The new Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, has pledged to sustain revenue performance while tackling avoidable delays in cargo clearance and strengthening trade facilitation.
Mu’azu assumed duty as the 33rd CAC at the Command on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, succeeding Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba (Rtd), who was commended for the revenue records and reforms achieved during his tenure.
In his inaugural address, Mu’azu said his administration would focus on revenue integrity, efficient trade facilitation, professionalism and stakeholder engagement, in line with the three strategic pillars of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi: consolidation, collaboration and innovation.
He said all revenue due to government must be properly assessed and collected, while decisions by customs officers must withstand scrutiny.
The new CAC also declared that avoidable human delays in cargo processing, which he described as non-tariff barriers, would not be tolerated.
“Where all requirements have been met, legitimate cargo must be allowed to move without avoidable obstruction,” he said, directing officers to maintain discipline, professionalism, decorum and courtesy in their dealings with the trading public.
Mu’azu acknowledged the performance of his predecessor, particularly the Command’s revenue collection record. Under Oshoba, Apapa Customs recorded a monthly collection of ₦323 billion in July 2026 and a single-day collection of ₦28.102 billion on August 18, 2026.
Describing the figures as records that would be difficult to sustain, Mu’azu said it was a “Herculean task” for his administration to match and surpass the achievements.
He also commended Oshoba’s contributions to enforcement, trade facilitation and the implementation of modernisation initiatives, including B’Odogwu, Advance Ruling, the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, One-Stop Shop and Non-Intrusive Inspection technology.
At the farewell ceremony, Oshoba said the achievements recorded during his tenure were the result of collective efforts by officers, men and stakeholders of the Command.
He urged personnel to sustain the standards established during his tenure, stressing the importance of discipline, professionalism and excellence.
Mu’azu subsequently called for continued cooperation among customs officers, importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, terminal operators, port authorities and other government agencies.
He said the Command would maintain an open and constructive relationship with stakeholders based on fairness, mutual respect and the national interest, with the aim of strengthening Apapa’s role in revenue administration, legitimate trade facilitation and professional service delivery.