The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, on Thursday, 5 February 2026, received the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, on a familiarisation visit during which he commended officers and men of the Command for their outstanding performance in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation in 2025.
Addressing officers during the visit, the Zonal Coordinator explained that the engagement was aimed at identifying operational challenges, appreciating the Command’s notable achievements and boosting the morale of personnel who have consistently surpassed expectations. He particularly applauded the Command for exceeding its annual revenue target, describing the feat as a reflection of professionalism, dedication and effective leadership.
ACG Babandede also lauded the Command’s sustained anti-smuggling drive, highlighting significant seizures of narcotics and other illicit substances, including cocaine and tramadol. He noted that such interceptions constitute critical contributions to national security, public health and societal safety, stressing that robust enforcement remains fundamental to creating a secure environment in which legitimate trade can thrive.
While reiterating that the core mandate of the Service goes beyond revenue generation to encompass national security, public safety and trade facilitation, the Zonal Coordinator commended the Command’s strong inter-agency collaboration. He urged officers to further deepen cooperation with sister agencies, particularly in the deployment and promotion of trade facilitation tools that have earned the Service an upper-class operational rating.
The Zonal Coordinator further emphasized the importance of integrity, reputational management, mentorship and capacity building. He encouraged senior officers to mentor younger colleagues through the transfer of knowledge and experience, while also drawing attention to officers’ welfare and health. He disclosed that drug tests would be conducted across Commands and advised officers to remain health-conscious to ensure optimal service delivery.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed appreciation to the Zonal Coordinator for the timely and motivating visit. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining its strong performance in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation, inter-agency cooperation and ethical conduct, in strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
The statement was signed
Isah Sulaiman
Chief Superintendent of Customs
Customs Public Relations Officer
Apapa Port Command
