The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command received a notable visit from the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, who visited to commend the Command for its exceptional achievements in revenue generation and its diligent anti-smuggling operations throughout 2025.
During the familiarization visit, ACG Babandede addressed the officers, acknowledging the operational challenges faced by the Command while applauding its outstanding performance, particularly in exceeding its annual revenue collection targets. He expressed gratitude for the hard work and dedication exhibited by the personnel.
The Assistant Comptroller-General highlighted significant law enforcement achievements, particularly the Command’s persistent efforts against smuggling, which led to the seizure of substantial quantities of narcotics, including cocaine and tramadol. Babandede described these victories as critical contributions to national security and public health, emphasizing that robust enforcement is key to fostering a secure environment for legitimate trade.
In his remarks, Babandede underscored that the responsibilities of the Service encompass more than just revenue generation, extending to national security and trade facilitation. He praised the Command’s effective collaboration with other agencies and called for the continued promotion of trade facilitation tools that enhance operational efficiency.
The Zonal Coordinator also prioritized the themes of integrity, reputational management, and mentorship within the Service, urging senior officers to guide and support their junior counterparts. He highlighted the importance of officer welfare and health, announcing that drug tests would be conducted across Commands and advising officers to prioritize their health for optimal service delivery.
Echoing these sentiments, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa, expressed appreciation for the Zonal Coordinator’s motivating visit. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining high performance levels in revenue generation, enforcement, and ethical conduct, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023 and the directives from the Comptroller-General of Customs.
This visit marks a significant step in reinforcing the morale and operational effectiveness of the Apapa Area Command, ensuring continued success in its mission to facilitate trade and uphold the law.
