Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria - February 5, 2026: The Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Mohammed Babandede, has commended officers and men of Apapa Area Command of the Service for their exceptional performance in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.
A statement by the Public Relations Office, Isah Sulaiman, noted that the Zonal Coordinator gave the commendation during a familiarisation visit to the Command, even as he applauded the Customs Area Controller, CAC and his men for their effort in trade facilitation throughout the year 2025.
Addressing officers, Babandede explained that the purpose of his visit was to acknowledge the operational challenges faced by the Command, appreciate its notable achievements, and further boost the morale of personnel.
He noted that the Command had consistently surpassed expectations, particularly in revenue collection, where it exceeded its annual target.
The Zonal Coordinator also praised the Command’s sustained anti-smuggling efforts, especially the significant seizures of narcotics and other illicit substances including cocaine and tramadol. He described these interceptions as critical contributions to national security, public health, and societal safety, emphasizing that effective enforcement remains fundamental to creating a secure environment for legitimate trade to thrive.
While noting that the Service’s responsibilities extend beyond revenue generation to include national security, public safety, and trade facilitation, Babandede commended the Command for its effective inter-agency collaboration.
He urged officers to deepen cooperation with sister agencies, particularly in deploying and promoting trade facilitation tools that have positioned the Service at a high operational rating.
The Zonal Coordinator further stressed the importance of integrity, reputational management, mentorship, and capacity building within the Command. He encouraged senior officers to transfer knowledge and experience to younger officers while drawing attention to the importance of welfare and health. He disclosed that drug tests would be conducted across Commands and advised officers to remain health-conscious for effective service delivery.
In his remarks, the CAC, Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed appreciation to the Zonal Coordinator for the timely and motivating visit.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining its performance in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation, inter-agency cooperation, and ethical conduct in strict adherence to the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
Comptroller Oshoba assured that the Command would continue to uphold professionalism and integrity while maintaining its leading role in revenue collection and anti-smuggling operations. He noted that the encouragement from the Zonal Coordinator would further inspire officers to redouble their efforts in service to the nation.
The visit concluded with renewed assurances of dedication from officers and men of the Apapa Area Command, who pledged to sustain their achievements and uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and efficiency in line with the Service’s mandate.
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