Mu’azu assumes office as Apapa Port Customs Controller, vows to end non-tariff barriers in cargo delivery

The new Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Port Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, has declared that unnecessary human delays in cargo processing, otherwise known as Non-Tariff Barriers, shall not be tolerated henceforth under his leadership.

Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu said where all requirements had been met, legitimate cargo must be allowed to move without avoidable obstruction while cautioning his officers to maintain discipline, professionalism, decorum and courtesy in their dealings with the trading public.

Mu’azu, who assumed duty as the 33rd CAC having taken over from Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, however pledged to consolidate the Command’s achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, enforcement and institutional discipline.

Describing his appointment as a great honour and privilege, he said his administration would be guided by the three strategic pillars of the Comptroller-General of Customs – Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation – with particular emphasis on revenue integrity, efficient trade facilitation, professionalism and stakeholder engagement.

On revenue, Comptroller Mu’azu stated that “every revenue due to government must be properly assessed and collected, and every decision taken by our officers must be capable of standing the test of scrutiny over time.”

He assured stakeholders that the command would deepen collaboration with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, terminal operators, port authorities and partner government agencies, stressing that the Service is committed to making the Apapa Port more efficient and responsive to legitimate trade.

He further assured stakeholders of an open and constructive relationship founded on fairness, mutual respect and the national interest, expressing confidence that Apapa Area Command would continue to serve as a model of efficient revenue administration, legitimate trade facilitation and professional conduct.

The Customs boss expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for the confidence reposed in him. “I wish to express my profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD fnipr, psc+ for the confidence reposed in me to lead this very important command.

“I accept this responsibility with a deep sense of duty and a firm commitment to the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service and the economic interest of our dear nation,” said he.

Comptroller Mu’azu acknowledged the record set by his predecessor, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba (Rtd), particularly in revenue generation. Under Oshoba, the Command recorded a historic monthly collection of ₦323 billion in July 2026 and a single-day collection of ₦28.102 billion on 18 August 2026.  “This is indeed a record to reckon with and strive towards matching same. It is therefore a Herculean task upon myself and my team to match and surpass such a record,” said Mu’azu who pledged of sustaining the momentum.

He also commended Oshoba’s contributions to enforcement, trade facilitation and the implementation of the Service’s modernisation initiatives, including B’Odogwu, Advance Ruling, the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, One-Stop Shop and Non-Intrusive Inspection technology.

Comptroller Mu’azu urged officers and stakeholders to work collectively towards the continued success of the Command, stressing that “The success we seek cannot be achieved by the CAC alone. It requires our collective efforts, operational integrity and willingness to uphold the standards of the Service.”

In his farewell message, Comptroller Oshoba (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the officers, men and stakeholders of Apapa Area Command for their support throughout his tenure, saying that the achievements recorded during his tenure did not belong to one individual but to all of us.

He charged the officers to sustain the standards of the Command, stating that “Discipline must remain our foundation, professionalism our standard and excellence our aspiration.”

He also urged them to extend the same support and cooperation to his successor.

The event was attended by heads of security and regulatory agencies, representatives of government agencies, terminal operators, shipping and business stakeholders, customs brokers and other partners of the Command, who delivered goodwill messages to the outgoing and incoming Controllers.