The Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has paid a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, to strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
The visit, which took place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, was aimed at deepening operational synergy in line with the three policy thrusts of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Speaking during the engagement, Oshoba said he was committed to consolidating on existing gains and improving the working relationship between the Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy within the axis.
“The CGC has three key policy thrusts. The first is consolidation. On assuming duty, I resolved to consolidate on the gains already achieved and improve the existing relationship between Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy within this axis,” he stated.
On collaboration, the Customs chief emphasised that modern border management requires coordinated efforts among security agencies.
“While Customs is known for trade facilitation and revenue generation, we also perform critical security functions. To achieve this mandate, we must collaborate with the military, the mother of security,” he said.
Highlighting innovation as the third policy thrust, Oshoba described it as adopting new approaches to achieve better outcomes, noting that strengthening inter-agency cooperation forms part of that strategy.
He commended the Navy for securing Nigeria’s maritime environment, observing that safe waters are essential for international trade and port operations.
He also sought sustained support along the Apapa port corridor to ensure seamless cargo movement.
In his response, Rear Admiral Mustapha underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination in port security. “Port security is about inter-agency coordination. Without security, there is no development,” he said.
The FOC further praised the Customs Service under Adeniyi’s leadership for blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets, encouraging the Service to sustain its performance.
He assured the Apapa Command of continued and enhanced cooperation in securing the maritime domain and supporting national economic growth.
