Oshoba: Customs–Media partnership key to transparency, better service at Apapa Port

By Maureen Aguta

Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba, has called for stronger collaboration between the Service and the media to enhance transparency, efficiency, and public trust in operations at the nation’s busiest port.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by members of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), Oshoba described the media as a vital partner in driving accountability and performance.

“I’ve said it before — my second name is collaboration,” he said. “Assessing our performance is a shared responsibility. Real progress comes when officers and stakeholders work together to identify strengths and correct weaknesses.”

The Controller stressed that openness and feedback were essential for effective public service. “Whatever we do here must be visible. Feedback is key because no matter how good we think we are, we are all works in progress,” he noted.

He urged officers to see criticism as a tool for improvement, not fault-finding. “If someone points out your shortcomings, take it as guidance. We must keep improving — for the Command, for the Service, and for Nigeria,” Oshoba added.

Acknowledging the efforts of his predecessors and officers, he said he met a functional system on ground. “I appreciate the good work being done before I arrived. The positive reports about Apapa Command made it easier for me to take over,” he said.

Oshoba pledged that the Command under his leadership would uphold the image and mandate of the NCS through diligence, integrity, and patriotism.

“Wearing the uniform doesn’t make us more patriotic than any other Nigerian,” he said. “We are all citizens working for the nation’s progress. Let us protect the image of Customs and deliver on our collective mandate.”