The Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, has commended officers and men of the Apapa Area Command for their outstanding performance in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and trade facilitation throughout 2025.

Babandede gave the commendation on Thursday during an official visit to the Command. Addressing officers, he explained that the visit was aimed at identifying operational challenges, recognising the Command’s achievements, and boosting the morale of personnel who have consistently gone beyond expectations. He particularly highlighted the Command’s exceptional revenue performance, noting that it exceeded its annual revenue target.

In a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaimon, the Zonal Coordinator also praised the sustained anti-smuggling efforts of the Apapa Command. He noted that the interception and seizure of narcotics and other illicit substances, including cocaine and tramadol, were significant contributions to national security, public health, and societal safety. According to him, effective enforcement remains essential for creating a secure environment where legitimate trade can flourish.

Babandede emphasised that while revenue generation is important, the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service also includes national security, public safety, and trade facilitation. He commended the Command for its strong inter-agency collaboration and encouraged officers to further strengthen cooperation with sister agencies, especially in deploying trade facilitation tools that have enhanced the Service’s operational standards.

The Zonal Coordinator also stressed the importance of integrity, reputation management, mentorship, and capacity building. He urged senior officers to mentor younger personnel and transfer institutional knowledge, while drawing attention to officers’ welfare and health. He disclosed that drug tests would be conducted across Commands and advised officers to remain health-conscious to ensure effective service delivery.

In his response, the Controller of the Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining high performance in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation, inter-agency cooperation, and ethical conduct, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs.