The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its operational partnership with the Nigerian Navy as part of renewed efforts to enhance port security and facilitate seamless trade.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, to reinforce inter-agency collaboration.
The visit, according to Oshoba, aligns with the three policy thrusts of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi — Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
“The CGC has three key policy thrusts. 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”, Oshoba said.
He noted that modern border management requires close coordination among security agencies, stressing that while Customs is widely known for trade facilitation and revenue generation, it also plays a critical national security role.
“To achieve this mandate, we must collaborate with the military; the mother of security” he added, describing innovation as adopting new approaches to achieve better results, including strengthening inter-agency cooperation.
The CAC commended the Navy for safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters, emphasising that maritime security remains fundamental to port operations.
“No vessel can come into the country without safe waters. We commend you for keeping the maritime environment secure”, he stated, while also seeking sustained naval support along the Apapa port corridor to ensure smooth cargo movement.
In his response, Mustapha reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between the Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service, stressing that port security depends heavily on synergy and coordination among agencies.
“Port security is about inter-agency coordination. Without security, there is no development”, he said.
The FOC also praised the Customs Service under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi for its achievements in revenue generation and blocking leakages.
“The Customs has done exceptionally well in blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets. Continue what you are doing; with more revenue, there will be more infrastructure and social safety net for the country”, Mustapha noted.
He assured the Apapa Command of enhanced cooperation in securing the maritime domain and supporting Nigeria’s economic growth.