Apapa Customs Command Rakes In N323 Billion, Sets New July Record

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced a groundbreaking revenue collection totaling N323 billion for July 2026. This figure marks the highest monthly revenue ever recorded by the command.

Sulaiman Isah, the command's Public Relations Officer, released a statement on Saturday, explaining that this significant achievement was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller (CAC) in charge of the command, Emmanuel Oshoba. Oshoba made the announcement during a monthly meeting held last week with Deputy Comptrollers of Terminals and various Unit Heads.

The statement highlighted that this exceptional performance further demonstrates the robust results achieved under CAC Oshoba's leadership. He previously guided the command to another record-breaking collection of N304 billion in October 2025. “The landmark performance further underscores the strong results achieved under the leadership of the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Emmanuel Oshoba, who had earlier guided the command to another record haul of N304bn in October 2025,” the release stated.

Commenting on the impressive feat, Oshoba credited the record collection to a combination of effective policy support, strategic operational reforms, and enhanced compliance levels across the command. He specifically extended his appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire service management team for their unwavering commitment to the ongoing modernization efforts within the NCS.

Oshoba remarked, “We recognise and acknowledge the CGC’s devotion and dedication to the modernisation project of the NCS. The management team has introduced several innovations that have streamlined our activities and given us clear direction.” He further noted that these reforms are already yielding tangible outcomes.

He pointed out the improved functionality of the B’Odogwu system, which, after initial challenges, has been significantly upgraded and is now delivering strong results. Additionally, the CAC praised the One-Stop Shop initiative for reducing cargo delivery times and fostering a more predictable business environment, which, in turn, encourages legitimate importations.

“Another important development is the Authorised Economic Operator framework, which currently has more than 200 beneficiaries. This has positively impacted the revenue profile of the Command,” Oshoba added. He also mentioned that intelligence-driven enforcement operations “have further strengthened compliance where officers and men of the command have intensified interventions that detect false declarations and ensure compliance with the service valuation principles to protect national revenue.”

The CAC also recognized the conducive business environment fostered by President Bola Tinubu's administration, particularly the relative stability observed in the foreign exchange market. Oshoba elaborated that a more predictable forex regime empowers business operators to plan effectively, make informed decisions, and engage in trade with increased confidence. He challenged officers to consider their individual contributions beyond mere routine revenue generation.

“In your area of responsibility, you must ask yourself, apart from the normal revenue generated by your unit, what is your own contribution in terms of intervention? What have I added?” he queried.

Oshoba emphasized the continuous importance of trade facilitation and easing business operations, describing the current environment as more predictable and conducive for growth. He issued a directive for prompt resolution of disputes and instructed officers to follow proper documentation and the Post Clearance Audit process when consignments require further scrutiny.

Regarding stakeholder relations, Oshoba gave a clear mandate: “When you interact with stakeholders, let them leave your office with hope rather than despair. As a leader, do not allow anyone who comes to you to depart feeling hopeless or depressed. Give people hope.” He acknowledged the valuable collaboration from stakeholders and other sister agencies, noting that their support has improved compliance and brought greater order to the business landscape. He urged officers to continue building trust through professionalism, respect, and cooperation.

Furthermore, Oshoba implored personnel to uphold transparency and discipline, work intelligently, stay updated with evolving digital processes, and seek advice from more experienced colleagues when necessary. He characterized effective leadership as a shared responsibility, calling on Staff Officers to assist Deputy Controllers in reinforcing discipline and cultivating a healthy work environment built on compassion, empathy, teamwork, and genuine concern for subordinates' welfare. He also called for increased security consciousness, diligent supervision, continuous internal training, and full compliance with approved procedures. Finally, he tasked all units with sustaining the current momentum, enhancing professional development, and maintaining focus on productivity and service delivery. While commending officers and compliant stakeholders, he advised them to view this achievement as a stepping stone to further breakthroughs.