…sets sights on faster cargo clearance, revenue integrity, stronger stakeholder collaboration
Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu has assumed duty as the 33rd Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Area Command, pledging to sustain the Command’s revenue momentum while tackling avoidable delays in cargo processing and strengthening trade facilitation.
Mu’azu made the commitment on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, during the formal assumption-of-office and farewell ceremony held at the Command’s Auditorium, Apapa, where he took over from Comptroller Emmanuel Oshpdoba (Rtd), whose tenure produced a record monthly revenue collection of ₦323 billion in July 2026.
The event brought together heads of security and regulatory agencies, representatives of government institutions, terminal operators, shipping and business stakeholders, customs brokers and other partners of the Command, who paid tribute to Oshoba and welcomed the new Controller.
Mu’azu Sets Revenue, Trade Facilitation Priorities
In his inaugural address, Mu’azu described his appointment as “a great honour and privilege”, expressing appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him.
He said he accepted the responsibility with “a deep sense of duty” and a firm commitment to advancing the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service and protecting the economic interests of the country.
According to him, his administration would be anchored on the three strategic pillars of the Comptroller-General – consolidation, collaboration and innovation with particular emphasis on revenue integrity, efficient trade facilitation, professionalism and stakeholder engagement.
On revenue collection, the new Controller said every revenue due to government must be properly assessed and collected, while decisions taken by Customs officers must remain subject to scrutiny.
“Every revenue due to government must be properly assessed and collected, and every decision taken by our officers must be capable of standing the test of scrutiny over time”, he said.
He also promised deeper engagement with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, terminal operators, port authorities and other government agencies to make Apapa Port more efficient and responsive to legitimate trade.
No Room for Avoidable Cargo Delays
Mu’azu also made it clear that his administration would not tolerate unnecessary delays in cargo processing.
“Unnecessary human delays in cargo processing otherwise known as Non-Tariff Barriers shall not be tolerated henceforth”, he declared.
He said where all statutory requirements had been met, legitimate cargo should be allowed to move without avoidable obstruction, while officers must maintain discipline, professionalism, decorum and courtesy in their dealings with the trading public.
Oshoba Leaves Record Revenue Trail
Mu’azu acknowledged the significant achievements recorded by his predecessor, particularly in revenue generation, noting that sustaining the momentum would be a major task for the new administration.
Under Oshoba, Apapa Command recorded a historic monthly collection of ₦323 billion in July 2026, as well as a record single-day collection of ₦28.102 billion on 18 August 2026.
“This is indeed a record to reckon with and strive towards matching same. It is therefore a Herculean task upon myself and my team to match and surpass such a record”, Mu’azu said.
He also commended Oshoba’s contributions to enforcement, trade facilitation and the implementation of Customs modernisation initiatives, including B’Odogwu, Advance Ruling, the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, One-Stop Shop and Non-Intrusive Inspection technology.
The Advance Ruling initiative, among other reforms, has provided legitimate traders with greater predictability and clarity on Customs treatment before importation, helping to reduce uncertainty in the trading environment.
Oshoba: Achievements Belong to All
In his farewell address, Oshoba thanked officers, men and stakeholders of the Apapa Command for their support during his tenure, stressing that the accomplishments recorded under his leadership were the product of collective effort.
“The achievements recorded during my tenure do not belong to one individual. They belong to all of us”, he said.
He urged officers to preserve the standards established by the Command and remain committed to discipline and professionalism.
“Discipline must remain our foundation, professionalism our standard and excellence our aspiration”, Oshoba stated.
He also called on the officers and stakeholders to extend the same support and cooperation to Mu’azu as he begins his tenure.
Mu’azu Seeks Collective Responsibility
Responding to the charge, Mu’azu stressed that the task of building a more efficient Apapa Command could not be left to the Controller alone.
“The success we seek cannot be achieved by the CAC alone. It requires our collective efforts, operational integrity and willingness to uphold the standards of the Service”, he said.
He assured stakeholders that his administration would maintain an open and constructive relationship based on fairness, mutual respect and the national interest.
Mu’azu expressed confidence that Apapa Area Command would continue to strengthen its position as a model for efficient revenue administration, legitimate trade facilitation and professional conduct.