The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged officers and men of the command to intensify revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations, and uphold professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties.
The Area Controller stressed the need for increased operational interventions across terminals to block revenue leakages while ensuring seamless trade facilitation and timely cargo clearance.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Area Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman, Oshoba gave the charge during the command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday at the command headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. That is why any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated, even at the gates. If a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay at the gates,” he said. He also urged officers to remain accessible and professional in their dealings with stakeholders.
“You must make yourselves accessible to our stakeholders, and we must avoid actions capable of tarnishing the good image of the Service and the good work being done by the CGC and members of his management team. We should not be seen as clogs in the wheel of progress,” Oshoba added. The CAC further called for heightened vigilance against smuggling activities, especially illicit drugs and prohibited items, while warning officers against misconduct and improper dressing. The highlight of the parade was the recognition of outstanding officers and units for exemplary service.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Ismail Mohammed, emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month, while CSC Augustine Ondoma, ASCI Bukola Olaleye, and IC Olalekan Salawu were recognised for professionalism, innovation, and punctuality, respectively. Similarly, officers of APM Terminal received the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal received the Excellence Award on Revenue Generation.
Oshoba said the award initiative was introduced to encourage hard work, excellence, professionalism, and healthy competition among officers and units of the command.
