The Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, has commended the Apapa Area Command for its outstanding performance in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation.
Babandede gave the commendation on Thursday, February 5, 2026, during a familiarisation visit to the Command, where he praised officers and men for their exceptional achievements throughout 2025, particularly in exceeding their annual revenue target.
Addressing personnel, the Zonal Coordinator said the visit was aimed at appreciating the operational challenges of the Command, acknowledging its remarkable accomplishments and boosting the morale of officers who have consistently surpassed expectations in service delivery.
He also lauded the Command’s sustained efforts in combating smuggling, highlighting major seizures of narcotics and other illicit substances, including cocaine and tramadol. According to him, such interceptions are vital to national security, public health and societal safety, stressing that effective enforcement is key to creating a secure environment for legitimate trade.
Babandede noted that the responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service go beyond revenue collection to include national security, public safety and trade facilitation. He commended the Command’s strong inter-agency collaboration and urged officers to further strengthen cooperation with sister agencies, especially in deploying trade facilitation tools that have enhanced the Service’s operational standards.
He further emphasized the importance of integrity, mentorship, capacity building and reputational management within the Command. The Zonal Coordinator encouraged senior officers to mentor younger ones and transfer valuable experience, while also drawing attention to officers’ welfare and health. He disclosed that drug tests would be conducted across Commands and advised personnel to remain health-conscious for effective service delivery.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, thanked the Zonal Coordinator for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
Oshoba reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining high performance in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation and inter-agency cooperation. He also pledged continued adherence to ethical standards in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
He assured that the Apapa Command would remain focused on professionalism, accountability and efficient service delivery in support of national economic growth and security.
