By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged officers and men of the Command to intensify efforts at revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations and uphold discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Comptroller Oshoba gave the directive during the Command’s monthly parade held at the Apapa Command headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday, where he also stressed the need for improved stakeholder relations and seamless cargo clearance processes at the nation’s premier port.
Speaking during the parade, the Area Controller emphasized the importance of strategic operational interventions across terminals under the Command in order to block revenue leakages while sustaining trade facilitation in line with the policy direction of the management of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He warned officers against unnecessary delays in cargo examination and release, insisting that legitimate trade must not be hindered by inefficiency or avoidable bottlenecks at any stage of cargo processing.
According to him, officers must ensure that consignments duly processed and exited are not subjected to needless delays at the port gates.
“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. That is why any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated. Even at the gates. If a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay at the gates,” Oshoba stated.
The Customs boss further urged officers to remain accessible and professional in their interactions with freight forwarders, importers and other stakeholders operating within the port environment.
He noted that the conduct of officers directly impacts public perception of the Service and warned against actions capable of undermining the reforms and achievements being recorded by the leadership of the Service under the Comptroller-General of Customs.
“You must make yourself accessible to our stakeholders and we must avoid actions capable of tarnishing the good image of the Service and the good work being done by the CGC and members of his management. We should not be seen as slugs in the wheels of progress,” he added.
Comptroller Oshoba also called for heightened vigilance against smuggling activities, particularly the importation of illicit drugs, contraband goods and other prohibited items through the seaports.
He warned officers against misconduct, indiscipline and improper dressing, stressing that officers must consistently reflect the values and standards of the Service both in appearance and conduct.
The monthly parade also featured the recognition of outstanding officers and operational units for exemplary performance and dedication to duty.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month, while CSC Augustine Ondoma, ASCI Bukola Olaleye and IC Olalekan Salawu received commendations for professionalism, innovation and punctuality respectively.
In the unit category, officers attached to APM Terminal received the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal were honoured with the Excellence Award on Revenue Generation.
Comptroller Oshoba explained that the award initiative was introduced to encourage hard work, professionalism, operational excellence and healthy competition among officers and units of the Command.
The Apapa Area Command remains one of the highest revenue-generating commands of the Nigeria Customs Service and plays a strategic role in trade facilitation, cargo clearance and anti-smuggling enforcement at the nation’s busiest seaport.
