The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede has heaped praises on NCS, Apapa Area Command for the strides it has made in 2025.
Babandede who was on a familiarisation visit to the command recently commended its officers and men for their exceptional performance in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation throughout last year.
Addressing officers during the visit, the ACG stated that the purpose of his visit was to acknowledge the operational challenges faced by the command, appreciate its notable achievements and further boost the morale of personnel who have consistently surpassed expectations, particularly in revenue collection where the command exceeded its annual target.
The command in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Isah Sulaiman quoted the ACG lauding the command’s sustained anti-smuggling efforts, especially the significant seizures of narcotics and other illicit substances including cocaine and tramadol.
He described these interceptions as critical contributions to national security, public health and safety of the country.
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, Sulaiman, a Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) quoted Babandede emphasizing that effective enforcement remains fundamental in creating a secure environment for legitimate trade to thrive.
While noting that the core responsibilities of NCS go beyond revenue generation to include national security, public safety and trade facilitation, the ACG commended the command for its effective inter-agency collaboration and urged officers to deepen cooperation with sister agencies, particularly in the deployment and promotion of trade facilitation tools that have positioned the service at an upper-class operational rating.
The ACG stressed the importance of integrity, reputational management, mentorship and capacity building within the command just as he enjoined senior officers to transfer knowledge and experience to younger officers.
While also drawing attention to the importance of officers’ welfare and health, he disclosed that drug tests would be conducted across commands and advising officers to remain health-conscious for effective service delivery.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Lagos, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba expressed appreciation to the Zonal Coordinator for the timely and motivating visit.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining its performance in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation, inter-agency cooperation and ethical conduct in strict adherence to the NCS Act, 2023 and the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
