The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening operational collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to enhance maritime security, trade facilitation and national revenue generation.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, made this known on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha. The visit was aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation in line with the three policy thrusts of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Speaking during the engagement, Comptroller Oshoba explained that the Service is focused on consolidating previous achievements while improving existing partnerships between the Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy. He noted that modern border management requires strong synergy among relevant agencies to effectively tackle security threats and facilitate legitimate trade.
“The CGC has three key policy thrusts. The first is consolidation. On assuming duty, I resolved to build on the gains already achieved and improve the existing relationship between Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy within this axis,” he said.
On collaboration, the CAC emphasized that Customs performs critical security roles in addition to trade facilitation and revenue generation, stressing that cooperation with the military remains vital.
“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 added.
He further highlighted innovation as a strategic tool for improving results, noting that strengthening inter-agency cooperation is a key aspect of this approach.
Comptroller Oshoba also commended the Nigerian Navy for its role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and ensuring safe navigation for vessels entering the country. He solicited sustained naval support along the Apapa port corridor to guarantee seamless cargo movement and enhanced security.
In his response, Rear Admiral Mustapha acknowledged the longstanding partnership between both agencies and stressed the importance of coordination in securing the nation’s ports and maritime environment.
“Port security is about inter-agency coordination. Without security, there is no development,” he said.
The FOC also praised the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for its performance in blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets. He encouraged the Service to sustain its efforts, noting that increased revenue would translate into improved infrastructure and social welfare for Nigerians.
Rear Admiral Mustapha assured the Apapa Area Command of continued and seamless cooperation in securing the maritime domain and supporting national economic growth.
Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman, Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Area Command, disclosed this in a statement.
