The Comptroller of the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Mu’azu, has promised freight forwarders smoother operations at the port, saying his doors will stay open to them.

He spoke on Thursday when the National President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, led a delegation of the association on a courtesy visit to the command.

Mu’azu, the 33rd Area Controller at Apapa, was posted to the command on September 29, 2026. He was previously in charge of Tariff and Trade and System Audit at customs headquarters. The visit focused on building closer ties between the association and the customs service, and on making it easier to do business while improving compliance with customs rules.

Both sides stressed the need for constructive engagement, mutual cooperation and clear communication to support legitimate trade, cut delays and improve efficiency at the country’s busiest port.

Ogunojemite said APFFLON stands out among the six associations in the freight forwarding industry, adding that he wanted the group to be the first to make such a visit. He promised to work with the Controller to ensure a successful tenure, describing him as a professional with more to achieve in the service.

APFFLON also restated its commitment to supporting customs in promoting compliance, transparency and a friendlier maritime environment for forwarders, importers, exporters and the wider Nigerian economy.

Responding, Mu’azu said: “I am happy to be receiving this delegation today. It is not random for an association like APFFLON to pay a courtesy visit. For them to come on a visit to the Controller and his principal officers, it is worthy of commendation.”

He described APFFLON as an association that keeps peace at the port, adding that none of its members had been found involved in illegal activity. He also praised the Apapa chapter executives for handling issues through the proper channels, which he said he appreciated.

The Controller assured the group that as long as he remains at the command, they will do their business with ease. He said his doors were wide open and that he would encourage his officers to give the association priority.