in revenue generation,” he said.
The Zonal Coordinator also highlighted the Command’s major anti-smuggling successes, particularly the interception of cocaine, tramadol and other narcotics.
Your seizures of hard drugs and other illicit substances are not just statistics.
They are critical contributions to national security, public health, and the safety of our society,” he noted.
ACG Babandede further urged officers to sustain their collaboration with other security agencies, saying such synergy remained essential to efficient port operations.
“Deepen your partnerships and continue leveraging modern trade facilitation tools. These are what place the Service at a top-tier operational standard,” he added.
On integrity and professionalism, he stressed the need for ethical conduct, capacity building and mentorship within the ranks.
“Integrity must remain your guiding principle, Senior officers must mentor younger ones, and everyone must pay attention to their health. Drug tests will be conducted across Commands, so remain fit and responsible,” he cautioned.
Responding, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, thanked the Zonal Coordinator for the motivating visit.
“Your words have boosted our morale. We will continue to uphold the highest standards in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation and service delivery in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023,” Oshoba said.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining its leadership role within the Service.
“Apapa Command will not relent. We will continue to give our best in support of the Comptroller-General’s policy thrust,” he assured.