Babadende applauds Apapa Customs’ 2025 revenue surge, seizures, pushes trade facilitation
Maureen Aguta
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, recorded another major endorsement of its 2025 operational performance on Thursday, 5 February 2026, as the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, commended the Command for outstanding revenue generation, high-impact seizures and sustained trade facilitation.
ACG Babandede gave the commendation during a familiarisation visit to the Command, where he praised officers and men for surmounting operational challenges and exceeding expectations, particularly in revenue collection, which saw Apapa Area Command surpass its annual target for the year under review.
Addressing personnel, the Zonal Coordinator explained that the visit was aimed at acknowledging the realities of port operations, appreciating the Command’s notable achievements and boosting the morale of officers whose dedication continues to strengthen the Service’s mandate.
He specifically lauded the Command’s robust anti-smuggling operations, highlighting major interceptions of narcotics and other prohibited substances, including cocaine and tramadol.
According to him, such seizures are critical to national security, public health and societal well-being, stressing that firm enforcement remains essential for safeguarding legitimate trade.
While noting that revenue generation is only one aspect of the Service’s responsibilities, ACG Babandede emphasized that national security, public safety and trade facilitation remain core pillars of Customs operations.
He commended the Apapa Command for effective inter-agency collaboration and urged officers to further deepen cooperation with sister agencies, particularly in deploying trade facilitation tools that have enhanced the Service’s operational rating.
The Zonal Coordinator also underscored the importance of integrity, institutional reputation, mentorship and continuous capacity building. He encouraged senior officers to deliberately transfer knowledge and experience to younger personnel, while drawing attention to officers’ welfare and health.
In this regard, he disclosed that drug tests would be conducted across Commands and advised officers to remain health-conscious to sustain optimal service delivery.
Responding, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed appreciation to the Zonal Coordinator for what he described as a timely and morale-boosting visit. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain and improve its performance in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation, inter-agency collaboration and ethical conduct.
Comptroller Oshoba assured that the Command would continue to operate strictly in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs.