Oshoba warns against cargo delays, revenue leakages at Apapa Port

…Rewards outstanding officers

The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged officers and men of the command to intensify operational activities aimed at blocking revenue leakages, improving cargo clearance timelines, and sustaining trade facilitation reforms at Nigeria’s busiest seaport.

Oshoba gave the directive during the command’s monthly parade held at the Apapa Command headquarters in Lagos on Monday, May 12, 2026.

He stressed the need for officers to eliminate avoidable delays in cargo processing and ensure seamless movement of consignments across terminals and exit gates.

According to him, any officer found causing unnecessary delays in cargo examination, release, or gate processes would face sanctions.

“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. Any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated, including at the gates. If a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay at the gates,” Oshoba said.

He noted that Apapa Port remains Nigeria’s largest and busiest port, making operational efficiency and timely cargo clearance critical to trade competitiveness, government revenue generation, and supply chain stability.

The Comptroller further urged officers to maintain professionalism and sustain cordial relationships with freight forwarders, importers, terminal operators, and other port users.

He warned against misconduct or practices capable of undermining the ongoing trade facilitation reforms championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service.

“You must make yourselves accessible to stakeholders and avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image of the Service or slowing down the reforms being implemented by the Comptroller-General and his management team. We should not be seen as clogs in the wheels of progress,” he added.

Oshoba also called for heightened vigilance against smuggling and illicit trade, particularly the movement of prohibited items, narcotics, and other contraband through the seaports.

The warning comes amid intensified inter-agency collaboration between Customs and security agencies to combat transnational crimes and strengthen border security at the nation’s ports.

As part of efforts to encourage professionalism and reward outstanding performance, the Comptroller recognised officers and units that distinguished themselves during the month.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed emerged as 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.

In the unit category, officers of APM Terminal received the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal were honoured for excellence in revenue generation.

Oshoba said the recognition initiative was designed to promote discipline, professionalism, innovation, and healthy competition among officers and units within the command.

He expressed confidence that sustained commitment to operational excellence would further strengthen Apapa Command’s role as a major contributor to customs revenue and trade efficiency in Nigeria.