The newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has pledged to build on the command’s achievements by driving trade facilitation, transparency, and operational modernisation.
Oshoba, who took over from newly promoted Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Babatunde Olomu, made the commitment on Monday during the official handover ceremony in Lagos.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, for entrusting him with the leadership of what he described as the Service’s “flagship command”.
“I live with a desire to improve any environment I find myself, and my stay in Apapa will not be an exception.
“I call for maximum support from officers, stakeholders and industry players to consolidate the gains of this command.
“My service here shall be built on your ideas, passion, and expertise,” Oshoba said.
He assured that the command would continue to leverage the Unified Customs Management System and other digital tools to improve efficiency.
Oshoba noted that programmes such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), Time Release Study (TRS), and Advanced Ruling (AR) would remain central to his trade facilitation agenda.
“As Nigeria now chairs the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, the global customs community is watching us closely.
“We must uphold compliance and legal frameworks while ensuring seamless trade,” he added.
Oshoba pledged to uphold transparency, integrity, and innovation, promising to serve “as a partner, not just a leader,” in line with the reformist vision of the Comptroller-General.
“We will face challenges, but together we shall overcome them with resilience. By God’s grace, we will break new grounds in achieving revenue targets and doing greater things for Nigeria through Apapa Port,” he said.
In his farewell remarks, Olomu, who now moves to a higher role at the Service’s headquarters, thanked officers, sister agencies, and stakeholders for supporting his tenure.
He highlighted key milestones, including record-breaking revenue achievements.
“Together, we achieved N2.3 trillion in 2024 and earned the award of Best Command in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and overall performance during the CGC End-of-Year Awards.
“In August 2025 alone, the command collected N214 billion through the B’Odogwu platform despite challenges, bringing our total collection for the year to N1.834 trillion, over 60 per cent of the N3 trillion national revenue target,” Olomu said.
Stakeholders at the event commended Olomu’s performance and pledged support for the new CAC.
The Managing Director of APM Terminals, Mr Keith Svendsen, praised Olomu for fostering strong collaboration with port stakeholders.
Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr Boniface Aniebonam, described Olomu’s tenure as “rewarding” and urged Oshoba to brace for Apapa’s unique challenges.
The Chairman of the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), Mr Olanrewaju Hakeem, assured Oshoba of continued support.
The African Industry Group (AIG) Manager, Mr Shahab Ahmad, hailed Olomu’s leadership and promised support to help the command surpass its 2025 revenue targets.
Other goodwill messages came from media representatives and industry players, who lauded Olomu’s openness and urged officers to continue projecting the Service’s positive image.
The ceremony was attended by senior customs officers, sister agencies, freight forwarders, and other well-wishers.
