The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has urged newly promoted Deputy and Assistant Comptrollers of Customs to embrace innovation, integrity, and continuous learning as they take on new roles in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Speaking at the opening of a special training session for the newly promoted officers on Wednesday, Comptroller Oshoba congratulated them, describing their promotions as both “a reward for hard work and a call to greater service.”

He reminded the officers that their new positions come with higher expectations from both the Service and the nation. Oshoba encouraged them to show excellence, discipline, and dedication to the modernisation vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

“These new ranks come with benefits, challenges, and responsibilities,” he said. “The NCS management expects more commitment, creative thinking, and strong dedication to delivering on the CGC’s reform agenda.”

Highlighting the Service’s modernisation drive, Oshoba explained that Customs operations are now more knowledge-driven, with new initiatives such as the Advance Ruling System, Time Release Study, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, and One Stop Shop mechanism improving trade facilitation in Nigeria.

He advised the newly promoted officers to get familiar with these tools and use them effectively to improve efficiency, compliance, and risk management.

“There are still cases of non-compliance, sometimes due to ignorance or deliberate evasion of procedures,” he warned. “This makes it important to use technology smartly for better risk assessment.”

Oshoba also encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training by sharing ideas and building strong professional networks that will enhance teamwork and leadership across commands.

“As new leaders, some of you will handle sensitive duties such as managing release passwords and supervising junior officers,” he said. “Always uphold the core values of Justice and Honesty.”

He assured that capacity building remains a top priority for the Customs Service under the current leadership, with continuous training forming part of its long-term strategy for excellence.

Declaring the course open, Comptroller Oshoba said, “To the glory of God and for the benefit of all participants and facilitators, I hereby declare this course open.”

The training, held at the Apapa Area Command headquarters, is designed to equip the newly promoted officers with advanced knowledge and leadership skills needed to support Customs modernisation and promote efficient trade facilitation.