The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Western Naval Command have strengthened their partnership to facilitate safer and more seamless cargo movement.
The partnership was renewed when the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, paid a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
The visit aimed to deepen operational collaboration in line with the three policy thrusts — Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Speaking during the visit, Comptroller Oshoba said: “The CGC has three (3) key policy thrusts. The first is consolidation. 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.”
On collaboration, Oshoba noted that modern border management requires agencies to work in tandem, “While Customs is known for trade facilitation and revenue generation, we also perform critical security functions. To achieve this mandate, we must collaborate with the military, the mother of security.”
With reference to innovation, he explained that innovation is doing things differently to achieve better results, stressing that strengthening inter-agency cooperation is part of that approach.
The CAC appreciated the Navy for securing Nigeria’s waters, saying: “No vessel can come into the country without safe waters. We commend you for keeping the maritime environment secure.”
He also solicited sustained support along the Apapa port corridor to ensure seamless cargo movement.
In his response, Rear Admiral Mustapha acknowledged the longstanding partnership between both agencies. “Port security is about inter-agency and coordination. Without security, there is no development.”
He commended the Service under CGC Adeniyi for its performance, affirming that 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 network for the country,” he added, assuring the Command of improved and seamless cooperation in securing the maritime domain and supporting national economic growth.