Odita Sunday 
Apapa Customs Boss Cracks Down on Revenue Leakages, Warns Officers Against Delays, Smuggling
The Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Area Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, has directed officers and men of the command to intensify revenue generation efforts, strengthen anti-smuggling operations and uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Oshoba gave the directive during the command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday at the Apapa Command headquarters in Lagos.
The Customs Area Controller said the command must tighten operational controls across all terminals to eliminate revenue leakages while ensuring that legitimate trade activities continue without unnecessary disruption.
According to him, the renewed push is aimed at improving operational vigilance, sustaining trade facilitation and ensuring that all government duties and charges are properly accounted for.
He stressed the need for a balance between enforcement and efficient cargo clearance.
“Any delay caused by an officer on a consignment will not be tolerated,” Oshoba warned.
“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,” he added.
The Area Controller reminded officers that professionalism, accessibility and accountability must define their engagement with stakeholders.
He warned that any conduct capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Customs Service or undermining ongoing reforms introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs would not be tolerated.
“We must avoid becoming obstacles to progress. Our duty is to support trade and national development, not to slow it down through avoidable delays or poor attitude,” he stated.
Oshoba also directed officers to strengthen surveillance against smuggling activities, particularly the movement of illicit drugs and prohibited goods through the ports.
He cautioned officers against misconduct and improper dressing, stressing that discipline and appearance remain critical to maintaining public confidence in the Service.
The parade also featured the recognition of outstanding officers and operational units for exemplary performance.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed was named the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month.
Other award recipients included CSC Augustine Ondoma for professionalism, ASCI Bukola Olaleye for innovation and IC Olalekan Salawu for punctuality.
On the unit level, the enforcement team at APM Terminal received the Excellence Award for Enforcement, while officers at ECO SUPPORT Terminal were honoured with the Excellence Award for Revenue Generation.
Oshoba explained that the award initiative was designed to motivate officers, promote professionalism and encourage healthy competition within the command.
According to him, the initiative is intended to strengthen operational excellence and reward hard work among officers and units.
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