The newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Murtala Muazu, has pledged to consolidate the Command’s achievements in revenue generation, enforcement, compliance and trade facilitation while ensuring faster cargo clearance.
Muazu pledged on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, after the retirement of his predecessor, Comptroller of Customs Emmanuel Oshoba rtd. He described Apapa Command as a strategic Customs formation central to Nigeria’s international trade and revenue generation, assuring stakeholders that his administration would sustain existing achievements and strengthen operational efficiency.
“The gains recorded in revenue generation, enforcement, compliance and trade facilitation are worthy of recognition. We shall consolidate on these achievements and build upon the foundation already laid,” Muazu said.
The new Customs Area Controller said his administration would align its operations with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, centred on consolidation, collaboration and innovation. He also emphasised enhanced supervision and technical training for officers, particularly in tariff classification, valuation and fiscal policy, to improve compliance and revenue collection.
Muazu warned against unnecessary delays in cargo clearance, stressing that legitimate trade must not be hindered where all regulatory requirements had been satisfied.
“Where all requirements have been met, legitimate cargo must be allowed to move without avoidable obstructions,” he said.
He further pledged to strengthen engagement with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, terminal operators and other government agencies, while leveraging the Service’s modernisation initiatives to improve the speed, transparency and efficiency of Customs operations.
In his farewell address, Oshoba said Apapa Command generated ₦2.93 trillion in revenue in 2025, a 24.32 per cent increase over its 2024 collection. He added that monthly revenue collection rose from ₦304 billion in October 2025 to a record ₦323 billion in July 2026.
“These figures represent more than revenue statistics. They reflect the commitment of our officers and men and the cooperation of our stakeholders,” Oshoba said.
The outgoing Area Controller also highlighted the Command’s enforcement achievements, including the interception of 53 containers containing illicit drugs and prohibited goods valued at more than ₦12.6 billion in 2025, as well as more recent seizures valued at approximately ₦43.55 billion.
He attributed the successes to intelligence-led operations and effective collaboration with sister security and regulatory agencies.