The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, in a move to strengthen collaboration with Nigerian Navy, has visited the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha.
Isah Suaiman, Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Command of NCS, who disclosed this in a statement signed for the CAC, said the visit aimed at deepening operational collaboration in line with the three policy thrusts of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Sulaiman, a Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC), further disclosed that the CAC, while speaking stated: “The CGC has three key policy thrusts. The first is consolidation. On assuming duty, I resolved to consolidate on the gains already achieved and improve the existing relationship between Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy within this axis.”
On collaboration, he noted that modern border management requires agencies to work in tandem, adding: “While Customs is known for trade facilitation and revenue generation, we also perform critical security functions. To achieve this mandate, we must collaborate with the military, the mother of security.” On innovation, he added: “Innovation is doing things differently to achieve better results and strengthening inter-agency cooperation is part of that approach.”
He appreciated the Navy for securing Nigeria’s waters, stating: “No vessel can come into the country without safe waters. We commend you for keeping the maritime environment secure.”
He also solicited sustained support along the Apapa port corridor to ensure seamless cargo movement.
In his response, Rear Admiral Mustapha acknowledged the longstanding partnership between both agencies, emphasizing: “Port security is about inter-agency and coordination. Without security, there is no development.”
He commended the Service under CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for its performance, noting: “The Customs has done exceptionally well in blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets. Continue what you are doing; with more revenue, there will be more infrastructure and social safety network for the country.”
The FOC assured the Command of improved and seamless cooperation in securing the maritime domain and supporting national economic growth.
