Apapa Customs Controller Urges Officers to Strengthen Discipline, Revenue Drive, Trade Facilitation
Apapa Customs Controller Urges Officers to Strengthen Discipline, Revenue Drive, Trade Facilitation
…as Oshoba calls for professionalism and improved stakeholder relations at May parade.
By. Success Okezie
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Customs Area Controller overseeing the Nigeria Customs Service’s Apapa Area Command, has issued a clear directive to officers and men under his command. He urged them to step up efforts on revenue generation, tighten the net on smuggling activities, and carry out their responsibilities with the highest levels of professionalism and discipline.
The charge underscores a renewed push to close revenue leakages, improve operational vigilance across the terminals, and ensure that every officer’s conduct reflects positively on the Service while keeping trade moving efficiently.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba issued the directive during the Apapa Area Command’s monthly parade on Tuesday, 12th May 2026, at the Command headquarters in Apapa, Lagos. Addressing officers and men assembled for the parade, he used the occasion to reinforce standards of discipline, revenue performance, and service delivery across the Command.
Oshoba stressed that the Command must step up operational interventions at all terminals to close gaps that lead to revenue leakages. He made it clear that this should be done without disrupting legitimate trade, emphasizing the need for a balance between enforcement and facilitation. The aim, he said, is to ensure that cargo is cleared promptly while every duty and charge due to the government is properly accounted for.
On conduct and accountability, the Area Controller was unequivocal. He told officers that protecting the reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service must remain a priority in every action they take. “Any delay caused by an officer on a consignment will not be tolerated,” he stated. “Even at the exit gates—once a consignment has been duly exited in the system, it should move out immediately. There should be no hold-up at that stage.”
Oshoba reminded officers that accessibility and professionalism must define their interactions with stakeholders. He said officers should be approachable and responsive, stressing that any conduct that damages the Service’s reputation or undermines the reforms being pushed by the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team would not be tolerated.
“We must avoid becoming obstacles to progress,” he stated. “Our duty is to support trade and national development, not to slow it down through avoidable delays or poor attitude.”
The Area Controller also directed officers to tighten surveillance against smuggling, with a particular focus on illicit drugs and other prohibited goods. He warned that acts of misconduct and improper dressing would be dealt with firmly, noting that discipline and a smart appearance are basic requirements for maintaining public confidence.
The parade’s highlight was the recognition of officers and units for outstanding service. Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed was named the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month. CSC Augustine Ondoma received recognition for professionalism, ASCI Bukola Olaleye for innovation, and IC Olalekan Salawu for punctuality.
On the unit level, the enforcement team at APM Terminal was honored with the Excellence Award for Enforcement, while officers from ECO SUPPORT Terminal received the Excellence Award for Revenue Generation.
Comptroller Oshoba stated that the award initiative was set up to recognize and motivate officers and units across the Command. He explained that the goal is to encourage a culture of hard work and excellence, strengthen professional conduct, and create healthy competition that pushes everyone to raise their performance.
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