ZONAL COORDINATOR COMMENDS APAPA AREA COMMAND ON REVENUE PERFORMANCE, SEIZURES; CHARGES OFFICERS ON INTEGRITY AND TRADE FACILITATION

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, on Thursday, 5 February 2026, received the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, on a familiarisation visit, during which he commended officers and men of the Command for their outstanding performance in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and trade facilitation throughout the year 2025.

Addressing officers during the visit, the Zonal Coordinator explained that the visit was aimed at assessing operational challenges, appreciating the Command’s remarkable achievements, and boosting the morale of personnel who have continued to exceed expectations. He particularly applauded the Command for surpassing its annual revenue target, describing the feat as a testament to professionalism, dedication, and effective leadership.

ACG Babandede also lauded the Command’s sustained anti-smuggling drive, highlighting significant seizures of narcotics and other prohibited items, including cocaine and tramadol. He described the interceptions as critical contributions to national security, public health, and societal safety, stressing that robust enforcement remains essential to creating a secure environment for legitimate trade to flourish.

While noting that the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service goes beyond revenue generation to include national security, public safety, and trade facilitation, the Zonal Coordinator commended the Command’s effective inter-agency collaboration. He urged officers to further strengthen cooperation with sister agencies, particularly in the deployment and promotion of trade facilitation tools that have continued to place the Service on an upper-class operational rating.

The Zonal Coordinator further emphasized the importance of integrity, reputational management, mentorship, and capacity building. He encouraged senior officers to deliberately transfer knowledge and experience to younger officers, while also drawing attention to officers’ welfare and health. In this regard, he disclosed that drug tests would be conducted across Commands and advised personnel to remain health-conscious to enhance service delivery.

In his response, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed appreciation to the Zonal Coordinator for the visit, describing it as timely and highly motivating. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining its achievements in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation, inter-agency collaboration, and ethical conduct, in strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs.

Isah Sulaiman
Chief Superintendent of Customs
Customs Public Relations Officer
Apapa Port Command
For: Customs Area Controller