The Zonal Coordinator, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Mohammed Babandede, has commended the Apapa Area Command for its outstanding performance in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation in 2025.
Babandede gave the commendation on Thursday, February 5, 2026, during a familiarisation visit to the Command, where he praised officers and men for exceeding their annual revenue target despite operational challenges.
Addressing personnel, the Zonal Coordinator said the visit was aimed at appreciating the Command’s achievements, understanding its challenges and boosting the morale of officers who have consistently delivered beyond expectations.
He described the Command’s revenue performance as commendable and reflective of dedication and professionalism.
He also lauded the Command’s sustained anti-smuggling efforts, particularly the interception of narcotics and other illicit substances such as cocaine and tramadol.
According to him, such seizures are critical to safeguarding national security, public health and societal wellbeing, stressing that effective enforcement is essential for legitimate trade to flourish.
Babandede noted that while revenue generation remains important, the core mandate of the Service also covers national security, public safety and trade facilitation.
He therefore urged officers to continue strengthening collaboration with sister agencies, especially in the deployment of trade facilitation tools that have enhanced the Service’s operational standing.
The Zonal Coordinator further charged officers on integrity, reputational management, mentorship and capacity building, calling on senior officers to deliberately transfer knowledge and experience to younger personnel.
He also highlighted the importance of officers’ welfare and health, disclosing that drug tests would be conducted across Commands and advising officers to remain health-conscious for effective service delivery.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed appreciation for the Zonal Coordinator’s visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining high performance in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation, inter-agency collaboration and ethical conduct, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
