Customs Zonal Coordinator Commends Apapa Command on Revenue Growth, Seizures, Charges Officers on Integrity
The Zonal Coordinator, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, has commended the Apapa Area Command for its outstanding performance in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation, following its impressive operational record in 2025.
ACG Babandede gave the commendation on Thursday, February 5, 2026, during a familiarization visit to the Command, where he acknowledged the dedication and resilience of officers and men despite operational challenges, noting that the Command exceeded its annual revenue target.
Speaking during an interactive session with officers, the Zonal Coordinator said the visit was aimed at appreciating the Command’s achievements, understanding its challenges and boosting personnel morale. He described Apapa Command as a critical revenue hub whose performance significantly supports national economic objectives.
He further lauded the Command’s sustained anti-smuggling operations, particularly the interception of narcotics and other illicit substances, including cocaine and tramadol. According to him, such seizures are vital to safeguarding national security, public health and societal well-being, stressing that effective enforcement creates a secure environment for legitimate trade.
While emphasizing that the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate extends beyond revenue generation to include national security, public safety and trade facilitation, ACG Babandede commended the Command’s strong inter-agency collaboration. He urged officers to deepen cooperation with sister agencies, especially in advancing trade facilitation initiatives that have elevated the Service’s operational standards.
The Zonal Coordinator also underscored the importance of integrity, reputation management, mentorship and continuous capacity building. He encouraged senior officers to mentor younger personnel and highlighted the need for officers’ welfare and health consciousness, disclosing that drug tests would be conducted across Commands to promote professionalism and effective service delivery.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, thanked the Zonal Coordinator for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining excellence in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation, inter-agency cooperation and ethical conduct.
Comptroller Oshoba assured that the Command would continue to operate in strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and align fully with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
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