The Zonal Coordinator, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, has commended the Apapa Area Command for its strong performance in revenue generation, enforcement and trade facilitation during the 2025 operational year.
Babandede gave the commendation during a working visit to the Command on Thursday, where he met with officers and reviewed ongoing operations.
He said the visit was aimed at assessing operational realities at the nation’s busiest port, recognising achievements recorded by the Command and encouraging personnel to sustain high performance levels. According to him, Apapa Command’s ability to exceed its annual revenue target underscored the effectiveness of its leadership and operational strategies.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaimon, the Zonal Coordinator also acknowledged the Command’s role in curbing smuggling, citing notable seizures of illicit drugs such as cocaine and tramadol. Babandede described the interceptions as vital to safeguarding national security, public health and social stability, stressing that robust enforcement was essential for legitimate trade to flourish.
He noted that while revenue generation remained a critical mandate of the Service, Customs responsibilities equally covered security, public safety and seamless trade facilitation. In this regard, he praised the Apapa Command’s collaboration with sister agencies and urged officers to strengthen partnerships, particularly in deploying trade facilitation instruments that have enhanced the Service’s operational standing.
The Zonal Coordinator further emphasised professionalism within the Command, calling attention to integrity, institutional reputation, mentorship and continuous capacity development. He advised senior officers to mentor younger colleagues and highlighted the importance of personnel welfare and health, disclosing plans for drug integrity tests across Commands as part of efforts to promote discipline and effective service delivery.
Responding, the Controller of the Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, thanked the Zonal Coordinator for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating. He assured that the Command would continue to uphold high standards in revenue collection, enforcement and trade facilitation, while maintaining strong inter-agency cooperation and ethical conduct in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
