The Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged officers and men of the Command to intensify revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling efforts, and uphold professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties.
Oshoba gave the directive during the Command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday, at the Command headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
He stressed the need for stronger operational interventions across terminals to plug revenue leakages while sustaining seamless trade facilitation and prompt cargo clearance.
According to him, officers must avoid unnecessary delays in cargo processing and protect the reputation of the Service.
“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. 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.
The Area Controller also urged officers to remain professional and accessible in their engagement with stakeholders, warning against actions capable of undermining the Service’s image.
“You must make yourself accessible to stakeholders, and we must avoid actions that tarnish the image of the Service and the good work being done by the CGC and his management. We should not be seen as slugs in the wheel of progress,” Oshoba added.
He further called for heightened vigilance against smuggling, particularly illicit drugs and prohibited items, while cautioning officers against misconduct and improper dressing.
A major highlight of the parade was the recognition of outstanding officers and units for exceptional service.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed emerged Most Outstanding Officer of the Month, while CSC Augustine Ondoma, ASCI Bukola Olaleye, and IC Olalekan Salawu received commendations for professionalism, innovation, and punctuality, respectively.
Similarly, officers of APM Terminal earned the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal received the Excellence Award on Revenue Generation.
Oshoba said the awards initiative was designed to encourage hard work, professionalism, excellence, and healthy competition among officers and units of the Command.
