The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has welcomed a new helmsman at its Apapa Command as Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba officially assumed duty, succeeding Assistant Comptroller-General (Dr) Babatunde Olomu, fsi.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the command in Lagos on Monday, 8th September, 2025, the newly appointed Controller expressed his profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR FNIPR FNIIA DSM PSC (+), and the Management of the Nigeria Customs Service for entrusting him with the strategic responsibility; thus, he guaranteed his utmost commitment to justify the confidence reposed in him.
The ceremony was attended by senior customs officers, terminal heads, stakeholders, and members of the press. Oshoba outlined his vision for the command, emphasizing modernization, collaboration, and continuity.
“I am deeply humbled by the trust placed in me by the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, dsm, psc(+), to lead this area which is at the center of customs operations and reforms in our great country,” Oshoba said in his inaugural address.
He commended his predecessor for the command’s stellar performance and pledged to build on the existing legacy. “My work period here won’t be an exception. I live with a desire to improve any environment I find myself,” he added.
Oshoba introduced his leadership philosophy anchored on the “Three LS— Look, Listen, and Learn,” stating that his first priority is to understand the heartbeat of the command and work collaboratively to address challenges.
The new CAC also highlighted the strategic importance of Apapa Command in Nigeria’s trade facilitation efforts, especially in the context of ongoing ICT reforms. He reaffirmed commitment to key modernization initiatives including the Unified Customs Management System, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), Time Release Study (TRS), and Advanced Ruling (AR).
“With Nigeria now chairing the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, we are a country of interest in the global customs community. Let us uphold the principles of compliance and ensure unwavering adherence to all legal frameworks,” he urged.
Oshoba concluded with a call for unity and support, promising to lead with transparency and integrity. “I am here on a mission to sustain the excellent records achieved before my arrival and, by the grace of God, we shall jointly break new grounds to do greater things for Nigeria through Apapa Port.”
In a farewell address that resonated with pride and gratitude, the outgoing ACG Olomu highlighted the command’s transformation under his 15-month leadership, crediting teamwork and alignment with the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s policy direction.
Under ACG Olomu’s watch, Apapa Command shattered previous records by achieving its first-ever ₦2 trillion revenue collection—a feat that earned the command multiple accolades, including the CGC Special Award for Excellence in Revenue Collection and Overall Best Area Controller.
The command also set new benchmarks in daily revenue collection:
– ₦17.9 billion on June 19, 2024
– ₦18 2024
– ₦18.9 billion on March 14, 2025
In August 2025 alone, the command collected ₦214.9 billion using the newly introduced B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, despite initial technical challenges. As of September, total revenue for 2025 stands at ₦1.83 trillion—60% of the annual target.
Apapa Command emerged as a central hub for trade modernization, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s historic entry into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In July 2024, the command facilitated Nigeria’s first AfCFTA shipment from Apapa Port, followed by another milestone shipment to Kenya in November.
"While I was here as CAC, Nigeria made its historic first African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) shipment from Apapa Port in July 2024, launching our country’s participation in the scheme’s Guided Trade Initiative (GTI).
“Nigerian manufactured goods were sent to five other African countries. Another milestone shipment under AfCFTA from Nigeria which we facilitated was sent to Kenya in November 2024, showcasing our country’s active role and commitment to boosting intra-African trade through the agreement.” He said.
ACG Olomu emphasized the command’s commitment to faster cargo clearance, seamless dispute resolution, and compliance promotion across all stakeholders in the trade ecosystem.
The outgoing CAC reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling. During his tenure, Apapa recorded 75 seizures, including 62 units of 40ft containers and 13 units of 20ft containers. The intercepted items ranged from fake and expired drugs to controlled substances like codeine and tramadol, as well as Indian hemp, used clothing, and wood.
Olomu’s leadership was marked by an open-door policy and proactive communication with stakeholders. His personal phone line remained accessible for feedback and issue resolution, fostering transparency and trust
He advised his successor who is also a distinguished gentleman officer with capability to take this command to greater heights, he specially thanked God Almighty for bringing him thus far, the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, dsm psc(+), all his officers/men, esteemed stakeholders, distinguished members of the fourth estate of the realm for their unwavering support towards the collective success during the period of 15 months he was there as CAC.
He finally extended his heartfelt gratitude to sister agencies such as: the DSS, Police, Immigration, NDLEA, Port Health, NAFDAC, SON, Quarantine, NPA and others for for support.
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