Odita Sunday 
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, and the Nigerian Navy have reaffirmed their commitment to structured inter-agency collaboration aimed at strengthening maritime security and economic stability.
The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, made this known during a strategic visit to the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha.
Oshoba said the engagement reflects the reform agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, built on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
“The CGC has three key policy thrusts,” he said. “On assuming duty, I resolved to consolidate on existing gains and improve our institutional relationship with the Nigerian Navy.”
He emphasized that Customs’ mandate integrates revenue, trade facilitation and national security.
“While Customs is known for trade facilitation and revenue generation, we also perform critical security functions. To achieve this mandate, we must collaborate with the military,” he stated.
On innovation, Oshoba explained: “Innovation is doing things differently to achieve better results, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation is part of that approach.”
He acknowledged the Navy’s strategic role in maritime security.
“No vessel can come into the country without safe waters. We commend you for keeping the maritime environment secure,” he said.
In response, Mustapha underscored the institutional importance of synergy.
“Port security is about inter-agency coordination. Without security, there is no development,” he noted.
He further commended the Customs Service’s revenue performance, stating: “The Customs has done exceptionally well in blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets.”
The naval chief assured the Apapa Command of enhanced cooperation in securing the maritime domain and supporting national economic growth.
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