What terminals, importers, agents, others should expect from Apapa Customs Command under Comptroller Osoba

Comptroller Oluwadare Osoba, the new Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command, Nigeria Customs Service, says intelligence will remain at the heart of his administration, close gaps, detect concealments, and intercept prohibited goods before harming the national economy and the citizens.

The new CAC stated this while taking over from Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Babatunde Olomu, the immediate past CAC, on Monday, September 8, 2025 in Apapa, Lagos.

Osoba said ideas, passion and expertise from stakeholders would form the foundation on which the Service and his administration would be built upon.

The Controller, who expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, said he would work diligently to improve revenue collection, deepening enforcement and security and enhancing stakeholder relations.

According to him, “it is with deep humility and a strong sense of duty that I stand before you today to assume the mantle of leadership as the Customs Area Controller of Nigeria’s premier port and the heartbeat of Nigeria’s maritime trade.

“As I take over today, gentlemen, Officers and stakeholders, your ideas, your passion, and your expertise are the foundation on which my service here shall be built. I am committed to fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued, and my leadership will be guided by three key pillars:

Improving revenue excellence – We will build on the foundation laid by my predecessor to ensure consistent growth in collections through transparency, accountability, a collective approach and efficiency.

Deepening enforcement and security – Intelligence will remain at the heart of our operations. We will close gaps, detect concealments, and intercept prohibited goods before they harm our economy and people.

Enhancing stakeholder relations – The port community is our partner in progress. We will continue to strengthen trust with importers, exporters, clearing agents, shipping companies, and sister agencies, knowing that trade facilitation and compliance are two sides of the same coin.

“I have demands to make from everyone, including officers and stakeholders. I want to request that we renew our dedication and our shared vision for excellence. I solicit for maximum support from every one of you.

“The Service is currently at a crucial phase in its ICT and modernization drive, marking a very significant turning point in its drive to evolve. The world is changing rapidly, and with change comes opportunities. Together, we will build on the gains of our indigenous platform (B’Odogwu) and cause our workplace to evolve into an ecosystem of rapid innovation and excellence. I ask for your continued support to push the Unified Customs Management System to greater heights.

“The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), Time Release Study (TRS), Advanced Ruling (AR) and other trade facilitation programmes, which put NCS ahead of its peers’ Customs administration in Africa, will be the cornerstone of my leadership approach.

“As Nigeria has produced the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, we are a country of interest in the global Customs community, so let us portray a leading example by upholding the principles of compliance and ensuring unwavering adherence to all legal frameworks governing import, export and excise operations.

“I believe in the power of collaboration. No one succeeds alone, and I am here to work alongside you—not just as a leader, but as a partner in our shared mission. We will face challenges, but we will tackle them together, with resilience and determination. We will also celebrate our successes together, because every milestone we achieve will be a testament to our collective hard work and commitment.

“Together, let us consolidate the gains, embrace innovation as we collectively write the next chapter of legacy for Apapa Command and the Nigeria Customs Service at large.”