Mohammed Babandede, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, has applauded Apapa Command officers for outstanding revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation.
Babandede gave the commendation during a familiarisation visit to the Apapa Command Headquarters in Lagos on Thursday.
The visit was disclosed in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman.
According to Babandede, the visit aimed to acknowledge operational challenges while recognising notable achievements recorded by the command.
“I am here to appreciate your resilience and boost morale, especially as the command exceeded its 2025 revenue target,” Babandede said.
He lauded sustained anti-smuggling efforts, citing seizures of cocaine, tramadol and other illicit substances as critical to national security and public health.
“Effective enforcement is fundamental to creating a secure environment where legitimate trade can thrive,” he stated.
Babandede noted that customs responsibilities extend beyond revenue to include public safety, national security and trade facilitation.
He commended inter-agency collaboration and urged officers to deepen cooperation with sister agencies.
“Collaboration has strengthened trade facilitation tools and positioned the service at an upper-class operational rating,” he said.
The zonal coordinator emphasised integrity, mentorship, capacity building and reputational management within the command.
He urged senior officers to mentor younger personnel and highlighted the importance of welfare and health.
Babandede disclosed that drug tests would be conducted across commands, advising officers to remain health-conscious.
Responding, Apapa Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, thanked the zonal coordinator for the motivating visit.
“We remain committed to sustaining performance in revenue generation, enforcement and trade facilitation,” Oshoba said.
He assured improved inter-agency cooperation and ethical conduct in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the policy thrust of Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi.
