The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening inter-agency collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to enhance maritime security and trade facilitation.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, as part of efforts to strengthen operational collaboration in line with the three policy thrusts of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD.
Speaking during the visit, Comptroller Oshoba explained that consolidation remains a key focus of his leadership at Apapa Command.
“The CGC has three key policy thrusts. The first is consolidation. On assuming duty, I resolved to consolidate on the gains already achieved and improve the existing relationship between Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy within this axis,” he stated.
On collaboration, he emphasised that modern border management demands strong inter-agency coordination.
“While Customs is known for trade facilitation and revenue generation, we also perform critical security functions. To achieve this mandate, we must collaborate with the military, the mother of security,” he said.
Highlighting innovation as the third policy thrust, the CAC noted that innovation involves adopting new approaches to achieve improved outcomes, including strengthening inter-agency cooperation.
Comptroller Oshoba commended the Navy for safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters, stressing that secure waterways are fundamental to trade.
“No vessel can come into the country without safe waters. We commend you for keeping the maritime environment secure,” he said, while also soliciting sustained naval support along the Apapa port corridor to ensure seamless cargo movement.
In his response, Rear Admiral Mustapha acknowledged the long-standing partnership between both agencies and underscored the importance of coordination in port security.
“Port security is about inter-agency coordination. Without security, there is no development,” he remarked.
The FOC further commended the Nigeria Customs Service under CGC Adeniyi for its performance in blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets.
“The Customs has done exceptionally well in blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets. Continue what you are doing; with more revenue, there will be more infrastructure and social safety network for the country,” he said.
Rear Admiral Mustapha assured the Apapa Command of improved and seamless cooperation in securing the maritime domain and supporting national economic growth.
The statement was issued by Isah Sulaiman, Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, for the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command.
