...As Oshoba highlights achievements
Comptroller Murtala Muazu has assumed duty as the new Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), pledging to consolidate the achievements recorded by his predecessor, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba.
Muazu made the commitment on Tuesday while speaking at the handing-over ceremony at the command in Lagos, following Oshoba’s retirement from the Service after 35 years.
The new Apapa Customs boss commended Oshoba for the strides recorded in revenue generation, enforcement, compliance and trade facilitation, noting that the achievements had provided a strong foundation for the new administration.
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.”
Muazu said the strategic position of the Apapa Area Command in Nigeria’s trade and revenue landscape required officers to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, fairness and a clear understanding of the impact of their decisions on the economy.
He said the command would prioritise the three policy goals of the Comptroller-General of Customs – consolidation, collaboration and innovation in its operations.
According to him, revenue generation and strict adherence to extant laws and regulations would remain central to the command’s activities.
“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,
“To achieve this, officers must be conversant with a harmonized system of clarification customs valuation and its processes, as well as fiscal policy measures, amongst others. These are core requirements in the discharge of our duties and responsibilities, and stand at the forefront of our revenue and compliance objectives.” he said.
Muazu also warned against unnecessary delays in cargo processing, describing such delays as non-tariff barriers that would no longer be tolerated under his leadership.
“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 collaboration, the new CAC said the command would deepen engagement with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies and lines, terminal operators, port authorities, partner government agencies and other stakeholders.
He said the objective was to listen to genuine concerns, pursue practical solutions and strengthen compliance while facilitating legitimate trade.
Muazu also pledged to leverage the modernisation initiatives of the NCS to improve the speed, efficiency, transparency and consistency of operations.
He urged officers and men of the command to demonstrate professionalism, integrity and discipline, stressing that achieving greater results would require collective effort.
The new CAC further assured stakeholders of an open and constructive relationship founded on fairness, mutual respect and the national interest.
Earlier, the outgoing CAC, Emmanuel Oshoba, said his tenure focused on revenue generation, trade facilitation, enforcement and protection of the national economy.
Oshoba said the command under his watch generated N2.93 trillion in 2025, representing a 24.32 per cent increase over the previous year, while it recorded a monthly collection of about N304 billion in October 2025 and N323 billion in July 2026, which he described as the highest monthly revenue collection in the command’s history.
He added that in August 2026, the command generated N28.1 billion single- day revenue, 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 cited a recent drug seizure valued at N3.59 billion, saying the interventions were part of the command’s responsibility to protect the Nigerian society.
Oshoba attributed the command’s achievements to the commitment of its officers and men, as well as the cooperation of stakeholders and sister government agencies.
He also highlighted initiatives introduced during his tenure, including monthly parades, an awards programme for outstanding officers and units, and weekly physical training exercises aimed at improving discipline, professionalism, teamwork and the wellbeing of personnel.
He urged his successor to build on the foundation already established, sustain discipline and professionalism, deepen stakeholder engagement, facilitate legitimate trade and remain firm in protecting national 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 throughout 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.
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