Comptroller Mu’azu takes over Apapa Customs Command, vows to block cargo delays, sustain revenue growth
By Ranmilowo Ojalumo -The new Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, has pledged to strengthen revenue collection, facilitate legitimate trade and eliminate avoidable delays in cargo clearance at the nation’s busiest port command.
Mu’azu stated this on Tuesday in Lagos while formally taking over the affairs of the command from Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, who retired from the Nigeria Customs Service after 35 years of service.
The new CAC said his administration would consolidate the achievements recorded under Oshoba, particularly in revenue generation, enforcement, compliance and trade facilitation.
According to him, the accomplishments of his predecessor had created a solid platform upon which the command could build, while addressing emerging operational challenges.
He said, “The gains recorded in revenue generation, enforcement, compliance and trade facilitation are worthy of recognition. We shall consolidate on these achievements and build upon the foundation already laid by you, while at the same time addressing the challenges that may still come with such.”
Mu’azu stressed that the strategic importance of Apapa Command to Nigeria’s economy demanded professionalism, fairness and diligence from its officers, noting that decisions taken at the command could have wider implications for trade and government revenue.
He said the command would align its operations with the three policy goals of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi – consolidation, collaboration and innovation.
The new CAC maintained that revenue generation and compliance with extant laws and regulations would remain key priorities under his leadership.
“Every revenue that is due to government must be properly assessed and collected, and every decision taken by our officers must be capable of standing the test of scrutiny over time,” he said.
Mu’azu charged officers to acquire adequate knowledge of the Harmonised System of classification, customs valuation processes and applicable fiscal policy measures, describing them as essential tools for effective revenue collection and compliance.
He also issued a warning against unnecessary delays in cargo clearance, describing such practices as non-tariff barriers capable of undermining legitimate trade.
“Where examination or observation is required, it must be carried out promptly and in accordance with laid-down procedures and guidelines. Where all requirements have been met, legitimate cargo must be allowed to move without avoidable obstructions,” he said.
On stakeholder engagement, Mu’azu said Apapa command would strengthen its relationship with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies and lines, terminal operators, port authorities and other government agencies operating within the port environment.
He said such collaboration would enable the command to understand genuine concerns, develop practical solutions and promote compliance without frustrating legitimate business activities.
The new controller further promised to maximise the benefits of the modernisation initiatives of the NCS to make operations faster, more transparent, efficient and consistent.
He urged officers and men to uphold professionalism, integrity and discipline, stressing that the command could only achieve greater results through collective commitment.
Mu’azu also assured stakeholders that his administration would maintain an open and constructive relationship with them, anchored on fairness, mutual respect and the national interest.
Speaking earlier, the outgoing CAC, Oshoba, said his tenure at Apapa focused on revenue generation, trade facilitation, enforcement and the protection of the national economy.
Oshoba disclosed that the command generated N2.93 trillion in 2025, representing a 24.32 per cent increase over the previous year.
He added that Apapa Command recorded monthly revenue collections of about N304 billion in October 2025 and N323 billion in July 2026, describing the latter as the highest monthly revenue collection in the history of the command.
According to him, the command also generated N28.1 billion in a single day in August 2026, representing a significant increase over the corresponding period.
On enforcement, Oshoba said the command intercepted 53 containers containing illicit drugs and prohibited items in 2025, with a combined duty-paid value of N12.6 billion.
He also disclosed that the command recently seized drugs with a value of N3.59 billion, noting that such interventions remained critical to protecting the Nigerian society.
Oshoba attributed the achievements recorded during his tenure to the dedication of officers and men, as well as the support and cooperation of stakeholders and sister government agencies.
He said his administration also introduced initiatives such as monthly parades, an awards programme for outstanding officers and units, and weekly physical training exercises to strengthen discipline, professionalism, teamwork and personnel welfare.
The retired comptroller urged his successor to sustain the gains already recorded, deepen engagement with stakeholders, facilitate legitimate trade and remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
Oshoba expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the command’s management team, officers and men, sister agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, maritime stakeholders and the media for their support during his tenure.
“As I take my leave from the Apapa Command and the Nigeria Customs Service, I do so with gratitude and the satisfaction that together we have played a part in advancing the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.
