Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration with the Nigerian Navy in pursuit of enhanced maritime security and trade facilitation.
Comptroller Oshoba made this known on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha.
The visit aligns with the Three (3) policy thrusts of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation.
Speaking during the engagement, Comptroller Oshoba said: “The CGC has three key policy thrusts. The first is consolidation. On assuming duty, I resolved to consolidate on the gains already recorded and deepen the existing relationship between the Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy within this axis.”
On collaboration, he emphasized the importance of joint operations among security and regulatory agencies in modern border management:
“While Customs is known for trade facilitation and revenue generation, we also perform critical security functions. To effectively deliver on this mandate, collaboration with the military, the mother of security is indispensable.”
Discussing the third pillar, he added:
“Innovation means doing things differently to achieve better results. Strengthening inter-agency cooperation is a key part of that innovative approach.”
The CAC commended the Navy for its unwavering commitment to maritime security, noting:
“No vessel can access our ports without safe waters. We appreciate your vital role in keeping the maritime environment secure.”
He further appealed for sustained security support along the Apapa port corridor to enhance seamless cargo movement.
In his response, Rear Admiral Mustapha reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to a robust partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service:
“Port security thrives on inter-agency coordination. Without security, there can be no development.”
He also commended the leadership of the Service under CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stating:
“The Customs has performed excellently in blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets. Continue the good work. Increased revenue means more infrastructure and a stronger social safety net for the nation.”
The FOC assured Apapa Command of continued cooperation to secure the maritime domain and strengthen national economic growth.