Revenue, seizures, trade facilitation: Zonal coordinator gives Apapa Customs high marks

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has earned high commendation from the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, for its outstanding revenue performance, landmark seizures and consistent drive for trade facilitation.

ACG Banded gave the commendation this Thursday, 5 February 2026, when he paid a familiarisation visit to the Apapa Area Command, where he applauded officers and men for what he described as an exceptional operational year in 2025, therein encouraged them to uphold integrity and professionalism in service delivery.

In a release signed by Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, Public Relations Officer Apapa Port Command ACG Babandede while addressing personnel during  the visit said the tour was aimed at firsthand assessment of the Command’s operational environment, acknowledgment of the challenges confronting officers, and appreciation of the remarkable milestones recorded, particularly in revenue generation. He noted that the Command not only met but surpassed its annual revenue target, a feat he attributed to discipline, professionalism and teamwork.

The Zonal Coordinator also lauded the Command’s sustained anti-smuggling operations, highlighting the interception of narcotics and other prohibited items, including cocaine and tramadol. He described the seizures as critical interventions that reinforce national security, protect public health and safeguard society from the damaging effects of illicit drugs.

According to him, effective enforcement remains a cornerstone of Customs operations, stressing that a secure trading environment is essential for legitimate commerce to flourish. He added that the Service’s mandate goes beyond revenue collection to include public safety, border security and facilitation of lawful trade.

While commending the Apapa Command’s strong collaboration with sister security and regulatory agencies, ACG Babandede urged officers to further deepen inter-agency cooperation, especially in the deployment of modern trade facilitation tools. He noted that such synergy has contributed to placing the Nigeria Customs Service on an upper-tier operational rating in line with global best practices.

The Zonal Coordinator further emphasized the need for integrity, reputational management and continuous capacity building within the Command. He tasked senior officers with mentoring younger personnel, stressing that knowledge transfer and ethical leadership are vital to sustaining institutional excellence.

Touching on welfare and health matters, he disclosed that routine drug tests would be conducted across Commands, advising officers to remain health-conscious and disciplined to ensure optimal service delivery and professionalism.

In his response, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed gratitude to the Zonal Coordinator for the visit, describing it as timely and morale-boosting. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining high performance in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation and inter-agency cooperation.

Comptroller Oshoba assured that officers would continue to operate in strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and align with the policy thrust and strategic vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, emphasizing zero tolerance for misconduct and compromise of standards.

He pledged that the Apapa Area Command would remain resolute in supporting national economic growth, safeguarding the nation’s borders and facilitating legitimate trade in line with the Service’s core mandate.