At a brief but colourful handing-over ceremony on Monday, September 8, 2025, Comptroller EOA Oshoba officially assumed office as the new Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command. He took over from Assistant Comptroller-General Babatunde Olomu, who had overseen the Command’s operations with notable achievements.
In his first official interaction with the press and stakeholders, Comptroller Oshoba shared his vision, priorities, and expectations as he begins his tenure at Nigeria’s busiest port. Below are excerpts from the session.
Congratulations on your appointment as the new Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command. How do you feel about this new responsibility?
Thank you very much. I feel deeply honored and humbled by the trust placed in me by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management team. Apapa is at the center of customs operations and reforms in Nigeria, so leading this Command is both a privilege and a great responsibility.
What would you like to say to your predecessor, ACG Babatunde Olomu, who just handed over to you?
I must commend ACG Olomu for his excellent performance and leadership here in Apapa. He has set a very high standard, and I sincerely appreciate the foundation he has laid. My task now is to build on those achievements and take the Command to greater heights.
You spoke about bringing improvements wherever you find yourself. What exactly will be your first approach at Apapa?
My first approach is simple: the three Ls—Look, Listen, and Learn. I want to understand the heartbeat of this Command, study its challenges, and listen to both officers and stakeholders. Only then can we work together to provide lasting solutions.
What kind of support are you expecting from your officers and stakeholders?
I am asking for maximum cooperation and dedication. This (CAC Apapa) is not a job for one person. The ideas, passion, and expertise of officers, terminal operators, and all stakeholders are what will drive success. I want to foster an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
Customs is currently undergoing modernization. How will Apapa fit into this?
Apapa must lead the way. We are at a critical stage in ICT and modernization. My leadership will focus on consolidating the gains of my predecessor and pushing the Unified Customs Management System forward. Programs such as the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), Time Release Study (TRS), and Advanced Ruling (AR) will receive serious attention here because they position NCS ahead of many of its peers in Africa.
Nigeria currently holds the Chairmanship of the World Customs Organization Council. Does that put extra pressure on your Command?
Absolutely, it does. It means Nigeria is under the spotlight globally. That’s why Apapa must uphold the highest standards of compliance and strictly follow all legal frameworks for import, export, and excise operations. We cannot afford to fall short.
Leadership styles differ. How would you describe your own leadership philosophy?
I believe strongly in collaboration. No one succeeds alone. I am not here just as a leader, but as a partner with the officers and stakeholders of Apapa. We will face challenges together, and we will also celebrate successes together. Transparency, integrity, and service will guide my every action.
Finally, what is your overall mission for Apapa Command under your leadership?
My mission is to sustain the excellent records already achieved and, by God’s grace, break new grounds. Apapa Command is central to Nigeria’s economy, and we will work tirelessly to ensure it remains a hub of innovation, compliance, and excellence.
In a rare moment of reflection and celebration, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Babatunde Olomu (PhD), bowed out as Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command on Monday, September 8, 2025, after 15 months of what many stakeholders described as a transformative tenure. Under his leadership, the command set unprecedented revenue records, facilitated Nigeria’s first AfCFTA shipments, and deepened stakeholder engagement while maintaining a tough stance against smuggling. In this exclusive interview, Olomu speaks on the highs, the challenges, and the legacy he leaves behind
- How we hit record ₦2trn revenue and shaped AfCFTA at Apapa —ACG Olomu
Sir, today marks your official handover as CAC, Apapa Port Command. How do you feel leaving this office after 15 months of service?
I feel a mixture of emotions—gratitude, fulfilment, and, of course, nostalgia. My time here was both challenging and rewarding. We achieved historic milestones together, and I am proud of the team spirit that carried us through. But every tenure has its end, and I see this transition as an opportunity to serve at a higher level as an Assistant Comptroller General.
You highlighted several achievements in your speech. Which of them stands out the most for you?
Without doubt, the revenue performance stands out. Under my watch, the Apapa Command hit a record-breaking ₦2 trillion in collections—the highest ever in the history of the Nigeria Customs Service. We also achieved daily records like ₦17.9 billion in June 2024 and ₦18.9 billion in March 2025. Beyond figures, these accomplishments represent a culture of consistency, diligence, and strategic teamwork.
Beyond revenue, Apapa also recorded historic strides in trade facilitation, especially under AfCFTA. Could you speak more on that?
Yes, I am particularly proud that Nigeria’s first shipment under the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative went through Apapa in July 2024. That was history in the making. We also facilitated subsequent shipments, including one to Kenya. These shipments positioned Nigeria as an active player in intra-African trade, which is crucial for our economy.
Some say Apapa is often plagued by bottlenecks and trade disputes. How did you manage stakeholder relations during your tenure?
From day one, I adopted an open-door policy. I wanted stakeholders to feel that Customs is their partner, not an obstacle. We created channels for quick dispute resolution, promoted compliance culture, and ensured that every stakeholder—from importers to terminal operators—had access to me. My personal phone line was always open. That transparency built trust.
On anti-smuggling, you mentioned 75 seizures within 15 months. How difficult was it balancing trade facilitation with enforcement?
It is always a delicate balance. While facilitating trade, we cannot compromise on protecting Nigerians from harmful goods. Our seizures included fake and expired drugs, tramadol, codeine, and even cannabis. We also intercepted items like used clothing and unprocessed wood. These seizures sent a clear signal—Apapa Port is not a safe haven for smugglers.
Revenue, enforcement, trade facilitation – all these sound like heavy tasks. What was the biggest challenge you faced as CAC?
The biggest challenge was technology adaptation. For instance, when the new Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), nicknamed B’Odogwu, was introduced, we faced initial glitches. But with persistence and stakeholder cooperation, we stabilized it and still hit ₦214.9 billion in August 2025 alone. That was a proud moment.
Looking back now, what legacy do you think you are leaving behind in Apapa?
I believe I am leaving behind a solid structure for consolidation. I set out to make sure Apapa Command could operate on autopilot in revenue collection, enforcement, and stakeholder management. The systems we put in place are sustainable, and I am confident my successor will build on them to surpass our targets.
Finally, what message do you have for your successor and the stakeholders of Apapa Port?
To my successor, I say: you are inheriting a strong foundation—take it higher. To our stakeholders, I appeal for even greater cooperation than you gave me. Customs can only succeed when all parties work as one team. I leave with gratitude, and I believe the best is yet to come for Apapa Command.
