By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command of the , Rear Admiral Abubakarψ Abdullahi Mustapha, to strengthen operational collaboration.
The visit aligns with the three policy thrusts of Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, .
Speaking during the engagement, Comptroller Oshoba emphasized the importance of consolidating existing achievements and reinforcing the strong relationship between the Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy within the operational axis.
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“The CGC has three key policy thrusts. On assuming duty, I resolved to consolidate on the gains already achieved and further improve the existing relationship between Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy,” he stated.
Highlighting the need for collaboration in modern border management, the CAC noted that effective service delivery requires close inter-agency cooperation.
“While Customs is widely known for trade facilitation and revenue generation, we also perform critical security functions. To effectively discharge this mandate, we must collaborate with the military — the mother of security,” he added.
On innovation, Comptroller Oshoba described it as adopting improved strategies to achieve better outcomes, stressing that strengthening inter-agency cooperation forms a core component of this approach.
He commended the Nigerian Navy for ensuring the security of Nigeria’s maritime domain, noting that safe waters are essential for uninterrupted vessel traffic and trade operations. He further solicited continued support along the Apapa port corridor to guarantee seamless cargo movement.
In his response, Rear Admiral Mustapha reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between both agencies, underscoring the importance of coordination in port security.
“Port security is about inter-agency cooperation and coordination. Without security, there can be no development,” he said.
The FOC also lauded the Nigeria Customs Service under CGC Adeniyi fo
r its impressive performance in blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets. He encouraged the Service to sustain its efforts, noting that increased revenue generation translates into enhanced infrastructure development and strengthened social safety nets.
Rear Admiral Mustapha assured the Apapa Area Command of continued cooperation in securing the maritime environment and supporting national economic growth.
This was contained in a statement signed by CSC Isah Sulaiman, Public Relations Officer of the Command.
