Oshoba Redefines Customs Leadership with Record-Breaking ₦304bn October Revenue Feat
By Maureen Agusta
In an era where leadership is measured by performance and precision, Comptroller Emmanuel Oluwadare Oshoba has emerged as one of the most dynamic figures shaping Nigeria’s maritime and customs landscape. Since assuming office as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command, Oshoba has not only met the towering expectations before him—he has surpassed them in remarkable fashion.
Taking over from Assistant Comptroller General Babatunde Olomu, fsi, whose tenure was marked by record-breaking revenue and enforcement milestones, Oshoba was under immediate scrutiny to sustain the Apapa Command’s commanding lead in customs administration. But instead of merely maintaining the standard, he raised it—decisively.
Barely 48 hours after assuming office, the Apapa Command under his watch recorded a staggering ₦20 billion in daily revenue. It was more than a figure; it was a statement of intent. And in October 2025, that intent transformed into history.
October 2025: Apapa Hits Historic ₦304bn Monthly Record
In October 2025, Apapa Command shattered all existing records by collecting ₦304 billion in a single month—the highest monthly revenue ever generated by any customs command in Nigeria’s history. The figure eclipsed the ₦264 billion recorded in October 2024, and propelled the Command’s cumulative revenue to over ₦2.4 trillion—two months ahead of the annual target.
Oshoba described the milestone as “the beginning of greater revenue exploits,” a sentiment echoed by industry stakeholders who hailed the achievement as a testament to his strategic acumen and operational discipline.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was among the first to commend the feat, affirming his confidence in Oshoba’s leadership and describing him as “a results-driven officer whose blend of innovation and enforcement is transforming customs operations.”
Driving Change Through Reform, Technology, and Tactical Precision
At the heart of Oshoba’s leadership philosophy lies a three-pronged approach—revenue excellence, enforcement depth, and stakeholder engagement. His emphasis on modernization is evident in his hands-on supervision of the newly installed high-throughput scanners, capable of processing up to 200 containers per hour. Strategically positioned at the quay side, the scanners have redefined cargo inspection, reducing delays and exposing concealments with forensic accuracy.
Oshoba also championed the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) initiative, which harmonizes customs procedures, shortens clearance times, and minimizes bureaucratic bottlenecks. His zero-tolerance stance on revenue leakages and misapplication of HS codes has reinforced a culture of compliance across the port community.
Leadership That Extends Beyond the Office
Oshoba’s leadership extends beyond the command headquarters. He is often seen on unannounced visits to port access roads—interacting with truckers, freight forwarders, and terminal operators—urging them to accelerate cargo evacuation and maintain order within the logistics chain.
His collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reflects his understanding that customs efficiency is inextricably linked to port fluidity. Beyond systems and processes, Oshoba has also invested in human capital, conducting in-house training for newly promoted Deputy and Assistant Comptrollers to build a new generation of proactive customs leaders.
A Legacy in Motion
From his early service at Idiroko Border to strategic roles at Customs Headquarters, Oshoba has consistently distinguished himself as a man of foresight and action. His tenure at Apapa Command has now solidified that reputation—proving that leadership is not about rhetoric but about results.
As the maritime community watches with renewed optimism, one truth stands clear: Oshoba is not merely fulfilling expectations—he is expanding them, defining a new standard for customs excellence in Nigeria.
In his own words: “This is not our final destination. We are ready to do better.”
With Oshoba steering the Apapa Command, few would doubt that even greater milestones are on the horizon.